Over 3,300 mangrove trees planted in Ajman

Over 3,300 mangrove trees have been planted over the past two years by thousands of volunteers including youth, women, and underserved groups in the ongoing campaign ‘Greening Communities Mangrove Planting Project’ initiative by Ajman University to double the size of mangrove in the Ajman.

The award-winning environmental initiative started in 2023 by the university in collaboration with Al Zorah Development Private Company and Quest for Adventure as these remarkable ‘super plants’ are expected to sequester up to 990,000 tons of CO₂, stabilize shorelines, and enrich marine biodiversity.

This initiative aligns with the UAE’s ambitious path to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030, Ajman’s pledge to double the existing mangrove forest in the golf club area to 2.4 million trees and to Ajman University’s climate and sustainability strategy.

The project started in 2023 where on a weekly basis, a group of volunteers planted mangrove saplings while learning about their importance in capturing carbon and protecting coastal areas. This nature-based solution combats rising sea levels and carbon emissions by harnessing mangroves’ remarkable abilities in stabilizing shorelines and sequestering up to four times more CO₂ than terrestrial forests.

Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor, Ajman University told Gulf Today, “Our mangrove planting initiative reflects Ajman University’s deep commitment to the UAE’s climate neutrality goals for 2050. We are proud to forge strong partnerships across sectors, especially with Al Zorah Development, to advance our environmental mission. Universities have a vital role to play not only in research and innovation, but in mobilizing communities to protect and restore our natural ecosystems.”

The challenges facing large-scale ecological restoration go far beyond simple operations; they strike at the very foundation of creating lasting, self-sustaining forests. Despite these challenges, the goal is achievable because the project is designed with a modular approach, supported by quantitative and qualitative targets, clear financial strategies, and future aspirations such as a carbon offset programme and a mangrove research centre.

Involvement of Volunteers: The engagement strategy for the Mangrove Planting Project is intentionally designed to cultivate wide-ranging community involvement, which is critical for its long-term sustainability and outreach success. The volunteer base is not merely large, it is strategically diverse, reflecting a successful outreach programme across key demographic sectors. A detailed breakdown of participant composition reveals the following structure: Student Participation (88%), Female Participation (67%) and Corporate and Broader Community Participation (20%).