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The latest drone-based mangrove cultivation technologies currently being used in the UAE was showcased in Bahrain by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).
The unmanned aerial vehicle was demonstrated during a visit by Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to the Ras Sanad Mangrove Nursery.
Nabat, a climate tech company launched last year by Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council’s (ATRC) commercialisation arm, VentureOne showcased the drone used for mangroves plantation.
Bahrain aims to increase its mangrove coverage fourfold by 2035, aligning with the kingdom’s climate goals under international agreements.
It further supports Bahrain’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060 and increase the number of trees to 3.6 million by 2035.
The UAE delegation included EAD’s Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector executive director Ahmed Al Hashemi, ATRC director-general Shahab Issa Abu Shahab and a number of experts and specialists who provided a detailed explanation of the innovative experiment, in the presence of Oil and Environment Minister and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs Dr Mohammed Bin Daina and a number of Bahraini officials.
“With a proven track record of rehabilitating 17,600 hectares, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi is now strategically deploying its expertise and innovative drone planting technology, in partnership with Nabat, to amplify regional impact,” said Mr Al Hashemi in a statement yesterday.
“Our collaboration with our partners in Bahrain represents a deliberate effort to establish Abu Dhabi as a centre of excellence in environmental restoration, driving measurable progress and influencing regional policy for a sustainable future.”
Bahrain aims to increase its mangrove coverage fourfold by 2035
Nabat has deployed advanced technology, including drones, AI-powered software and flexible seeding mechanisms, to conserve and restore thousands of hectares of mangroves across the UAE over the coming seven years.
Mangroves store up to five times more carbon than rainforest trees and are a vital component of the UAE’s ecosystem and the world’s fight against climate change.
The AI and robotics enable precision mapping, seeding and monitoring, ensuring conservation and restoration is tailored to each ecosystem’s unique and complex needs.
Additionally, it provides data about soil as well as the density, elevation and flexible seeding patterns to ensure seeds are planted precisely and only as they are needed.
The system replaces the labour intensive traditional mangrove planting and works even in hard-to-reach, remote areas while minimising costs.
“It was an immense privilege for us to join the EAD in conducting a live demo of Nabat’s cutting-edge mangrove seeding technology in Bahrain,” said VentureOne acting chief executive Reda Nidhakou.
“EAD’s ecological expertise has been invaluable in fine-tuning our technology, making ecosystem restoration data-driven, scalable and customisable to each unique habitat.
“We look forward to continuing to drive nature-based solutions to climate change and are committed to being part of Abu Dhabi’s leadership in using technology to address global issues.”
EAD’s mangrove-planting efforts backs UAE’s initiative to plant 100m mangrove trees by 2030, while contributing to the efforts of the UAE-led Mangrove Alliance for Climate which Bahrain is also a part of.
This initiative requires that member states plant, restore, rehabilitate and recover mangrove forests; foster co-operation among countries to support this natural solution; exchange knowledge, promote scientific research and preserve coastal areas.
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