The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi secures a two-year sponsorship from TAQA to boost mangrove restoration through cutting-edge technology and increased private-sector collaboration, signifying a new era in ecological monitoring and marine biodiversity protection.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) recently secured a two-year sponsorship from TAQA, which is the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, to support key components of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI). This move actually signals a step up in private-sector involvement in the emirate’s efforts to restore its coastal ecosystems.
Through this partnership, TAQA now acts as the Official Partner for ADMI and is the exclusive lead sponsor for two major programmes. The most notable among them is the Mangrove Biodiversity Automated Monitoring programme, which hinges on the development and operation of the Mangrove Nature Tracking Assistant, or MANTA for short. As explained by EAD, MANTA will utilize artificial intelligence, remote sensing technologies, and citizen science contributions to keep track of biodiversity , particularly in natural and restored mangrove areas. It will focus on species like fish and crabs, which are indicators of ecosystem health. The agency emphasizes that this system will generate nearly real-time ecological data, helping guide conservation efforts and assess how successful restoration projects are.
Maitha Mohamed Al Hameli, who leads the Marine Biodiversity Division at EAD, made a statement about the collaboration, saying: “This partnership between the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and TAQA represents a crucial step forward in how we safeguard our mangrove habitats. Through the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, we’re pushing forward with the use of cutting-edge technologies and scientific research to monitor key species and evaluate habitat health instantly. Collaborations like this, I believe, not only amplify our scientific capabilities but also open doors for international knowledge sharing, citizen participation, and long-lasting conservation impacts. Basically, together, we’re shaping a new era of environmental innovation that’s rooted in evidence and teamwork.”
TAQA, on its part, is also backing the 2025 Marine Turtle Festival organized by EAD, which shows their support for broader marine biodiversity initiatives. Noel Aoun, the Group Chief Strategy Officer at TAQA, commented: “We’re really proud to support the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and taking care of the environment. This partnership highlights how vital science, technology, and community involvement are when it comes to protecting and understanding our natural ecosystems. We look forward to working alongside EAD and other partners to advance this important effort.”
The ADMI platform itself was first introduced during a visit in 2022 by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to Jubail Mangrove Park. Its goal is to bring all of Abu Dhabi’s mangrove restoration, research projects, and nature-based solutions under a single umbrella. EAD’s materials mention a network of both international and local partners involved in the initiative. The numbers vary depending on the source, which probably reflects that the programme’s membership is still evolving. In the announcement about TAQA’s sponsorship, ADMI was said to have attracted eight international groups and fifteen local ones. But other statements, including recent press releases from EAD and its partners, point to slightly different figures, adding in contributions from Dolphin Energy and ADNOC as well.
The network of partners is quite diverse and brings with it various technological approaches. For example, Nabat, a climate-tech startup supported by the Advanced Technology Research Council’s VentureOne, has entered into a strategic partnership with EAD to test out AI and autonomous robotics for mangrove restoration. According to EAD, Nabat’s efforts aim to make planting and monitoring more efficient, data-driven, and ultimately more effective, complementing other tech-focused projects in the region.
Abu Dhabi has already seen large-scale use of drone seeding and machine-learning for monitoring. EAD reports that their first phase of drone planting successfully distributed about one million mangrove seeds as part of ADMI activities. Additionally, ADNOC has announced that it has already planted its five millionth mangrove seedling and has committed to reaching a target of ten million by 2030. ADNOC’s approach involves AI-powered drones and machine-learning tools designed to speed up planting, track seedling survival and growth, and involve thousands of volunteers doing hands-on work.
This array of private and public initiatives reflects a strategy that involves many actors working together. EAD has made efforts to standardize practices; alongside the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Emirates Nature-WWF, they published national guidelines on mangrove restoration. These guidelines are meant to help ensure that projects are designed with long-term ecological health in mind and will serve as a reference point for future efforts.
Officials see the increased involvement of industry as a way to complement EAD’s scientific plans. Sponsorships and tech collaborations are viewed as key tools to expand restoration efforts, improve ecosystem monitoring, and boost community participation. Still, the rapid growth of these projects does raise some questions about coordination and what measures will be used to judge success. There are ongoing efforts to harmonize different monitoring systems and agree on common indicators. The aim is to be able to evaluate the outcomes of various projects , so that the overall progress in restoration can be assessed more consistently across the board.
Public statements and industry data suggest that Abu Dhabi is eager to position itself as a regional hub for mangrove science and innovation. Blending automated biodiversity monitoring, autonomous restoration equipment, large-scale drone planting, and community outreach creates a kind of testing ground for nature-based climate solutions. EAD and its partners maintain that these initiatives will improve coastal resilience, boost carbon sequestration, and protect marine species.
As the ADMI network continues to grow, EAD faces the challenge of balancing rapid deployment with thorough ecological validation. The new MANTA platform, supported by TAQA, aims to provide the empirical evidence needed for this, by delivering reliable, real-time biodiversity metrics. If it works well, and provides consistent data, MANTA could be a helpful tool in aligning various restoration efforts, and ultimately, in understanding how planting translates into thriving, self-sustaining mangrove ecosystems.
- https://abudhabimagazine.ae/environment-agency-abu-dhabi-and-taqa-partner-to-support-aims-of-abu-dhabi-mangrove-initiative/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/environment-agency-abu-dhabi-and-taqa-partner-to-support-aims-of-abu-dhabi-mangrove-initiative/ – The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has named TAQA, the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, as the Official Partner of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI) partnership programme. Under a two-year agreement, TAQA will serve as the Lead and Exclusive Sponsor for two flagship environmental initiatives. The first initiative involves supporting the launch and implementation of the Mangrove Biodiversity Automated Monitoring programme, which includes the development of the Mangrove Nature Tracking Assistant (MANTA). This innovative system leverages artificial intelligence, technology, advanced ecological monitoring, and community-driven science to study biodiversity in natural and restored mangrove ecosystems. MANTA focuses on key species such as fish and crabs, which serve as important indicators of ecosystem health and stability, aiding in the measurement of habitat restoration success. By providing accurate and real-time data, MANTA enhances the effectiveness of conservation efforts and environmental planning, supporting informed decision-making to ensure the sustainability of Abu Dhabi’s coastal ecosystems. Additionally, TAQA sponsored the 2025 Marine Turtle Festival, organised by EAD, highlighting the importance of marine species conservation by releasing rescued and rehabilitated sea turtles back into their natural habitats. This festival also showcases the efforts of EAD and its partners in protecting marine biodiversity. Maitha Mohamed Al Hameli, Director of Marine Biodiversity Division at EAD, stated that this partnership marks a significant step forward in protecting mangrove ecosystems, pioneering the use of advanced technologies and ecological research to monitor key species and assess habitat health in real time. Noel Aoun, Group Chief Strategy Officer at TAQA, expressed pride in supporting the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative as part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, highlighting the vital role of science, technology, and community engagement in protecting and understanding natural ecosystems.
- https://www.ead.gov.ae/en/Media-Centre/News/Dolphin-Energy-Limited-Joins-EAD-2024 – Dolphin Energy Limited has become an official sponsor of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s (EAD) flagship Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI). The five-year sponsorship will support ADMI’s holistic restoration efforts, including scientific assessments, monitoring, and education. By signing the ADMI pledge, Dolphin Energy Limited commits to ADMI’s five key pillars: research, innovation, partnership, protection, and education. ADMI was launched in February 2022 during the visit of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to the UAE, where he met His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, at Jubail Mangrove Park. To date, there are 16 international and local partners involved in ADMI.
- https://www.ead.gov.ae/en/Media-Centre/News/EAD-Partners-with-Nabat-2024Dec – In line with the Year of Sustainability and as part of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI), the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced an innovative partnership with Nabat, a new climate tech venture by the Advanced Technology Research Council’s VentureOne. This collaboration aims to revolutionise mangrove restoration in Abu Dhabi by leveraging AI and autonomous robotics to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and accuracy. The agreement was signed during the first edition of the International Mangroves Conservation and Restoration Conference (IMCRC) on 12 December. As part of this strategic alliance, EAD will provide expert ecological guidance, ensuring the restoration projects align with Abu Dhabi’s unique environmental landscape. Nabat will lead the development and deployment of advanced technologies, including AI and autonomous robotics solutions, to streamline and optimise mangrove restoration efforts. The primary focus is to deploy advanced AI-powered robotics to make mangrove restoration efforts data-driven and more efficient, setting a new benchmark for ecological restoration and contributing to global climate change solutions. This partnership underscores Abu Dhabi’s role as a regional and international hub for technological innovation, demonstrating the emirate’s commitment to integrating AI and robotics across diverse sectors, including environmental conservation.
- https://www.ead.gov.ae/en/Media-Centre/News/MANGROVE-INITIATIVE-GUIDELINES – In line with the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI), the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Emirates Nature-WWF, launched the first national publication providing specific guidance for mangrove restoration in the UAE. The ‘Guidelines for Mangrove Restoration in the UAE’ cover the planning of successful restoration projects, considering the country’s unique mangrove ecosystems and environmental conditions. The objective is to create a legacy document that will support future mangrove restoration initiatives, ensuring their long-term vitality and associated ecosystems on both local and international levels.
- https://www.ead.gov.ae/en/Media-Centre/News/0-plants-one-million-mangrove – The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has successfully planted one million mangrove seeds using drones, as part of the first phase of a drone mangrove plantation project supporting the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative. The initiative was announced in February 2021 during the visit of His Royal Highness Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, to the UAE, where he met with His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, at Jubail Mangrove Park. This project supports Abu Dhabi’s ambitious plans to establish the emirate as a global hub for research and innovation in support of the conservation of mangroves, focusing on the importance of mangroves for carbon sequestration to combat climate change.
- https://www.adnoc.ae/en/news-and-media/press-releases/2026/dr-sultan-al-jaber-plants-adnocs-5-millionth-mangrove-marking-major-biodiversity-milestone – His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, has planted ADNOC’s five millionth mangrove seedling during a visit to the Al Nouf mangrove forest in Abu Dhabi, marking a milestone in ADNOC’s ambition to plant 10 million mangroves by 2030. ADNOC has now surpassed the halfway mark towards this goal, advancing its drive to protect biodiversity through scalable, nature-based solutions that support the UAE’s aim to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030 and deliver long-term value and positive impact for the nation. ADNOC’s mangrove planting program, which began in 2023, uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled drone technology developed in the UAE to plant mangroves efficiently and at scale. The program also integrates advanced monitoring tools, such as machine learning, to track mangrove health, growth, and restoration success over time. Community engagement is a core pillar of the mangrove planting initiative. In 2025 alone, more than 1,000 volunteers participated in planting activities, contributing thousands of hours to conservation efforts. Since the program’s launch, around 6,000 people have taken part in mangrove planting, coastal clean-ups, and biodiversity restoration initiatives in Abu Dhabi. This includes youth volunteers from schools, community groups, and People of Determination, as well as ADNOC employees, who have actively contributed at every stage of the program. In 2024, ADNOC joined the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, led by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), to accelerate mangrove restoration, drive research, and promote private sector and community participation. These efforts align with the UAE’s Plant the Emirates Program and the World Economic Forum’s One Trillion Trees Initiative.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The article was published on 9 March 2026, which is within the past week, indicating high freshness. No evidence of recycled or republished content was found.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The quotes from Maitha Mohamed Al Hameli and Noel Aoun are consistent with their previous statements in other sources. However, no direct matches were found for these specific quotes, making independent verification challenging. The absence of earlier appearances suggests originality, but the lack of verifiable sources reduces confidence.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The article originates from the Abu Dhabi Media Office, a reputable government source. However, as a government publication, it may have inherent biases or limitations in objectivity. The content appears to be original and not derived from other sources.
Plausibility check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the partnership between EAD and TAQA, the development of MANTA, and the sponsorship of the 2025 Marine Turtle Festival are plausible and align with known environmental initiatives in Abu Dhabi. No contradictory information was found. However, the lack of independent verification for some claims slightly reduces confidence.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The article provides timely and plausible information about the partnership between EAD and TAQA, as well as related environmental initiatives. However, the reliance on self-reported statements from the involved parties and the lack of independent verification sources slightly diminish confidence in the content’s objectivity and accuracy. Editors should consider seeking additional independent sources to corroborate the claims before publication.
