Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi completed a landmark project dispersing 6.5 million native seeds using drones across 320 hectares of nature reserves, complemented by AI-driven ecological monitoring. This initiative advances biodiversity restoration, aligns with climate goals, and signals a new era in eco-conservation technology for the emirate.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has successfully completed a pioneering native seed dispersal programme, enhancing biodiversity across the emirate’s nature reserves. In collaboration with Dendra, a UK-based environmental restoration company, EAD employed state-of-the-art drone technology to disperse 6.5 million seeds from a range of native species across 320 hectares of critical habitat. This initiative aligns closely with Abu Dhabi’s Climate Change Strategy and the broader objectives of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, emphasising a commitment to integrating innovative technology with environmental sustainability.
Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, expressed pride in the achievement: “We successfully implemented one of the largest drone-based seeding operations ever undertaken in Abu Dhabi, within a notably short timeframe.” The diverse array of seeds included species such as Samar (Vachellia tortilis), Moringa (Moringa peregrina), and Desert cotton (Aerva javanica) in Jebel Hafit National Park, along with varieties like Fire Bush (Calligonum polygonoides) and Rimth (Haloxylon salicornicum) in the Sand dunes ecosystems of Qasr Al Sarab Nature Reserve.
The innovative use of drones not only accelerates the seeding process but also minimizes environmental disruption, allowing for operation in challenging and remote terrains. Traditional manual seeding methods can be time-consuming and often lead to significant ecological disturbance; the drone approach thus represents a necessary evolution in restoration practices.
However, the process does not end with seeding. EAD has committed to ongoing monitoring of the seeded areas, deploying advanced artificial intelligence tools and sensors to track the growth and health of the newly planted species. This continuous assessment is further supported by a comprehensive natural rangeland study initiated by EAD, aiming to set a benchmark for future environmental management practices and evaluate the impacts of grazing regulations across the region.
In a broader context, this seed dispersal initiative contributes to a larger suite of eco-restoration projects emerging in the UAE. Collaborative efforts with Dendra are also focusing on terrestrial and coastal ecosystem restoration, where advanced seeding technologies are key to assessing and enhancing habitat conditions. Such initiatives are pivotal for mitigating biodiversity risks and fostering resilient ecosystems, thus ensuring the sustainability of Abu Dhabi’s unique environments.
Beyond the immediate impacts, the EAD’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence in environmental monitoring illustrates a forward-thinking approach that sets a precedent for other regions. With plans to cover an extensive 11,000 hectares through various programmes, the emirate is positioning itself as a leader in conservation efforts that blend traditional ecological knowledge with cutting-edge technology.
As initiatives like these unfold, they not only bolster local plant diversity but also frame a narrative of environmental responsibility that speaks to global concerns about climate change and sustainability. In doing so, Abu Dhabi is establishing itself not only as a hub for technological innovation but also as a steward of its natural heritage for future generations.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/environment-agency-abu-dhabi-completes-project-to-disperse-6m-native-seeds-across-nature-reserves/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/environment-agency-abu-dhabi-completes-project-to-disperse-6m-native-seeds-across-nature-reserves/ – The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has completed its 2025 native seed dispersal programme in nature reserves. In partnership with UK-based environmental restoration company Dendra, EAD utilized custom-designed drones for aerial seeding. The initiative covered 320 hectares, dispersing 6.5 million seeds from native species, including Samar, Moringa, Rumex, Cleome, Desert cotton, and Panicum in Jebel Hafit National Park, and Fire Bush, Rimth, Tricholaena, Panicum, and Agriophyllum in Qasr Al Sarab Nature Reserve. This approach aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Climate Change Strategy and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the integration of innovation and technology in environmental sustainability efforts.
- https://www.adq.ae/newsroom/the-environment-agency-abu-dhabi-ead-and-adq-expand-abu-dhabis-coastal-and-desert-ecosystem-restoration-in-collaboration-with-dendra/ – The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and ADQ have partnered with Dendra, an international environmental technology company, to enhance the restoration of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems across Abu Dhabi. This collaboration leverages advanced seeding drones and AI technologies to assess and restore habitats, focusing on preserving environmental habitats and local species. The partnership supports EAD’s initiatives in evaluating the condition of terrestrial and coastal habitats, aiming to scale restoration activities benefiting desert and coastal areas, and modeling an approach to biodiversity risk mitigation integral to a resilient economy.
- https://www.ead.gov.ae/Media-Centre/News/Largest-AIbased-Research-Programme-to-Monitor – The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched the region’s largest AI-based research programme to monitor the condition of Abu Dhabi’s vegetation and pastures. In partnership with Dendra Co., the programme aims to assess the state of natural terrestrial habitats across the emirate. Utilizing advanced technologies, including drones equipped with smart sensors, the initiative covers 11,000 hectares, focusing on plant diversity and distribution. The data collected will inform decision-making processes to proactively address environmental threats resulting from human activities and climate change.
- https://www.adnoc.ae/en/news-and-media/press-releases/2023/adnoc-uses-innovative-drone-technology-to-plant-mangroves – ADNOC has signed a contract with Distant Imagery, a UAE-based environmental technology company, to plant 2.5 million mangrove seedlings across Abu Dhabi using innovative drone planting technology adopted by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). This initiative is part of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, aiming to plant up to 10 million mangroves in Abu Dhabi by 2030. The drones can disperse over 2,000 mangrove seeds in roughly eight minutes, supporting the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and enhancing biodiversity.
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/climate/environment/2023/01/12/drones-scatter-one-million-mangrove-seeds-in-abu-dhabi/ – In January 2023, drones were used to scatter one million mangrove seeds in Abu Dhabi as part of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative. The dispersal was carried out over several days at different locations in the Al Dhafra region. This initiative 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://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/abu-dhabi-deploys-drones-for-regions-biggest-plant-life-study-1.103873763 – Abu Dhabi is deploying drones equipped with smart sensors for an AI-based research programme, billed as the region’s largest-ever, to study plant life in the emirate. The initiative focuses on assessing native vegetation cover within and outside protected areas, utilizing a detailed study design developed by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) in partnership with consultancy Dendra Co. The research aims to track changes related to human activity and environmental influences while gathering data on plant diversity and distribution over 11,000 hectares of land in Abu Dhabi.
