To mark five decades of diplomatic relations between the UAE and the Philippines, 50 mangrove seedlings were planted at Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi, in a gesture symbolizing both nations’ commitment to environmental protection and enduring partnership.
The initiative, held in support of the UAE’s “Year of Community,” was organized by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) in partnership with the Philippine Embassy. It forms part of the broader Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, which aims to promote climate action and ecological sustainability.
Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver and senior representatives from EAD and the Jubail Island Investment Company took part in the event. Attendees also toured the park to learn more about the importance of mangroves in coastal protection, carbon absorption, and biodiversity conservation.
“Mangroves are vital ecosystems that not only absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change, but also support rich biodiversity by providing habitats for countless marine and terrestrial species,” said Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD.
Ambassador Ver highlighted the symbolic significance of the planting. “The Philippines shares the UAE’s commitment to protecting the environment, as it celebrates 50 years of strong relations, as strong as the mangroves—with the UAE, which will last for another 50 years and beyond,” he said.
