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• Abu Dhabi Emirate is a unique place that has
developed,and continues to develop, rapidly
over the last few decades. At the same time, it
recognises the value of ecosystems and takes
significant efforts to conserve them. As such, it
can serve as an example for similarly developing
places globally.
• The Emirate, with its highly saline waters, high
temperatures and arid coastal environment, may
provide valuable knowledge for some parts of the
world in the future of climate change.
• Abu Dhabi’s Blue Carbon ecosystems store
significant amounts of carbon that would be
emitted upon their degradation.
• Carbon stocks of Abu Dhabi Emirate’s Blue Carbon
ecosystems are likely to be the largest of any
ecosystem in the Emirate. On a global scale, however,
per area values are on the low end of the spectrum.
• Blue Carbon ecosystems in Abu Dhabi Emirate
include mangroves, salt marsh, seagrass and
potentially algal mats. Coastal sabkha was also
explored and is considered an associated Blue
Carbon ecosystem storing, albeit not sequestering,
carbon. Research on algal mats and coastal sabkha
has discovered unexpected results, emphasising
the need for cautious action in light of science
gaps, and the need to further increase knowledge
on Blue Carbon ecosystems.
• Blue Carbon ecosystems and associated
biodiversity provide a broad spectrum of services
beyond carbon sequestration and storage,
including shoreline buffering and erosion control,
water quality maintenance, support to fisheries
(in particular recreational fishing), tourism and
recreation. Cultural values are also recognised as
highly important.
• Blue Carbon stocks in Abu Dhabi are likely to be
insufficient for the generation of carbon credits.
Further local challenges include questions
regarding additionality and opportunity costs to
ecosystem conservation.
• The combined value of Blue Carbon ecosystems’
services, including carbon sequestration and
storage, coastline protection, habitat provision and
water purification, is significant and merits inclusion
into conservation and management activities and
strategies, particularly for future marine spatial
planning and financial planning frameworks.
• The project’s engagement with Abu Dhabi
stakeholders revealed the institutional and policy
frameworks to be adequate to integrate and
mainstream Blue Carbon conservation efforts.
Opportunities for efficient implementation lie in
institutional cooperation.
• The project has significantly increased knowledge
in Abu Dhabi, including among stakeholders,
as well as regionally and globally, particularly
on Blue Carbon ecosystems in arid climates, an
aspect of Blue Carbon science that has not been
the emphasis of previous research. Involving local
scientists as well as international observers during
the project has contributed to the longevity of
project’s activities, particularly to the transfer of
scientific knowledge.
Key Project Findings
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