The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has announced a key initiative to educate children on the importance of mangrove forests in promoting biodiversity and protecting the environment as it reinforces its long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

 

The programme, Mighty Mangroves, is sponsored by Adnoc Offshore, a subsidiary of Ad, in partnership with the UAE-based ocean conservation organisation, Azraq.

 

Hundreds of children from grades 8-12 in 20 schools in Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi will participate in the initiative which includes classroom learning in Arabic and English as well as mangrove sapling planting.

 

Adnoc Offshore CEO Ahmad Saqer Al Suwaidi said, "In the UAE and Adnoc’s 50th anniversary year, this mangrove partnership with Azraq is a wonderful way for us to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the environment in which we operate and to help our young people understand the ecological significance of the ‘mighty’ mangroves in our country."

 

"The UAE’s coastal areas are part of our precious natural heritage and we are committed to helping to sustain them in line with the vision of the late founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed," observed Al Suwaidi.

 

The Mighty Mangroves builds on Adnoc’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes aimed at creating a positive social impact on its communities, it added. 

 

Adnoc is committed to supporting programmes that will nurture the next generation of environmental champions and help the UAE’s youth learn about sustainability, environmental protection and biodiversity.

 

Natalie Banks, Founder of Azraq, said: "WE have been actively planting mangrove trees in Ajman for the past two years, due to the amazing ability these trees have in keeping waterways healthy and sequestering carbon."

 

"We are beyond thrilled to expand our efforts into Abu Dhabi with the assistance of Adnoc’s sponsorship and raise awareness of the benefits of mangrove trees to students in the Al Dhafra region through our educational initiatives," he added.-TradeArabia News Service