50 mangroves for 50 years of UAE-Philippines ties

In celebration of 50 years of strong bilateral ties between the UAE and the Philippines, and in support of the 'Year of Community', 50 mangrove seedlings have been planted at Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi.

The event was led by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Philippine Embassy.

Part of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, the planting was attended by key figures including the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Alfonso Ver, and senior officials from EAD and Jubail Island Investment Company.

The initiative highlights commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. Attendees also toured the park, learning more about the vital role mangroves play in protecting coastlines, absorbing carbon and supporting biodiversity.

Attendees praised the symbolic power of mangroves, calling them a reflection of the enduring relationship between the UAE and the Philippines—strong, resilient, and rooted in a shared vision for a greener future.

"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.

"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," added Alfonso Ver.

.@EADTweets and @PHinUAE have planted 50 mangrove seedlings at Jubail Mangrove Park to mark a half-century of bilateral relations. As part of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, the occasion highlighted the shared commitment of both nations to fostering a greener future. pic.twitter.com/t1ecjJek93

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) April 14, 2025