As natural defenders against climate change, mangroves help buffer storm surges and reduce flooding, prevent coastal erosion, and store large amounts of carbon dioxide.
Home to one of the largest mangrove habitats in the region, Abu Dhabi naturally serves as a focal point for mangrove research and conservation for the NYU Abu Dhabi community.
Through science, community action, and art, NYUAD continues the crucial dialogue around these resilient coastal ecosystems native to the UAE:
Research
NYU Abu Dhabi researchers and students published findings on high-resolution genomes for the gray mangrove, with the goal of making information about this widely occurring tropical species accessible. With growing research around the world on how this species might cope with climate change, making this resource available to global scientists is vital.
Community Participation
NYUAD students rallied to support the UAE’s goal of planting 100 million mangroves by 2030 to combat climate change by planting more than 5,000 mangrove trees in under an hour.
As NYUAD Head of Civic Engagement and Service, Esraa Bani said, "Environmental stewardship is more than a practice, it’s a shared value that unites our community in purpose and action. As the UAE works toward Net Zero by 2050 and the ambitious goal of planting 100 million mangroves by 2030, our students are proud to contribute through hands-on conservation efforts. These experiences cultivate a deeper sense of belonging, responsibility, and hope, reminding us that real impact happens when we come together, rooted in care for our planet and one another."
In photos: NYU Abu Dhabi community of student, staff and their family gathered to plant mangrove trees in Abu Dhabi.
