GCC Mangrove Monitoring Guide Launched in Abu Dhabi

A regional mangrove monitoring framework has been launched in Abu Dhabi, marking the first guide of its kind tailored to arid and semi-arid environments across the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The guide was developed by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Mangrove Specialist Group. It forms part of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative and was supported by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, the British Embassy in the United Arab Emirates and the Zoological Society of London.
Designed to improve the quality and comparability of mangrove data across Gulf coastlines, the guide sets out practical, science-based methodologies for monitoring mangroves and associated biodiversity. It combines advanced techniques such as environmental DNA analysis with simplified approaches accessible to individuals, specialists, government bodies and non-governmental organisations.
By standardising field methods and providing clear instructions, the framework enables more accurate assessments of ecosystem health and supports environmental planning, climate adaptation and restoration efforts. The guide was developed in consultation with global experts, including Professor Norman Duke, Dr Stefano Cannicci and Dr Sara Fratini of the University of Florence, alongside members of the IUCN’s Mangrove Specialist Group.
The IUCN Red List recently released an updated global assessment covering more than 70 mangrove plant species, marking the first comprehensive review since 2007. In parallel, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has conducted regional training workshops to strengthen technical capacity in mangrove monitoring and continues to collaborate with the Zoological Society of London and IUCN specialists to support long-term ecosystem health across the Gulf.