The guide sets a new standard for monitoring mangroves in arid and semi-arid regions.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, in partnership with the IUCN Mangrove Specialist Group, has launched the first mangrove monitoring guide for the Arabian Gulf region, aiming to enhance scientific understanding and conservation of mangrove ecosystems.
Specifically designed for the environments of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the guide was developed under the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative with support from ADNOC, the British Embassy in the UAE, and the Zoological Society of London. It offers practical, science-based methods for tracking mangroves and their biodiversity, combining advanced techniques like environmental DNA analysis with simplified approaches accessible to individuals, specialists, government bodies, and NGOs.
By standardizing methodologies and providing clear, user-friendly guidance, the guide allows for more accurate assessments of ecosystem health, enabling decision-makers and conservation practitioners to plan, respond to environmental changes, and expand restoration efforts efficiently and sustainably.
The guide is the result of collaboration between the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the IUCN Mangrove Specialist Group, and leading global experts, including Professor Norman Duke, Dr. Stefano Cannicci, and Dr. Sara Fratini from the University of Florence.
Maytha Mohammed Al Hameli, Director of the Marine Biodiversity Division at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said:
“This guide marks a real turning point for the region. Success was once measured by the number of mangrove seedlings planted, but now we have a scientific and practical reference to ensure those seedlings—and the ecosystems they support—are properly monitored, protected, and restored. By equipping specialists and local communities with reliable tools—from advanced techniques like environmental DNA analysis to simple citizen-science methods—we are turning scientific evidence into tangible action.”
Professor Joe Lee, Chair of the IUCN Mangrove Specialist Group, added:
“Knowledge transfer is a core pillar of our work, and we are proud to have helped develop these tools. They are a valuable addition to global mangrove conservation and management efforts, supporting the protection of associated habitats. Despite their ecological importance, mangroves remain among the least studied ecosystems worldwide. This initiative helps bridge a critical knowledge gap by strengthening regional expertise and involving both scientists and the public in research and monitoring.”
A new standard
The launch of the GCC Mangrove Monitoring Guide sets a new benchmark for tracking mangroves in arid and semi-arid regions. It supports governments and environmental professionals while encouraging community participation in safeguarding one of the region’s most vital ecosystems for biodiversity, coastal protection, and climate change adaptation.
IUCN Red List assessment of mangrove species
The IUCN Red List remains the world’s leading global assessment of over 70 mangrove plant species. This update, the first comprehensive review since 2007, plays a key role in advancing mangrove conservation efforts.
Capacity-building and regional training
In recent years, the Environment Agency conducted a series of regional workshops on mangrove monitoring, engaging local and regional experts to strengthen technical capacities and ensure the long-term health of Gulf ecosystems.
Ongoing collaboration
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi continues to work closely with the Zoological Society of London and the IUCN Mangrove Specialist Group to build regional expertise through the development of the Arabian Gulf’s first mangrove monitoring guide.
