World's Largest Coastal Restoration Project
Dubai-based firm Urb plans to transform the region with the world's largest coastal restoration project. The ambitious development will plant over 100 million mangrove trees, safeguarding the city from erosion and rising sea levels, New Atlas reported on May 2.
Key Features
The Dubai Mangroves project will span over 72 kilometers of coastline. Urb, known for the massive air-conditioned bike path and one of the world's largest coral reef restoration projects, is behind this new initiative. The centerpiece of the project is mangrove trees, renowned for their exceptional carbon sequestration abilities, preventing coastal erosion, supporting marine life, and providing food security. With an absorption rate of approximately 12.3 kg of CO2 per tree, the entire project could capture 1.23 million tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to removing over 260,000 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles from the roads. In addition to mitigating carbon and providing a natural coastal barrier, the mega mangrove forest will serve as a nursery for marine life, boosting fish stocks, and filtering water through their roots.
Implementation and Timeline
Planting such a vast number of trees will take years. To accelerate the project's completion, Urb proposes using AI-powered drones and satellite imagery to monitor and promote mangrove growth.
Beyond Mangroves
While the focus is on the mangrove forest, Dubai Mangroves also incorporates beaches, social spaces, and walkways. It will also feature an educational visitor center, a botanical museum, and a nature research center.
Current Status
The Dubai Mangroves project is currently in the design phase, and Urb has identified six pilot projects that could be implemented to demonstrate its feasibility. This project will play a significant role in Dubai's response to the impacts of climate change.
Summary:
Dubai's Mangroves project aims to transform the city's coastline by planting over 100 million mangrove trees. These trees will sequester carbon, protect against erosion, and support marine life. The project also includes various recreational and educational components.