Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) has established an inter-tidal mangrove nursery on Saadiyat Island’s Wetlands district - one of seven distinct districts on the signature cultural, residential and tourism destination taking shape in Abu Dhabi.

The newly established nursery has cultivated 100,000 propagated mangrove seedlings to be transplanted on the island this year and is propagating a further 180,000 seedlings ready for transplantation during the duration of the island’s development.

The initiative will enhance the ecological value of the Wetlands, which will be home to the island’s second championship golf course – the first being the planned Saadiyat
Beach Golf Course – the UAE’s only Gary Player signature course and the Arabian Gulf’s first ‘ocean’ with several beach-front holes.

“The ecological importance of mangroves is substantial as they act as something of an enviro-engine being a breeding and migratory habitat for a wide range of species,” said Lee Tabler, CEO, TDIC.

“As mangrove sediment is rich in life, wading birds feed there, and juvenile fish find food and shelter in and around the roots. The health of Saadiyat’s coastline owes much to the existence of lush mangrove plantations.”

The initiative will double the size of the existing mangrove plantations on Saadiyat Island, which is known for its rich mangrove clusters.

“We have surveyed and mapped every mangrove tree on the island and will work closely with the golf course designer’s, once appointed, to produce a Wetlands sporting facility with a unique perspective,” added Tabler.

TDIC is also planning to establish a Mangrove Rehabilitation Nursery on Saadiyat to preserve young seedlings and some established trees which will need to be moved.

TDIC is also supporting the Emirates Environment Group, a local, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting civic awareness and community action to protect the UAE environment, with its One Million Tree project and is pledging this year’s crop of 200,000 mangrove seedlings to it.

The Wetlands is Saadiyat Island’s eco-address - where exclusive villas will surround the unique golf course which will flood in accordance with the area’s tidal action. 

Dominated by ecologically valuable tidal flats, The Wetlands will be a haven of peace and seclusion with boutique eco-retreats and natural wetlands hosting eco-tourism activities, such as bird watching.-TradeArabia News Service