Date: 2022 · Country: UAE · DP: Thomas Cristofoletti · Producer: Christine Redmond · Client: UNEP
The Arabian Sea is among the hottest on the planet, and climate change has been driving mass die-offs of coral reefs.
At the same time, scientists noticed that some species seem to be more resilient than others. This has kicked off a drive to restore coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass off the coast of Abu Dhabi – an important home to vulnerable species like the Dugong.
Restoration of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems of Abu Dhabi has been recognized as a World Restoration Flagship under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
These initiatives represent Earth’s frontiers of hope, as countries agreed to a new Global Biodiversity Framework. Under the agreement, countries promise to protect 30% of the planet’s lands and seas, and bringing back 20% from degradation.