AUS community plants 140 mangroves in support of UAE climate and biodiversity goals

American University of Sharjah (AUS) planted 140 grey mangrove trees in collaboration with Goumbook at Al Zorah Nature Reserve in Ajman as part of its first mangrove restoration initiative. The voluntary, sustainability-focused initiative engaged students, staff and faculty across three trips in hands-on climate action, habitat restoration and citizen science in support of the UAE’s national sustainability goals.

Organized by the AUS Office of Sustainability, the initiative aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 direction, the UAE Green Agenda 2030 and national efforts to strengthen carbon sequestration through the expansion of mangrove ecosystems. It also supports the UAE’s target to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030, reinforcing the role of nature-based solutions in addressing climate change, protecting biodiversity and strengthening coastal resilience.

“Mangrove restoration is a powerful example of how sustainability education can move from awareness to action,” said Omar Al Nuaimi, Director of Sustainability at AUS. “Through this initiative, our students, staff and faculty contributed to a national environmental priority while gaining a deeper understanding of the role that nature plays in climate resilience. At AUS, we are committed to creating opportunities that connect learning with meaningful impact and inspire our community to contribute to a more sustainable future.”

He added: “Mangroves are among the UAE’s most valuable natural ecosystems. They act as carbon sinks, help protect coastlines from erosion, provide habitats for marine life and birds and support the health of coastal environments. Restoring mangroves contributes to climate action, ecosystem protection and the preservation of the UAE’s natural heritage for future generations.”

As part of the experience, Goumbook educated participants on the ecological importance of mangroves, their role in carbon sequestration and their relevance to the UAE’s climate goals. Participants then kayaked to the restoration site, received guidance on planting techniques and contributed directly to habitat restoration. They also took part in citizen science activities to observe the health and growth of previously planted mangroves.

The experience also resonated with participants on a personal and professional level, connecting their roles at AUS with broader environmental learning and action. 

“As a non-academic staff member who works closely with academics through publishing, I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about conservation and education efforts in the UAE, especially as I hope AUS Press will publish books on environmental studies in the future. The experience also reconnected me with my lifelong love of nature, shaped by my childhood spent on the beaches of Kuwait and Egypt. I had never been around mangroves before, and learning about their ecological importance, especially their role as powerful carbon sinks, was truly inspiring. It was gratifying to help plant more of them, contribute in a small way to protecting this ecosystem and spend time outdoors with AUS colleagues, which really boosted my morale,” said Jehanne Moharram, Senior Acquisitions Editor, AUS Press. 

For students, the initiative offered a hands-on opportunity to see how collective action can contribute to environmental protection. 

“Visiting the Al Zorah Nature Reserve with Goumbook showed me how meaningful community action can be in protecting the environment. Seeing volunteers and local community members work together to restore and care for the mangroves demonstrated that lasting environmental change starts with collective effort. The experience inspired me to become more engaged in conservation initiatives and reinforced the value of taking action alongside fellow passionate environmentalists to create a positive impact,” said Pimnethi Phaiboonwong, international studies student at AUS.

The initiative builds on AUS’ broader sustainability efforts led by the Office of Sustainability, which works across four pillars of impact: climate, nature, food and health. AUS has earned an AASHE STARS Gold Rating and continues to embed sustainability across teaching, research, operations and campus life. 

AUS is ranked #1 in the UAE for environmental sustainability in the QS World University Rankings 2026, was the first university in the MENA region to publish a comprehensive Climate Action Plan. For more information about AUS’ sustainability initiatives, achievements and ongoing efforts, visit www.aus.edu/life-at-aus/sustainability.