The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, EAD, has announced the establishment of a new central nursery for local plants in Abu Dhabi with a production capacity of one million seedlings per year.
Set to commence production by 2020, the facility will serve as a lab for EAD’s research projects and conduct germination experiments on key native wild plant species found across the emirate.
The nursery will also collect and store plant seeds to create a nucleus for use in larger projects at the Abu Dhabi Plant Genetic Resources Centre, which will act as a repository for the seeds of over 700 wild plant species found in the UAE.
The conservation of native wild plant species is an essential pillar of EAD’s mandate. Local plants in Abu Dhabi make up 58 percent of the country’s wild flora, and EAD is responsible for protecting them in their natural habitats through the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network that includes 13 protected land reserves. Many of these, such as the Jebel Hafeet National Park and the Houbara Protected Area, are home to endangered plant species.
"Unregulated and uncoordinated seed collection in Abu Dhabi is one of the main challenges in local plant conservation," commented Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Acting Secretary-General of EAD. "Such unsustainable practices adversely impact the target species as often ignore correct protocols are not followed, and extraction is far beyond the natural regeneration capabilities of the species," she said.
According to UAE Federal Law No.24 of 1999, which relates to the protection and development of the environment, it is prohibited to cut wild plants, uproot them or collect them illegally. EAD, in its capacity as the competent authority for environmental matters in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, is responsible for the protection of all species and their habitats. According to the agency, there are currently 436 species of local native wild flora: 432 terrestrial species and four marine species.
She went on to say that, "Local plants benefit human lives in multiple ways: as vital sources of food and medicine, for nitrogen fixation (process by which plants turn atmospheric nitrogen into nitrogen fertilizers in the roots), to stabilise sand dunes and prevent erosion, all while enriching the region’s biodiversity. It is unfortunate that these plants are also impacted by unregulated tourism, overgrasing and the illegal cutting and trading of wood, which has resulted in the decline of some key species, as well as the overall degradation of local habitats."
The agency must work in collaboration with the local police force, customs and ports authorities, municipalities and other entities to ensure the long-term protection of vital native plants.
EAD is currently managing the Baynounah Nursery in the Al Dhafra region that has a production capacity of 300,000 seedlings per year. The agency uses these seedlings in its initiatives to rehabilitate wild habitats. The nursery currently stores the seeds of 58 species of native wild plants, such as the Little Dwarf Palm, Umbrella Thorn Acacia, Ghaf, Oriental Cherry, White Saxaul and many others.