Priceless Planet - Mangrove Survey

ABOUT THE ACTIVITY

Coastal ecosystems – such as mangroves, seagrasses and saltmarshes –sequester significant amounts of carbon and are notably rich in biodiversity; these ‘Blue Carbon’ (BC) ecosystems are increasingly recognized as key Nature-based Solutions (NbS) that can make a vital contribution to climate change mitigation. Recent studies have demonstrated that NbS can cost-effectively provide approximately one-third of the climate mitigation needed over the next decade to stabilize global warming below 1.5°C.

Coastal Blue Carbon ecosystems – such as mangroves – can help reduce the risks and impacts of climate change while providing multiple co-benefits: they offer critical habitats for biodiversity, enhance local fisheries production, and protect coastal communities from erosion and storms. Yet mangroves face many threats, including deforestation, coastal development, pollution and climate change.

About the project

The “Restoring mangrove ecosystems of the UAE –an ecosystem-based approach” project is run through the “Priceless Planet Coalition”, an international initiative implemented by Mastercard in collaboration with Conservation International (CI) and the World Resources Institute (WRI), which aims to plant 100 million trees by 2025 to restore global forest ecosystems.

The project’s key objectives are to:

• Implement a series of restoration strategies that enable mangroves and associated habitats to thrive –thanks to a robust, holistic ecosystem-based approach which maximizes long-term success.
• Work closely with stakeholders and communities on the long-term management of the sites in order to create numerous benefits to the economy and society.
• Raise public awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems and their restoration

HOW VOLUNTEERS WILL HELP

Volunteers will assist our team of scientists to monitor the wildlife supported by the restoration. Volunteers will help to record wild plants in the area, count crabs and their burrows, the number of snails in a sample area, the number of species of birds seen throughout the day, signs of insect pollinators and pests.  

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?  

 This type of fieldwork is extremely physically challenging, it will be outdoors, often without shade. Some of the sites can be accessed only by boat so punctuality, relability and willingness to get dirty are vital. In order to be selected you will need:  

• To be active, healthy and physically fit – be able to lift at least 5kg and walk/wade through several kilometers of mud  
• To be able to swim 
• To have demonstated relability on previous trips  

Please note that this trip is not suitable for children. 

What is the Impact? 

This baseline survey, will show us the state of the existing site and wildlife it supports.

• It will help us determine, how our mangrove restoration activities benefit the area and impact the abundance and diversity of species at the site.
• Provide valuable information to support advocacy work in order forthe protection of mangroves and other conservation strategies
• Contribute to the value of the ecosystem amongst the community.
• Support local ecotourism ventures.
• Gain knowledge and spread awareness on power of individual action/ behavior
• Help policy makers by recording data of litter

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