ALEC and EAD Partner for Hydrological Mangrove Restoration Pilot in Abu Dhabi

ALEC Engineering and Contracting, a subsidiary of Dubai-based ALEC Holdings, has announced a new partnership with the Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD) to initiate a pioneering hydrological mangrove restoration pilot project in Abu Dhabi. This three-year initiative aims to investigate whether restoring natural water conditions can help degraded mangrove areas recover their long-term ecological health.

Project Scope and Objectives

The EAD will spearhead the scientific aspects of the project, including selecting the restoration site, conducting comprehensive ecological and hydrological assessments, identifying necessary interventions, and monitoring project outcomes. The pilot will establish baseline data for the chosen site and track progress using specific restoration and biodiversity indicators.

The findings from this project are expected to significantly enhance scientific understanding of mangrove hydrology within Abu Dhabi. This knowledge will be crucial in informing the planning and execution of future ecosystem restoration efforts across the emirate.

Supporting Broader Environmental Goals

This initiative aligns with the science-led restoration objectives of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative and contributes to the UAE's national climate and biodiversity targets. By examining the conditions required for mangrove habitats to recover and thrive, the project will build a broader understanding of how protection, hydrological restoration, and long-term monitoring can collaboratively achieve sustainable ecological results.

ALEC's involvement in this project marks its first significant investment in nature restoration with measurable biodiversity outcomes. It is part of the company's wider commitment to integrating biodiversity considerations into its sustainability strategy and working towards nature-positive results in its operational regions. Earlier this year, ALEC signed the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative Partners Pledge, committing to support mangrove conservation and restoration.