In line with the UAE’s ambitious environment goals,IFZA, Dubai’s most dynamic free zone community, in collaboration with its partners, recently planted 30,000 mangroves as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and ecosystem restoration through the GROW initiative. This includes 500 newly planted mangrove trees at the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, a key coastal area recognized for its biodiversity and role in climate resilience.
Bringing together more than 70 IFZA employees and partners, the initiative supports the UAE’s broader mission to plant 1 billion trees by 2030 to achieve climate neutrality by 2050; a strategy to increase the mangrove cover in the country. It also aligns with the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) Strategy 2031 launched at the COP29 and the UAE’s continuous efforts to combat climate change.
Commenting on the initiative, Jochen Knecht, CEO of IFZA said “At IFZA, sustainability forms a core part of our vision. Mangroves play a powerful role in fighting climate change, and through our Grow initiative we are taking real steps to support the country’s long term environmental goals. We are proud to play our part of shaping a greener future for generations to come.”
During the event, participants learned about the critical role of mangroves in carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and marine biodiversity. Each of the 500 newly planted saplings have been equipped with a GPS tracker, allowing participants to monitor its growth over time.
Mangrove trees absorb greenhouse gases and thus help create vital habitats for marine life. IFZA’s commitment to expanding these forests aligns with the country’s aim to raising awareness and increasing community involvement in conservation and sustainability.
Through such initiatives, IFZA continues to lead by example, demonstrating how businesses can be powerful drivers of sustainability while creating a thriving, greener future.
