Mangrove Planting by EMEG

EMEG (Emirates Marine Environmental Group) had an activity for 6th Febto plant mangrove trees in mangrove area in Jebel Ali, the activity is including beach cleaning,painting for kids or just to wander around and see how's the EMEG base looks like.

EMEG is an NGO which is focusing on environment activity (as the name clearly suggested) in UAE. They have a heahquarter - office, some ponds, animals, mangrove area and beach.

We drove to Jebel Ali area and went into the beach direction, alreaday 30+ cars parked there. I started the trip by seeing (in disbelief) gigantic hammour. Hammour is a popular type of sea water fish and I was a bit shocked that fish I have eaten could grow this huge. Then we take 1 mangrove plant (Avicennia Marina).

Apparently, despite the 60+ type of mangrove plant, only 1 species found in UAE. We have to wait till the previous group finished their planting and we can enter the swampy area. The guide mentioned that there are 3 rules in planting the trees: has to be at least 3 meters apart from each other, dig as long as our palm (this could be misleading since my palm compare to a 6-ft tall guy must be quite different), and  to take out the plastic from the trees

We started to search the spot and digging the swampy and watery soil and put the trees in.The mangrove grows slowly, it only reaches 2-ft after 2-3 years. They will spread new roots which pointing upwards like sticks, that's why the distance between each trees has to be sufficient.

Finished from the trees, I went to the beach and stay there for some time, the water is very blue and cold, very nice and peaceful.

We supposed to picked some trash along the way, we did that but I put it aside when I went into the water and forgot to take it with me on the way back:) (I hope somebody notice that and picked it up on my behalf).

We walked along the beach, went back to the main area, we took a styreofoam boat to cross a small pond and arrived in the main tent where they served tea and fruits, we sat down, eating and chatting and they told us that the lunch is ready! We didn't do anything and this is what we got in return! A nice time on the beach and nice curry fish for lunch!

After finishing the lunch, we headed back to Abu Dhabi, quite an experience!