Sharjah, UAE – 04 June 2026 -- Sharjah Maritime Academy (SMA) has announced a strategicenvironmental collaboration with Sharjah Environment and Protected AreasAuthority (EPAA) to implement a research-based mangrove planting and long-termmonitoring programme in Kalba, under its institutional initiative “Sea theImpact: with One Mangrove.”
Theinitiative reflects a shared commitment to environmental sustainability, marineecosystem preservation, social responsibility, and applied research, whilereinforcing SMA’s role in linking academic learning with real-worldenvironmental impact.
Underthis collaboration, the Academy will participate in planting 300 mangroveseedlings at the Mangrove and Al Hefaiyah Reserve during the plantinginitiative organized by the Authority. This will be followed by a one-yearscientific monitoring programme, comprising regular field visits to assessseedling growth and survival rates, as well as data collection and analysis tosupport research outputs that contribute to the advancement of environmentalknowledge and sustainability practices.
Theproject will actively engage students in planting, monitoring, and reportingwithin a structured academic framework, fostering environmental awareness,responsibility, and experiential learning. It also supports the establishmentof a student-led mangrove initiative to promote sustainability and appliedresearch.
Theinitiative is part of the “Sea the Impact: One Mangrove” programme, under which a mangrove tree is planted in honour of each distinguished speaker, strategic partner, international collaborator, and guest contributing to Sharjah MaritimeAcademy's mission and development. Through this initiative, the Academy creates a lasting environmental legacy while recognising those who support education, innovation, sustainability, and the advancement of the maritime sector.
Dr. Hashim Alzaabi, Chancellor of Sharjah Maritime Academy, said:
“This project reflects our commitment to embedding sustainability and socialresponsibility within education. By engaging our students in meaningfulenvironmental initiatives, we are contributing to national efforts whiledeveloping responsible future maritime leaders.”
Fatima Al Zaabi, Head of Biodiversity Department at EPAA stated:
"Thisinitiative reflects the importance of institutional partnerships in engagingthe community, particularly young people, in environmental conservation effortsand promoting sustainability for future generations."
Theproject aligns with the UAE’s national sustainability agenda and represents thefirst phase of a long-term collaboration focused on environmental conservation,research, and community impact .
Sea the Impact: One Mangrove
“Sea the Impact: One Mangrove” is Sharjah Maritime Academy’s sustainability initiative designed to create a lasting environmental and community legacy beyond traditional events and programmes. Through the initiative, mangrove trees are planted in honour of distinguished speakers, strategic partners, international collaborators, and guests, transforming their contributions into a tangible and long-term environmental impact.
The 300-mangrove planting and monitoring project in Kalba represents one of the flagship projects delivered under the initiative, combining environmental stewardship, applied research, and student engagement to support the protection of coastal ecosystems and contribute to a more sustainable future.
