AL YASAT PRIVATE
SCHOOL
Desert Wings
Enhancing UAE Sustainability with AI Drone Planting
Ayesha Al Marzooqi, Latifa Jamil, Rowda Al Hosani
Supervised by: Manal Steitiyeh
What Is Our Project?
In the UAE, we live in a harsh, hot environment with very little rainfall. This makes it difficult for many plants to survive, leading to large deserted areas. However, some native plants, such as mangroves, Sidr, and Ghaf trees, have adapted to these conditions and thrive in this challenging climate. Our project’s primary goal is to use AI technology to improve sustainability in the UAE. We are creating customized drones to help increase mangrove trees and other species in the UAE.
OUR PROJECT IDEA
Why are Mangroves Important?
Increasing mangrove trees in the UAE is crucial for coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, fisheries support, tourism, water quality improvement, and cultural heritage preservation. Mangroves act as natural buffers against coastal hazards, provide habitat for diverse species, sequester carbon dioxide, support fisheries, attract tourists, filter pollutants, and hold cultural significance. Overall, enhancing mangrove cover is essential for promoting resilience and sustainability in coastal ecosystems and communities.
In Which Conditions Do Mangrove Trees Grow?
In the United Arab Emirates, mangroves thrive in unique conditions that are typically found along the coastal areas of the Arabian Gulf. The UAE has implemented successful conservation and restoration efforts for its mangrove forests, acknowledging their significant ecological and environmental value. The key conditions essential for the growth of mangroves in the UAE include:
- Saline Coastal Waters: The coastal waters of the UAE provide the saline conditions necessary for mangrove growth. The mangroves in the UAE can tolerate the high salinity levels found in the Arabian Gulf.
- Warm Climate: The UAE’s warm, arid climate with high temperatures supports mangrove growth, as these trees thrive in consistently warm conditions.
Desert Wing Description
Our project aims to increase mangrove tree populations through a systematic approach. We will be using our specified drone “Desert Wing”. First, we will gather the mangrove seeds (propagules). We will code the “Desert Wing”, to be able to fly to coastal areas where mangroves naturally thrive. The “Desert Wing” will then carefully and slowly distribute the seeds over these designated areas. Subsequently, the “Desert Wing” will document every detail about the mangrov’s growth and development. After a year, we’ll conduct a thorough review to assess the progress of the plant development. Once we confirm the success of our method, we plan to scale up and implement this strategy throughout the United Arab Emirates, contributing to the preservation and expansion of mangrove habitats.
Why Do We Use Drones to Plant Mangroves?
Drones are the key to achieving greater efficiency in agriculture, especially in hot climates where demanding labor presents significant challenges. This is particularly crucial in the UAE due to the high temperatures that make outdoor work difficult and less productive. By automating these labor-intensive tasks, drones can complete the work much faster and more precisely than human workers.
Additionally, the use of drones reduces overall costs associated with hiring and managing a large workforce. Despite the initial investment in drone technology, the long-term savings and increased productivity make it a worthwhile endeavor.
Related SDGs
Increasing mangrove trees in the UAE aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11). Mangroves are vital in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, coastal protection, and sustainable development. Therefore, enhancing mangrove cover contributes to climate change mitigation, marine and terrestrial ecosystem health, and the resilience of coastal communities in the UAE.
How Will Our Project Help the UAE?
Our project is all about harnessing the power of technology to boost sustainability in the UAE. With this initiative, we’re on a mission to increase the green spaces across our nation, showcasing our commitment to being an innovative and forward-thinking country. Additionally, this effort will support biodiversity by nurturing a variety of species alongside mangroves, and will be a key player in addressing challenges such as climate change.
Why Do We Grow Mangrove Trees?
As Emiratis, it is our sacred duty to uphold the legacy of our founding father. In 1970, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God have mercy on him) launched the initiative to plant mangroves. Since then, the UAE has continuously nurtured this important plant, integrating it as a crucial component of the country’s agricultural practices.
How Will Our Project Make a Difference Globally?
Some of the most crucial mangrove forests in the world are found in Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, and southern Somalia. Unfortunately, these countries often lack the advanced technology and resources needed to preserve their mangrove ecosystems. We plan to assist these nations by using our drone technology to enhance mangrove tree preservation. This approach will significantly increase mangrove coverage both locally and globally. By sharing this technology with less developed nations, we can help them improve coastal protection, boost biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and create new economic opportunities. Ultimately, this strategy promotes sustainable development and environmental resilience worldwide.
What Are Our Future Goals?
Imagine a future where our drones soar through the skies, powered by the limitless energy of the sun. By harnessing solar power, our drones will not only reduce electricity consumption but also play a significant role in promoting environmental sustainability. Our vision is to take this project global, making a positive impact on the planet for generations to come. Through the widespread use of solar-powered drones, we aim to set a new standard for eco-friendly technology, supporting the fight against climate change and the preservation of our environment
