Mangrove restoration project takes root at start-up aiding nature with the use of artificial intelligence Q

▶ Emirati graduate Amna Alhemeiri tells David Dunn about her work as an ecology analyst in Abu Dhabi

As a data ecology analyst, Amna Alhemeiri, 24, is among those helping to protect the UAE’s treasured mangroves and ensure they prosper. The plants, championed by UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, are a vital part of the country’s ecosystem.

Ms Alhemeiri works with Dendra Systems, a start-up seeking to restore the balance of the natural world, including monitoring and restoring mangroves that grow along the UAE coastline.

She graduated from Zayed University with a degree in environmental sciences and sustainability.

She is now pursuing a master’s degree in environmental sciences from UAE University, specialising in microbial ecology, including those found in the Arctic.

Here, Ms Alhemeiri tells The National about some of her roles and responsibilities with Dendra, which is working with the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and investment and holding company ADQ to and restore Abu Dhabi’s ecosystems, and her passion for the environment.

What is it you do?

A Ecology lies at the heart of Dendra. We’re a team working in different fields, supporting the development of digitised biodiversity assessments for large-scale ecosystem restoration with artificial intelligence and ecological techniques.

This includes the identification and verification of aerial and ground imagery. Our eyes, which are the flight operations teams, capture drone data for us to assess.

My role involves field visits for monitoring and ground “truthing” – assessing the accuracy of remote data – and research and development into the best practices for ecosystem restoration, utilising tools including machine learning and AI.

The most fun bit for me is the species identification of birds that reside in mangrove areas.

How do you check the health of a mangrove?

Once we have data to analyse, we look through maps and try to find target “gap” areas. We don’t just go out and spread seeds.

We first do assessments, we go to the field to confirm what we’re seeing through the data.

After seeding, dropped by drones, the most important part, in my opinion, is post-monitoring and fieldwork, to ensure everything’s going the way it should.

Is it a team effort with help from technology?

We all work together to offer a unique approach to restoration with mangroves, currently just in Abu Dhabi, and arid ecosystems.

If we attempted to do what we’re doing without drones and AI, it would take a long time to achieve about a quarter of what we’ve done so far.

It’s also good to stay connected and go to the field.

Mangroves are very special and I am happy to work at a company like Dendra that is pledged to the Abu Dhabi mangrove initiative.

Everyone comes together and puts all their ideas forward to try to make these mangrove forests thrive. Dendra, by doing large-scale ecosystem restoration, is fulfilling the country’s goals. My hope is we will restore healthy ecosystems.

When did you first see a mangrove?

About 10 years ago on Sir Bani Yas Island, during a holiday. We had a little kayaking trip there. That’s when we saw them, with the sunset.

I grew up in the desert and near the beach, but not near mangroves.

They were always part of the landscape, however. Now, every time I learn more about them, I’m unravelling a new layer.

The way the world works is literally that microorganisms are in every vital process there is in the environment.

Throughout all the research that’s been done in the past few decades, we only know about 1 per cent of all microbes that exist on Earth. There’s so much to discover.

I officially started my career in ecology at Dendra in March last year. We have two offices and I’m also commuting between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain for my master’s studies.

I also moderated POPCOPs, an actionist workshop at the UAE House of Sustainability in the Green Zone during the Cop28 climate change summit, which was managed by the Salama bint Hamdan Foundation.

Is public appreciation for mangroves growing?

The health of the mangroves is deteriorating because of natural factors and the effect of humans on nature.

There are a lot of factors that can affect mangroves. Dredging, from what I know, affects their health because it’s happening right at the coast.

Because of the efforts that are being put in to restore and plant more mangroves in the coming decade, I think people are starting to realise how important they are.

Worldwide, mangrove populations are declining, but there’s a direct and invaluable effort being put in here to protect them.

Everyone is always impressed with what we’re doing.

I hope no one underestimates mangroves.

We’re working along the entire coast of Abu Dhabi. It’s amazing to be part of it, for the country I grew up in.

One of the main pillars is the environment, protecting it and being sustainable.

My role involves field visits ... the most fun bit for me is the species identification of birds that reside in mangrove areas AMNA ALHEMEIRI Dendra Systems