KUALA LUMPUR: VentureOne, supported by the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has launched Nabat, a climate tech initiative aimed at conserving and restoring mangroves and other ecosystems in the United Arab Emirates through the use of artificial intelligence and robotics.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the announcement was made during the International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference held in Abu Dhabi. Over the next seven years, Nabat intends to utilize drones, AI-powered software, and adaptable seeding mechanisms to preserve and rejuvenate thousands of hectares of mangroves throughout the UAE.
Mangroves play a vital role in the UAE’s ecosystem and the global fight against climate change, as they are known to store five times more carbon than rainforest trees. VentureOne’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Reda Nidhakou, stated that the company’s primary mission is to launch startups that introduce innovative and impactful technologies globally.
Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary Gene
ral of ATRC, emphasized that Nabat represents how the UAE is using advanced technology for the benefit of humanity, highlighting that Nabat integrates innovation and science to restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience as part of the country’s path toward net-zero emissions.
Nabat’s technology offers precision mapping, seeding, and monitoring, ensuring that conservation and restoration efforts are tailored to the unique and complex needs of each ecosystem. Unlike traditional labor-intensive mangrove planting methods, which can potentially damage surrounding ecosystems, Nabat’s system seeks to minimize habitat disturbance.
The technology gathers detailed data on natural habitats and employs drones to plant seeds efficiently, monitoring their growth while reducing costs and ensuring scalability. The system is also designed to access hard-to-reach areas, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
While initially focusing on mangrove restoration in the UAE, N
abat plans to extend its conservation initiatives to other ecosystems, including deserts, farmland, forests, and coral reefs.