Construction works around mangroves on Abu Dhabi resort

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A geo-textile mesh is being used to protect the existing mangrove during the construction phase. The material prevents migration of silt and nutrients away from the site due to nearby dredging. (Valeriano Handumon/ITP Images)

Developing a project in a desert ecosystem is a real challenge at the best of times but building on desert islands brings with it added levels of complexity in terms of the protection of plant and animal species. While this is not a direct concern of many onshore developments in the region, those working in Abu Dhabi face more of a challenge. The UAE capital is made up of 218 islands and around 40km² of mangroves grow on the emirate's northeastern fringes.

Mangrove trees grow in tropical and subtropical areas. With the natural availability of these shrubs in several coastal areas in the UAE and neighbouring countries, it is believed that if properly utilised, they can reduce desertification impacts. They can also contribute in improving coastal areas as natural habitat for birds, fisheries and other forms of life.

One project having to work in and around this sensitive ecosystem is Al Gurm Resort. Comprised of 11 reclaimed offshore islands and a stretch of mangrove-covered coastline, Aldar Properties' mixed-use project will contain 73 residential villas and a 158-suite five-star resort. Design and construction supervision is being undertaken by Dar Al Handasah, Parsons is the project manager and Dome carried out the environmental consultancy work. In May 2006, National Marine Dredging Company (NMDC) won the reclamation contract, and Six Construct - with Swissboring as a subcontractor - is working on the US $20 million (AED70 million) piling contract. Six Construct has also just been awarded the $163 million shell and core contract for the villas. Work on the project started in May 2006 and is expected to complete by mid-2009.

"The environmental aspects of the project have been considered from a very early stage," says Majdi Twal, senior project leader, Al Gurm Resort Development. "Environmental consultant, Dome, was engaged to analyse the existing conditions of the mangrove. And it has done an Environmental Impact Assessment [EIA] for the site."

After the EIA was carried out, a method statement from the contractor was issued with the endorsement of the environmental consultant. Before the project could move into the construction phase, however, the EIA had to become a CEMP: Construction Environmental Management Plan.

"The CEMP is submitted to the Environment Agency and approval is required to proceed with the construction," says Twal.

"This either comes back to be resubmitted or it may say ‘approved with notes', which means ‘go ahead but observe the following...'. Much of the agency's concern is for continuous monitoring of the CEMP conditions," he adds.

According to Twal, the Environment Agency's rules and regulations have to be very closely followed. And in an effort to completely understand what it was getting into prior to the project, Aldar carried out its own analysis of the mangroves' sensitivities.

"We went into our own research programme to find information on the mangroves and what type of species they contain. We also had to find out what time of the year they can be planted and replanted, because we have further plantation to be done.

"We have barren areas and outlying areas - and have contacted local companies who planted the original mangrove. We understand that the ideal time is between the beginning of September and the middle of October to plant these species in seed. During this time, three operations will be underway: collecting seeds, planting seeds and also preparing nursery plants incase some of the seeded plants do not work."

But while the long-term preservation of the mangroves can be helped by understanding seeding patterns, the existing site needs to be protected from ongoing construction work and the continual movement of heavy plant and machinery. Contractors working on the development have to adopt careful practices to ensure that their activities have minimum impact on the mangroves, which run right across the centre of the site between the shoreline villas and the reclaimed islands.

"The contractors cannot take the site for granted as they would do with any dry land or remote site," says Twal.

"They have to observe careful procedures for any burials and use of any instruments or tools that would cut off water flow to the mangrove species.

"They also have to maintain their equipment to contain or prevent any possible leaks of fuel. If a contractor was operating on a site away from the mangrove, it would not be so concerned about a small diesel spill, for example," he adds.

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