Delegation Travels Abroad for UWCK-UAE Coral Reef Learning Exchange

United Way of Collier and the Keys (UWCK) joined leading coral reef experts for a groundbreaking Coral Reef Learning Exchange in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 3-8. Hosted by the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC, this initiative brought together experts to advance coral reef restoration, conservation, and education.
 
Led by Dana Al Marashi, Head of Cultural Diplomacy for the UAE Embassy, the delegation included UWCK President & CEO Tiffani Mensch, Reef Revitalization Project Liaison Jessica Dockery, and representatives from the marine biology and coral restoration fields across the U.S.
 
"Experiencing firsthand how the UAE is tackling coral restoration was invaluable," said Tiffani Mensch. "This partnership helps us share best practices and build real solutions for global marine challenges. A thriving reef isn’t just vital for marine ecosystems—it’s the backbone of local economies, supporting tourism, fishing, and coastal protection.” 
 
The exchange featured site visits and discussions, including:
 

• Atlantis the Palm: Delegates received a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium, where over 65,000 marine animals are cared for around the clock, gaining valuable insights into their conservation and daily care.
• Jumeirah Al Naseem: The Turtle Rehabilitation Sanctuary provides a natural Gulf-fed lagoon for sick turtles to recover, with monitoring at every stage. Since 2004, the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project has rehabilitated over 2,100 turtles, releasing many back into the wild.
• Burj Al Arab: Marine biologists guided delegates through the vibrant local ecosystem, highlighting its delicate balance and the threats it faces. Delegates also witnessed a rescued turtle being brought in during our Marine Conservation tour.

 
Atlantis the Palm

• Fujairah Research Centre: During a briefing with experts, delegates learned about the challenges facing coral in Fujairah, including coral bleaching and rising water temperatures. Delegates also observed how artificial reefs are created to support restoration efforts.
• Dibba Rock, Fujairah: Delegates dove to observe a coral nursery. Once mature, the coral is used to repopulate natural or artificial reefs. This project uses natural shells for construction, creating new ecosystems. Oysters farmed nearby help reduce nutrients, benefiting coral health and supporting global marine conservation efforts.

Environment Agency Abu Dhabi

• Environment Agency Abu Dhabi: Delegates attended a meeting on conservation efforts, where they learned about shared challenges facing coral reefs, coral monitoring in Abu Dhabi, and a coral rehabilitation program.
• NYU Abu Dhabi: Delegates attended a networking event, connecting with coral restoration counterparts, and toured the facilities at the Burt Marine Biology Lab.
• SeaWorld Abu Dhabi: Delegates received a behind-the-scenes tour, gaining an in-depth look at the rehabilitation process for rescued marine life.

 
The collaboration between UWCK and the UAE has been ongoing for five years, centered around the 'Revitalizing the Florida Keys through Reef Restoration and Beyond' initiative. In 2020, the UAE committed $3.5 million to support Mission: Iconic Reefs, aiming to restore and protect seven iconic reefs in the Keys.
 
"There are more similarities between Florida and the UAE’s environmental conditions than I realized," said Caitlin Lustic, Field Conservation Manager, The Nature Conservancy. "There’s plenty of opportunity to learn from each other in helping corals adapt."
 
"Planet-wide challenges require planet-wide solutions, and it's motivating to see the U.S. and UAE recognize the help they can give each other from half a world away,” said Riley Garvey, NOAA Coral Reef Management Fellow, American Samoa.
 
Stay tuned for updates on the Coral Reef Learning Exchange, including details about the second phase of the exchange. For more information on the partnership and delegates, visit: uwcollierkeys.org/coral-reef-learning-exchange.