The Advanced Technology Research Council's (ATRC) VentureOne has launched Nabat, a new climate tech startup aimed at conserving and restoring mangroves and ecosystems in the UAE using AI and robotics. Unveiled at the International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference in Abu Dhabi, Nabat combines drones, AI-powered software, and flexible seeding mechanisms to restore thousands of hectares of mangroves over the next seven years.
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Nabat's AI-Driven Technology
Mangroves, which store up to five times more carbon than rainforest trees, play a crucial role in the UAE's ecosystem and global climate resilience efforts, the official release said. Nabat's AI-driven technology and robotics provide precision mapping, customised seeding, and continuous monitoring, ensuring minimal disruption and efficient restoration.
"Unlike traditional mangrove planting, which is labor-intensive and can even harm surrounding ecosystems, Nabat's system touches habitats as lightly as possible," the company added.
"Technology and nature are often seen to be at odds—but when we combine technology with science-based research to solve critical problems, technology can become one of nature’s most powerful allies," said Najwa Aaraj, the CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute, ATRC's applied research arm and the developer of the technology behind Nabat.
"Our system is helping solve several critical challenges related to conservation, one of the most important being data gathering. No two ecosystems are alike—each needs a customised, data-driven approach," Aaraj added.
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Expanding Restoration Efforts
During the mapping stage, Nabat's technology provides vast amounts of data about soil as well as the density, elevation, and hydrology of natural habitats.
Additionally, the drone's seeding mechanism uses optimised trajectory planning and flexible seeding patterns to ensure seeds are planted precisely and only as they are needed. The system also has monitoring capabilities to help ensure planted trees grow safely.
Initially focused on mangrove restoration in the UAE, Nabat plans to expand its efforts to other ecosystems, including deserts, farmlands, forests, and coral reefs.
