In a speech during the third phase of planting 500,000 mangrove trees,
Emadi emphasized that mangroves are an ideal choice for planting due to their
minimal water and maintenance requirements. The trees are being planted in the
estuaries around Mahshahr and the surrounding industrial areas.
Emadi explained that the original goal was to cover 500 to 600
hectares of land during Phase 3, with the project expected to conclude by the
end of 2024. This completion timeline is one year ahead of the previous plan,
which aimed to complete the phase by the end of 2025. He highlighted that
Mahshahr is one of the most important hubs for the petrochemical industry, and
the mangrove plantation efforts began in the 1980s as part of the petrochemical
industry’s social responsibility initiatives.
He further noted that mangroves were initially not native to
Khuzestan, with saplings being brought from the Bushehr and Hormozgan provinces.
While the trees faced initial challenges, they have now successfully adapted
and spread. Currently, 1,080 hectares in Mahshahr and its estuaries have been
transformed into mangrove forests, and the expansion plans are continuing.
Emadi also highlighted the environmental benefits of mangroves,
including their ability to absorb CO₂ and
heavy metals, helping mitigate the impact of industrial pollution on the
environment. In terms of air pollution, he pointed out that the petrochemical
industry has implemented measures to reduce flare gases and pollutants, with
annual decreases in emissions. New technologies, such as zero-flaring and
zero-liquid discharge systems, are being used to minimize environmental impact.
Emadi concluded by emphasizing the ongoing efforts to reduce pollution
and improve environmental conditions through strategic planning and new
technologies.