Previous Posts

Presenting at the Australian Mangroves and Saltmarshes Conference

Mangroves from the Water (MFTW) is the title for my presentation at the Australasian Mangroves and Saltmarshes (AMSN) Conference held at the University of Adeliade, 14 to 17 November 2023. My PhD study research at Deakin University is of the same title, Mangroves from the Water. The 16 November presentation was successful as it was…

Exhibition announcement: In love with Mangroves (France)

Mangroves from the Water (MFTW) is excited to announce the In Love with Mangroves exhibition at the Médiathèque de Janville library in Beauce, France. The exhibition is curated by the artist Geraldine Chansard and Pauline Dupin. The exhibition is from September to December 2023.

MFTW’s first illustrated story: the Gini Fatouhah

Mangroves from the Water (MFTW) is happy to announce the in-progress publication of our first illustrated story about the mangroves and saltmarshes, The Gini Fatouhah. The story is based on the fabled Gini Fatouh, a much-loved Emirati folk tale featured in Dr Abdulaziz Almusallam’s Al Wahri (2022, الواري). Our aim with this story is to…

Announcement: Mangrove Art Exhibition

Mangroves Art.   It has taken 200 years for non-indigenous people (Europeans) to appreciate the value of mangroves.  And what of the aesthetic attraction of the mangrove forest?  How long has it taken for mangroves art to be appreciated and valued? Since the Mangroves from the Water (MFTW) began in 2013 the aims have been to highlight the…

Announcement! : Two workshops by one of MFTW’s artists, Jacqui Dreessens.

Announcement for two workshops by one of MFTW’s inspiring artists, Jacqui Dreessens. Kayak, Mangroves, Poetry Do you like kayaking? Ever written poetry? Have you ever seen the mangrove forest on Wadawurrung Country between Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove? Come and witness first hand this incredible ecosystem that clears the water and puts oxygen in the…

Participation in the Al Marmoom Film in the Desert

The short film ‘the Girl who Fell in Love with the Mangroves’ is to be podcasted by the Dubai Culture Authority during the ‘Al Marmoom – Film in the Desert’ festival on 10 December, 10:00pm to 12:00 pm. Rakhi, founder of the Desert Art Collective, will represent the filmmaker Pauline Dupin and the artist Geraldine Chansard…

UN Climate Change Conference Report

Mangroves from the Water would like to share the outcome of the UN Climate Change Conference that took place in Egypt during November 2022: Please follow this link to see the report

Congratulations to Jacqui Dreessens

We would like to congratulate one of the Mangroves from the Water artists, Jacqui Dreessens for presenting Echelons: Finding a reference point for culture heritage in a mangrove ecosystem at the 46th World Conference International Council of Traditional Music and Dance.

My International Fieldwork trip to US in July 2022

The following statement is to express my thanks for the support of International Fieldwork in the US between 21 June and 27 July.  The Smithsonian Folklife Festival highlighted my work and the Mangroves from the Water in mangrove heritage, art making and conservation.  My participation was based on esteem and my knowledge in the area…

Having fun at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is in full swing. Zahidah has been very busy entertaining the audiences with traditional storytelling, and manning the Mangroves from the Water exhibition space. Here are a few images of the event thus far…

Setting up our display at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival

We are super excited to be setting up our display to promote Mangroves from the Water and its quest to highlight and protect the mangroves in the UAE and the world! The Smithsonian Folklife Festival returns to the National Mall in Washington D.C. this summer,June 22–27 and June 30–July 4. The featured programs this year…

Radio Interview: Zahidah highlights the MFTW’s participation at the upcoming Smithsonian Folklife Festival. 

In a recent The Sustainable Hour Apple podcast interview, curator and founding artist Zahidah Zeytoun Millie highlights the Mangroves from the Water (MFTW) display at the upcoming Smithsonian Folklife Festival.  Please listen to this important and informative interview here: The Sustainable Hour Apple podcast Zahidah talks of ‘earth optimism’ and ‘ecological intimacy’, and she believes…

MFTW features in the UAE program at the 2022 Smithsonian Folklife Festival

2022 Smithsonian Folklife FestivalJune 22–27 and June 30–July 4, 2022National Mall, Washington, D.C. OverviewIn 2022, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival returns to the National Mall in Washington D.C. after a two-year hiatus. The two-week event includes two major themed programs: United Arab Emirates: Living Landscape | Living Memory, exploring the cultural traditions of the UAE, and…

The countdown begins for the 2022 Smithsonian Folklife Festival

After a two-year hiatus, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival returns to the National Mall this summer,June 22–27 and June 30–July 4. The featured programs this year are “Earth Optimism × Folklife:Inspiring Conservation Communities” and “United Arab Emirates: Living Landscape | Living Memory.” Over two weeks, visitors can enjoy music performances, craft workshops, cooking demonstrations,hands-on activities, and…

Development of UAQ Mangrove beach

Artists have always been the inspiration for new ideas that business people take for granted.  The Mangroves from the Water art campaign was born in the UAE emirate of Umm Al Quwain, starting with a touring exhibition (2015-2016) and a festival in 2017.  We are happy and proud to see the fruits of our touring artworks. …

Photos: student kayak workshop with Zahidah

Zahidah ran a successful workshop with school students on Thursday 18 November 2021.  The nine Year 11 students from Thomas Carr College, along with three teachers, joined Zahidah on kayaks through the mangrove forests in Victoria. The workshop is about a two hour trip: 20 minutes to kayak around the mangroves, then stop in a sheltered…

UAE vows to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030 at COP26

Fantastic news for the Mangroves from the Water team! The UAE has announced an increase to their target, to plant 100 million mangroves trees by 2030 at COP26, according to the Emirates News Agency: Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, presented the new target at the High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on…

The UAE’s commitment to Climate Change

The National newspaper ( 1 November, Thursday) headline’s the UAE’s commitment to Climate Change: As a strong advocate of environmental protection, the UAE has marked the fifth anniversary of the Paris Agreement with renewed resolve and enhanced ambition to address climate change. The country took a new step on the path to a climate-safe future…

CCCNN’s continued support and coverage of MFTW

We are delighted to share the continued support from CCCNN (Climate Change Communication and Narratives Network) through their blog, discussing the Mangroves from the Water (MFTW) project, and the participation of our curator Zahidah Zeytoun Millie in the MangroveWatch program. You can read more about it under the NEWS section of their blog here. This…

Video: Mangroves – Vanguards of the sea

This video is an introduction to the Mangroves from the Water project, narrated by Zahidah Zeytoun Millie.  We would like to thank the producer Sarah Treacy and Phil Hines for the filming and editing.  Our sincere gratitude to Jacqui Bennett, the founder of Humans in Geelong for the continued support.  Humans in Geelong Expo will…

Award: Certificate of Appreciation

The Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to curator and founder Zahidah Zeyton Millie, for her continued efforts in linking heritage, culture & environment through Mangroves from the Water exhibitions. We are grateful to the Sharjah Institute for Heritage for this award received on 24 September 2021. 

CCCNN covers the Mangroves from the Water exhibition

Thank you to CCCNN – Climate Change Communication and Narratives Network – for highlighting the Mangroves from the Water exhibition in Geelong held in August and recognizing our founder and curator Zahidah Zeytoun Millie (member). Please view their website to see the post and read all about the CCCNN’s mission and the wonderful work they…

Video of the Mangroves from the Water exhibition opening

We are so excited to share this video capturing the official opening of our Mangroves from the Water exhibition, 14 August, Gordon Gallery, Geelong. To view the complete video, please visit our Mangroves from the Water YouTube page. A huge thank you to Phil Hines for all the photography on the day, and creating this…

The reveal ! – monoprint workshop with Nicola

Nicola Cerini led a monoprint workshop in the Gordon Gallery, in front of her beautiful printed linen artworks. Monoprint is an easy instant and one-off original printing process and we highly recommend you try your hand at this technique. A rough interpretation of the technique: The participants use various coloured ink on a plate (usually…

Look at the dancers at Jacqui’s workshop

Jacqui Dreessens, from Wild Moves International, led a fabulously fun interpretive dance and movement workshop in conjunction with her live dance and video performance titled Echelons (2021) at the Mangroves from the Water exhibition. During the official opening day on Saturday 14 Aug, the participants followed her instructions to feel inspired by nature and mangroves…

Mangroves from the Water Exhibition photos

It’s with great pleasure that we are able to share these images with you from our official opening on Saturday 14 August 2021. Thanks to the Gordon Gallery, the City of Greater Geelong, Sharjah Institute of Heritage, , the Barwon Estuary Project and Humans of Geelong for their support in realising this show. The opening…

Exhibition closing date 18 August

Our exhibition closing date is now 18 August. Unfortunately due to Covid lockdown scheduling issues we had to limit our duration.Two more days to catch the varied multi-media tribute to the mangroves!!! Photo by Phil Hines

Come visit our traditional Arabic majlis at the Gordon Gallery

Arab majlis. The term majlis describes a regular gathering of like-minded individuals. The sitting place is regularly used on the Arabian Peninsula as a forum for friends and colleagues to meet and discuss political and social developments, to engage in debate, to share views and research, and to network.   The majlis at the ‘Mangroves…

Exhibition catalogue Mangroves from the Water, August 2021

We hope you have the opportunity to visit the Gordon Gallery 11-18 August to view our multi-media exhibition Mangroves from the Water. (The dates had to be amended due to Covid lockdowns in Australia) Here is the exhibition catalogue (the date had to change due to lockdowns). Do enjoy!

Fun events for everyone!

In conjunction with our Mangroves from the Water exhibition, opening tomorrow 11 August – 22 August, we have these exciting events for the public to participate in….. Meet Richard Collopy, who will narrate fantastical tales of nature and beings through indigenous storytelling. Dance away with Jacqui Dreessens from Wild Moves International, translating a full body…

ANNOUNCEMENT: OPENING 11 August 11 am

We are so excited to finally open the doors to our exhibition Mangroves from the Water at the Gordon Gallery tomorrow morning, 11 August at 11 am. Please do pass by – since lockdown is now completed – and meet our curator and activist Zahidah Zeytoun Millie. The show will run until 18 August, from…

NEW DATE!!! Opening 14th August

We have a post-quarantine treat for you!! Our show will open Saturday 14th August, 1 pm. We are in the process of updating the official invitation and the schedule of events. You will be able to book for the workshops very soon! Thank you for your patience. Stay home, stay safe and see you all…

The beautiful paintings of Helen Martin

The beautiful paintings of Helen Martin conveys a touching fondness for her husband by translating his deep-rooted connection to the mangroves, Her skill as a painter is evident in the atmospheric depictions of mangrove trees as seen in the images below, manifesting the vibrancy and liveliness through brush strokes and play of light. Helen’s artist…

Exhibition opening POSTPONED

Due to the latest Covid regulations, as from 5 August 2021, our exhibition had to be postponed until further notice. The lockdown is due for 7 days, and we will share the new dates and revised event schedules as soon as we possibly can! We wish everyone a sane and safe lockdown. If we work…

“The girl who fell in love with the mangroves” : sneak preview!

We are so proud of the variety of multi-media on offer at the next Mangroves from the Water exhibition. Here is a preview to entice you to visit the Gordon Gallery. Geraldine Chansard collaborated with director Pauline Dupin to create this heartwarming tale in a short video. You can follow the news thread on Geraldine’s…

State of the world mangroves report 2021, by the Global Mangrove Alliance

As world leaders face converging crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, a compilation of the most current information available on what is known about mangrove forests is released, with a look at what’s being done to reverse the downward trends impacting the forests and the local communities who depend on them. The report is compiled…

Introducing the Dance and Film collaboration between Jacqui Dreessens and Enrico Santucci

A collaboration between Jacqueline Dreessens, choreographer and performer, and Enrico Santucci, Videographer and photographer. A dance film about the interconnection of mangroves and creatures in Lake Connewarre, Wadawurrung Country, Barwon Heads, Victoria, Australia. Visit Mangroves from the Water exhibition from 7-18 August at Gordon Gallery, Geelong to view this spectacular film!

Enrico’s passion for the mangroves

Here is a tale by Enrico explaining his passion for the mangroves and how his green fingers connects him to the natural world: On a warm day in February 2019 I was kayaking in Koornoo wetlands territory of the Waddawurrung Balug clan of the Wadawurrung people, with a few fellow artists to be inspired by…

Humans in Geelong

Huge thank you to the Humans in Geelong for their continued support to Mangroves from the Water. Here is an interview they posted with curator Zahidah Zeytoun Millie… ‘What I have been preparing to say is, that in wilderness is the preservation of the world.’ HD Thoreau“ I moved to Geelong from the United Arab…

Workshop alert! Interpretive dance with Jacqui Dreessens

Join us for this unique experience with Jacqui from Wild Moves International: dancing inspired by the natural environment! Please see the flyer for booking details. Due to Covid regulations and current lockdown, the exhibition and events has to be postponed. The opening is  now on 14 August and we will update the dates and times…

Happy International Mangrove Day !!!

Today is the International Day of the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem , 26th July. Declared by UNESCO, this day is to “to raise awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems as a unique, special and vulnerable ecosystem and to promote solutions for their sustainable management, conservation and uses”. Mangroves: United Arab Emirates – thanks…

Workshop alert! Monoprinting for all

Why not try your hand at some fun printing techniques! Any skill level welcome! A small fee applies, but yummy afternoon tea is supplied! Please book directly with Nicola, on her website: nicolacerini.com/workshops Due to Covid regulations and current lockdown, the exhibition and events has to be postponed. The opening is  now on 14 August…

Workshop Alert! Paint from a kayak in the mangroves

Here is an exciting opportunity to be led via kayak into the secret gardens of the mangrove wetlands by our experienced kayaker and watercolour artist / Curator Zahidah Zeytoun Millie. Sunday 15 August, Lake Conneware, Barwon Heads. Please contact Zahidah directly on mangrovesfromthewater@gmail.com to book your spot. Spaces are limited and we have 2 extra…

Workshop and Events schedule

Exhibition dates are 11 – 18 August. The official opening is on Saturday 14 August . You can still view the list of events to make your choices to attend…booking details remain the same! PLEASE DO VIEW THE FLYERS BELOW FOR THE NEW DATES FOR EVENTS BY Richard Collopy, Jacqui Dreessens and Nicola Cerini The…

IMPORTANT NOTICE: New exhibition dates

Due to Covid regulations and current lockdown, the exhibition and events has to be postponed. The new dates are  now on 11 – 18 August and we will update the dates and times of the events shortly. You can still view the list of events to make your choices to attend…booking details will be shared…

Marawed Magazine focuses on the mangroves as part of Emirati Heritage

We are grateful to be part of this important magazine called Marawed and fortunate to be working with Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute of Heritage and Editor-in-Chief. Plants and trees – nature in general- is extremely important to the Emirati culture and prominent in Islamic traditions and teachings from the Holy…

Listen to our podcast! Masainakum Masoonah

Mangroves from the Water curator, team leader and artist Zahidah Zeytoun Millie runs a podcast called Masainakum Masoonah – an Arabic saying meaning “Good evening to you, Good evening to us” Zahidah in her radio studio at Pulse FM, Geelong Australia In this week’s episode, Zahidah chats to Jacqui Dreessens from their kayaks in Barwon…

Alexis Gambis’ filmmaking career is reaching new heights

We are super proud to announce our fellow Mangrove from the Water team member Alexis Gambis is achieving tremendous success in his filmmaking career. Son of Monarchs is a film written and directed by Alexis Gambis. It depicts a personal and spiritual journey of a Mexican biologist who returns to his hometown in the majestic…

Passion for the Mangroves – Kerrie Taylor

We are so happy to have Kerrie Taylor as the latest artist to join our team at Mangroves from the Water. Kerrie shared these work- in- progress photos while doing research in the mangroves of the Darwin beaches. She travels there every year from Victoria for further research on pneumatophores and mangroves. What is a…

Introducing Helen Martin

Helen Martin gives us a glimpse into her studio with her work in progress. She explains her mediums – which includes homemade beeswax- and the inspiration she draws from the mangroves from various sites in Australia. She particularly appreciates the inter-tidal moments when you can spot all the little creatures roaming their habitat. Please enjoy…

Nicola Cerini tells her mangrove discovery story

In the build up to our upcoming exhibition (26 July!), we check in with some of our participating artists on how they are preparing their works. This story from Nicola Cerini about her inspiration and work process is particularly enjoyable: — “The work was inspired by a couple of fun kayaking trips through the Mangroves…

Tranquil Khor Al Baidah

Click HERE to watch a short video of the views of Khor al Baidah, Umm Al Quwain on our YouTube channel. Thanks to local resident Tracy Bridle for sending us this video she and her family captured for us on their visit.

Mangroves in the spotlight for UAE National Day

Mangroves from the Water planted a seed during 2014 -2017 through their touring exhibition in the UAE and the 2017 Mangroves Festival. We are very happy to see that the mangrove seed we planted in the UAE has turned into a tree. See this article in The National newspaper about the importance of the mangroves…

Podcast by Zahidah: Masainakum Massonah مسيناوكم مسوونا

Masainakum Massonah مسيناوكم مسوونا By Zahidah Zeytoun Millie The Arabic program ‘Masainakum Massonah’ goes to air from the City of Greater Geelong every Tuesday night 8 pm@ 94.7thepulse! A selection of Arabic songs, chosen story, popular quote, and music including an interview with one of Mangroves from the Water artists.

Zahidah’s interview on The Sustainable Hour, 22 July

In the run up to the International day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem (26 July), please tune in on Wednesday, 22 July to The Sustainable Hour, at 11 am, to listen to an interview with our curator Zahidah Zeytoun Millie! Details: The Pulse 94.7 FM, Geelong, Victoria, community radio, at  11 a.m. You…

Introducing our YouTube channel!

Mangroves from the Water is now on YouTube!  Please follow our channel, and see some beautiful and informative videos of the United Arab Emirates and Australian mangroves.  

Artist meet-up

We are lucky to have our ‘office’ in the middle of Mother Nature! Artist meet-ups are so much fun…

Victoria (Australia) Mangrove information kit

We are happy to share this information kit, detailing the mangroves and explaining the threats to the natural habitat, as well as ideas on how to protect it. Please follow this link to download the infokit: Mangroves_Vic_infokit_2011

Schedule of events

Here is the schedule of talks, events and performances during our exhibition: Mangroves from the water Gordon Gallery, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia 26 July – 15 August The exhibition will provide viewers with a range of media to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. The artists also hope to see discussions occurring throughout…

How do mangroves help us?

Information researched from the Australian Marine Environment Protection Association Did you know that both the habitat and the trees that live in the sea are called mangroves. Mangroves live in the area where the tide moves in and out along the coasts, estuaries and rivers. This area is called the intertidal zone. The tides move…

The mangrove animal life

Text and images sourced from the Australian Marine Environment Protection Association Mangroves are the supermarkets of the sea. The fertile mud is the original source of most of the mangrove’s food.  The fertility of the mud comes from the falling mangrove leaves. Some animals live in the mangrove canopy and never step on the water…

Did you know…?

Did you know…. these interesting facts about mangroves? Two thirds of the fish we eat spend part of their life in mangroves. Mangroves are trees or shrubs that live in seawater. They occur in the area between high and low tide along the coast, estuaries and up rivers. Only two counties, Indonesia and Brazil have…

Appreciating nature’s beauty – Helen Martin

During this universally uncertain period, it helps to take time for reflection and appreciation. Being in isolation doesn’t mean one can’t still enjoy nature’s beauty. Helen Martin sent us these pictures from her visit to Warneet, Victoria, taken at the top of the bay where the Rutherford Creek flows into Western Port. (Photo taken by…

Introducing Malcolm Gardiner

We are proud to collaborate with Malcolm Gardiner, the president of the Land and Water Resources Otway Catchment (LAWROC). LAWROC is a Landcare group which is actively involved in Barwon fighting for the protection on the Victorian Wetlands, specifically rivers and creeks in part of the Otways, south of Colac. The desire to leave this…

Why protect the mangroves?

Mangroves and Marshes are key in the climate change battle! Here are some factual information, sourced from The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ‘s website (posted 2 Feb 2017) With the advent of green technologies, it is easy to view the battle against climate change as one for the tech world. A lesser-known…

Did you know…?

Did you know…. Not only does our curator Zahidah Zeytoun Millie lead and organizes the Mangroves from the Water exhibition, while painting from her kayak in the mangroves… …she also hosts a weekly radio talk show on 94.7 FM The Pulse ! Tune in!! She will be interviewing participating artists soon!

Announcement from our curator Zahidah

I am happy to announce about the multimedia ‘Mangroves from the Water in Geelong’ exhibition to open on the Mangroves Day, 26 July, 2020 at the Gordon Gallery, Deakin University, Waterfront. The Mangroves from the Water project members believe that through their art they can build awareness of the importance of protecting this important natural…

Announcing our collaboration with the Barwon Estuary Project

Mangroves from the Water exhibition is happy to collaborate with Barwon Estuary Project in Barwon Heads to join the world celebration of the mangroves and wetlands on the International Mangroves Day. The Barwon Estuary Project aims to increase their community’s knowledge and appreciation of the biodiversity and fragility of the local treasure, enabling all to care…

Watch the video of the Mangrove Tree Planting Day here!

Check out this amazing video made by Enrico Santucci, of the Mangrove Tree Planting Day that happened on the 18th February. Please click this link: Altona Mangroves planting – HD 720p.mov Or watch it on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCwHl58bA-A&fbclid=IwAR2yI7Ez–pcHLLc7-BdqXKmozLxlkPGVBdlDL6b4Uq5Uk_4RZcdaBayz6Q   Thanks to Enrico for the video, Rebecca Morris from the University of Melbourne, and the amazing volunteers…

Announcing our collaboration with Ocean Tree Studios

Mangroves from the Water exhibition is happy to collaborate with Ocean Tree Studios in Florida, USA to join the world celebration of the mangroves and wetlands on the International Mangroves Day. Ocean Tree Studios is an environmental conservation organization founded in 2017 by Maya Greven (Founder, Creative Director). Their mission is inspired by the magnificent mangrove, the…

A glimpse into the creative development process of Jacqui Dreessens

It is always interesting to know how artists/performers derive at their final works. We thank Jacqui for giving us a glimpse into her creative process, translating the inspiration from the natural mangrove environment by using images and words and ultimately transforming it into a physical dance performance. Writing poetry about the Ecology of Place is…

Mangroves Information signs, kindly provided by HCT-SJW

In collaboration with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)- Sharjah Women’s College, information signs were created and placed in various parts within the UAQ Mangroves to educate and inform visitors of the purpose, life cycle and animals in habitat within the mangroves. We are happy to share these here: Mangrove UAQ_2_15Jun17 We are very grateful…

View the Mangroves from the Water Booklet here!!

Download here:   Mangroves BOOKLET We would like to present you with the Mangroves from the Water BOOKLET. Please follow the above link above to view or download this informative booklet, providing an overview of the UAQ Mangroves, the natural habitat and the evolution of the various art exhibitions and the Mangroves Festival.

Guest artists and performers at the Mangroves Festival

We would like to mention and thank all our guests artists and performers for participating in the Mangroves from the Water Festival this year! Fatma Lootah Studied art at the Baghdad Art Academy and the American University, Washington DCUSA. Fatma has lived and worked in Verona since 1984. She is highly regarded for having blended…

Exhibiting artists at the Mangroves from the Water Festival

We would like to mention and thank all the artists for participating in the Mangroves from the Water Festival this year, the first of its kind in Umm Al Quwain! Afshan Qureishi Afshan is a Dubai based artist having practiced for 30 years. She is highly passionate about art in all forms, and although she…

Free, fun events and children’s activities!

Join the Mangroves from the Water team at our Mangroves Festival 2017. The Ministry of Youth & Knowledge Development UAQ are offering fun, free activities for children daily! Please see the below flyer for details: