emirates7 - The UAE will observe the International Day for Biological Diversity tomorrow, celebrated this year under the theme “Harmony With Nature and Sustainable Development.” This theme highlights the crucial need to balance human advancement with the protection of biodiversity and natural resources, especially in light of ongoing climate challenges.
In line with this occasion, the United Nations has renewed its urgent call to accelerate efforts toward achieving the goals outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This framework includes 23 targets to be met by 2030 and five overarching goals for 2050, all aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity loss within the next 25 years.
The UN reports that human activities have significantly impacted around 75% of land ecosystems and 66% of marine ecosystems, putting approximately 1 million animal and plant species at risk of extinction.
The UAE has long recognized the importance of biodiversity, taking early and robust action to preserve and enhance its wildlife. This commitment is evident in the country’s legislative framework, strict enforcement, expansion of protected areas, and initiatives to breed and reintroduce endangered species into their native habitats.
Given the cultural and environmental significance of biodiversity to the UAE, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment continues to collaborate with partners to advance national efforts. These include implementing the National Biodiversity Strategy, the National Strategy to Combat Desertification, and the Strategy for Sustainability of the Marine and Coastal Environment.
The National Biodiversity Strategy aims to tackle the root causes of biodiversity loss by embedding biodiversity considerations across various sectors, reducing harmful pressures, promoting sustainable practices, and improving ecosystem health.
Recognizing the connection between desertification and biodiversity decline, the UAE developed its first National Strategy to Combat Desertification in 2003, with an in 2014. In 2024, the UAE Cabinet endorsed the 2022–2030 version of the strategy, which features 33 major initiatives and a comprehensive national action plan.
At COP28, the UAE also launched the general framework for the Biodiversity Strategy 2031. This new framework focuses on monitoring ecosystems, safeguarding biodiversity, and building national capabilities in this field.
Nature reserves play a central role in the UAE’s conservation efforts. The country now has 49 nature reserves, including 16 marine reserves that cover about 12.01% of coastal and marine areas, and 33 terrestrial reserves that encompass 18.4% of the land area.
Mangrove expansion is a key focus due to its critical function in carbon absorption and coastal protection. As part of its wider climate and biodiversity goals, the UAE has pledged to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030.
In line with this occasion, the United Nations has renewed its urgent call to accelerate efforts toward achieving the goals outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This framework includes 23 targets to be met by 2030 and five overarching goals for 2050, all aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity loss within the next 25 years.
The UN reports that human activities have significantly impacted around 75% of land ecosystems and 66% of marine ecosystems, putting approximately 1 million animal and plant species at risk of extinction.
The UAE has long recognized the importance of biodiversity, taking early and robust action to preserve and enhance its wildlife. This commitment is evident in the country’s legislative framework, strict enforcement, expansion of protected areas, and initiatives to breed and reintroduce endangered species into their native habitats.
Given the cultural and environmental significance of biodiversity to the UAE, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment continues to collaborate with partners to advance national efforts. These include implementing the National Biodiversity Strategy, the National Strategy to Combat Desertification, and the Strategy for Sustainability of the Marine and Coastal Environment.
The National Biodiversity Strategy aims to tackle the root causes of biodiversity loss by embedding biodiversity considerations across various sectors, reducing harmful pressures, promoting sustainable practices, and improving ecosystem health.
Recognizing the connection between desertification and biodiversity decline, the UAE developed its first National Strategy to Combat Desertification in 2003, with an in 2014. In 2024, the UAE Cabinet endorsed the 2022–2030 version of the strategy, which features 33 major initiatives and a comprehensive national action plan.
At COP28, the UAE also launched the general framework for the Biodiversity Strategy 2031. This new framework focuses on monitoring ecosystems, safeguarding biodiversity, and building national capabilities in this field.
Nature reserves play a central role in the UAE’s conservation efforts. The country now has 49 nature reserves, including 16 marine reserves that cover about 12.01% of coastal and marine areas, and 33 terrestrial reserves that encompass 18.4% of the land area.
Mangrove expansion is a key focus due to its critical function in carbon absorption and coastal protection. As part of its wider climate and biodiversity goals, the UAE has pledged to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030.