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UAE Leads Delegation at UN Biodiversity COP16 in Colombia.


CALI: Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, led a delegation from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) to represent the UAE at the UN Biodiversity COP16, in the Colombian city of Cali. The Conference of Parties, taking place from 21st October to 1st November 2024, marks two years of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to achieve global harmony with nature by 2050.

According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Al Dahak emphasized the UAE’s commitment to biodiversity, stating that it is integral to the nation’s climate action. The UAE has made strides in protecting biodiversity through a comprehensive approach involving legislation, the establishment and expansion of protected areas, and the reintroduction of endangered species into natural habitats.

Dr. Al Dahak attended an Informal Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Local Governments for Biodiversity, highlighting the UAE’s efforts to protect biodiversity. She urged member state
s to strengthen their commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework and stressed the importance of collaborative action.

During the event, Dr. Al Dahak discussed the Mangrove Alliance for Climate, highlighting the UAE’s pledge to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030 and the Plant the Emirates National Programme. She participated in a session on Advancing Marine Conservation Breakthroughs, sharing insights on the UAE’s policy frameworks and innovative financing mechanisms for marine biodiversity.

Dr. Al Dahak also engaged in the One Water Summit’s Ministerial Event on Freshwater Ecosystems, focusing on the COP28 Water Agenda and initiatives like the Freshwater Challenge and Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative. She discussed the UAE’s advancements in desalination, wastewater treatment, and smart irrigation systems.

MOCCAE showcased the UAE’s National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and its progress in alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The delegation highligh
ted national achievements in identifying Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) and emphasized sustainable water management’s role in regional biodiversity resilience.

As part of the Freshwater Challenge, the UAE committed to restoring freshwater ecosystems and wetlands, presenting its restoration goals ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference. COP16 also saw progress on mangrove conservation through the UAE’s Mangroves Alliance for Climate (MAC) partnership with Indonesia.

The UAE chaired the second technical meeting of the MAC partnership, presenting the proposed Mangrove Alliance for Climate Strategy 2031. Participants discussed challenges and priorities, providing feedback to shape the strategy for COP29. The UAE shared strategies to enhance participation, including surveys and workshops.

These engagements underscored the UAE’s dedication to climate resilience and conservation, highlighting its commitment to fostering peer-to-peer learning for protecting natural ecosystems.