UAE Champions a Nature-Positive Future at IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025
The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) reaffirmed the nation’s steadfast commitment to a nature-positive and sustainable future during high-level engagements at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, being held in Abu Dhabi from October 9–15.
Delivering an inspiring keynote, Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized that the call to protect the planet transcends policy—it is a “moral and human obligation.”
“Our responsibility towards our planet is no longer a matter of choice; it is a moral and human obligation,” said HE Dr. Amna. “This principle was instilled in us by our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who believed that humanity and nature are inseparable partners in the journey of life.”
Global Vision Rooted in Local Action
Dr. Amna highlighted the UAE’s leadership in advancing nature-based and technology-enabled solutions, including:
The Mangrove Alliance for Climate, advancing blue carbon ecosystems.
The Clean Rivers Initiative, tackling river and marine pollution.
The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, promoting global water sustainability.
She urged delegates to plant the “roots of global cooperation”—a metaphor symbolizing the UAE’s belief in collective growth, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Food Systems
In a significant move, HE Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of MOCCAE, signed an MoU with HE Sheikh Fahim Sultan Khalid Al Qasimi, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Seafood Souq, for the SFS Trace Project—a blockchain-powered traceability solution to ensure transparency from catch to consumer.
Al Nuaimi noted that this collaboration reinforces the National Food Security Strategy, ensuring “the health and wellbeing of all residents” through advanced regulatory frameworks and full value-chain accountability.
Accelerating the 30x30 Biodiversity Target
At a panel on the MENA Target 3 “Stock-take” Dialogue, HE Hiba Obaid Alshehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Biodiversity and Marine Life, reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to conserve 30% of its land and sea areas by 2030.
“Our approach is science-driven and technology-enabled,” said HE Hiba. “We are leveraging AI and remote sensing for biodiversity mapping, engaging all stakeholders, and investing in innovative financing to achieve truly representative conservation outcomes.”
H.E. Hiba also underlined the UAE’s active participation in the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (HAC), fostering global partnerships and policy coherence to meet the 30x30 goal.
Youth and Oceans: Anchors of a Sustainable Future
Ahead of the Congress, MOCCAE took part in the Youth Summit and the MENA Oceans Summit, advancing discussions on ocean governance, sustainable fisheries, and intergenerational environmental leadership.
At the Youth Summit, HE Al Nuaimi highlighted the UAE’s enduring commitment to youth empowerment, referencing COP28’s youth inclusivity legacy:
“The UAE believes that lasting change lies in empowering the next generation of environmental leaders. Their voices must be central in shaping global decisions.”
Looking Ahead: The UAE and IUCN—Partners for a Living Planet
The Ministry’s dynamic participation at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 showcased how the UAE is bridging policy, innovation, and community engagement to safeguard biodiversity and drive a nature-positive global movement.
Through its leadership, the UAE continues to reaffirm that sustainability is not a slogan—but a shared moral duty, powered by technology, partnerships, and human resolve.
As Dr. Amna aptly concluded, “When we plant the roots of cooperation today, we cultivate prosperity for all humankind tomorrow.”
