Today's Edition
TAHA HASEB (ABU DHABI) - In cooperation with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Nature - WWF has also helps with initiatives that open the door for the community to work with environmental experts In the UAE's Year of Sustainability with less than 40 days before the launch of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) conference, which the UAE will host from November 30 to December 12 at Expo City Dubai, Aletihad interviewed Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director-General of Emirates Nature-World Wildlife Fund (WWF), to discuss Emirates Nature - WWF's role in spreading the culture of sustainability and raising awareness of the importance of protecting nature.
Abdullatif confirmed that Emirates Nature - WWF, which is celebrating its 23rd anniversary, operates within the WWF network, but is an Emirati environmental charity at its heart. The institution was established in 2001 under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, the Honourary Founder, and Chairman of Emirates Nature - WWF, to perpetuate the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who considered the environment a trust that must be preserved for future generations.
"The association operates under the leadership of an Emirati board of directors, and focuses in its projects on our environment and local heritage. At the same time, we work with our colleagues globally, which qualifies us to transfer experiences and knowledge between the UAE and the world. We also strive to keep pace with global strategies to ensure we achieve an impact at the global level as well," Abdullatif said.
She also noted that she expects COP28 to boost local momentum towards the climate neutrality strategy, and that the UAE will see more funding directed towards climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, increased action from non-governmental actors, and more partnerships to enhance the country's climate action journey.
"It is fitting that we celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the founding of Emirates Nature-WWF in the Year of Sustainability, which carries the slogan 'Today for Tomorrow'. With the UAE preparing to host COP28, the association plays an important role in inspiring all sectors and segments of society to achieve a qualitative change on a wide scale, adding to its journey towards a sustainable future," she said.
She explained that the association works hand-in-hand with the community through a number of initiatives and volunteer opportunities, such as the "Leaders of Change", the first digital initiative in the UAE that brings together individuals to work for nature.
The "Leaders of Change" initiative has over 4,000 members so far, she noted. The Leaders of Change programme is an annual membership programme that the Emirates Nature-WWF has implemented since 2021. The programme mobilises the efforts of the UAE community, encompassing government and private institutions, as well as individuals and students, with the goal of maximising their positive impact and creating real change through training, brainstorming sessions, and offering unique opportunities to work hand-in-hand with scientists and specialists in the field of nature conservation, she said.
"By engaging the community in our nature conservation projects and creating opportunities to explore wildlife up close, such as through the 'Beach Cleaning' event, we are changing the prevailing notion that the field of nature conservation and sustainability is reserved for scientists and government entities. Instead, it is our responsibility as community members. Since the launch of 'Leaders of Change' in 2021, our community of 4,000 members has contributed more than 14,500 hours to nature conservation, varying from cleaning campaigns, waste sorting, wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, building ecological paths, and more," Abdullatif added.
In cooperation with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), the association has also contributed to initiatives that open the door for the community to work with environmental experts to implement environmental projects, not only to raise awareness about sustainability, but also to provide the community with the opportunity to play an on-the-ground role in protecting our planet, as people tend to protect what they see and connect with, she explained.
"At the local level, we face a number of environmental challenges similar to those faced by everyone globally, including the impact of climate change, excessive energy use, and challenges related to water and food security, as well as loss of nature and biodiversity. At Emirates Nature-WWF, we have worked over the past 23 years, and continue to work, on implementing numerous initiatives and programmes aimed at preserving the environment and reducing the challenges facing the region. Certainly, we do not do this alone, as climate action requires cooperation and active participation from all sectors of society, as well as individuals and youth. Therefore, we work with government entities and the private sector to enhance the sustainability agenda of the UAE," Abdullatif said.
She affirmed that the association's projects focus on areas related to nature, wildlife, green economy, climate action, water and food security, and mobilising civil society. Among the most important projects are nature-based solutions. Launched in 2021, this project follows the global standard of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and focuses on protecting, restoring, and managing coastal ecosystems, using fundamental nature-based solutions to enhance climate change mitigation, biodiversity, and benefitting society through the opportunities provided by blended financing to support ecosystem protection, blue carbon, eco-tourism, and food security, among other goals, she said.
"Another significant project is the UAE Alliance for Climate Action, the first of its kind in the Middle East, launched on the sidelines of the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in 2022. The alliance aims to support the achievement of the UAE's strategic initiative for climate neutrality while preparing effectively for COP28, with more focus on post-conference projects and activities to ensure the required effective impact," she added.
In celebration of World Environment Day, in collaboration with EAD, the COP28 Nature and Climate for Youth event series was launched with an innovative format, featuring a climate-themed escape room titled "Escape from Climate Change - Mangrove Edition", allowing participants to learn about the scientific, nature-based efforts being made to adapt to climate change. The series aims to ensure youth and community members' participation and awareness of environmental conservation programmes even after the conclusion of COP28.
"At the local level, numerous achievements have been realised thanks to collaboration with our partners from government bodies, the private sector, companies, and local communities within the United Arab Emirates. For example, we succeeded in saving 30% of the fresh water used for irrigation in Wadi Shees (part of Khorfakkan city in Sharjah Emirate) after training 100% of the farmers to use modern water-saving methods. We also renovated and rehabilitated the traditional Falaj in the village in 2019. We also demarcated 783 metres of coastal habitats to identify areas requiring official protection on the northern Emirates' shores in 2017, and are working to protect endangered turtles since 2009. Since we started implementing the global Earth Hour campaign in the UAE in 2008, the number of supporters and participants in the campaign has risen to over 3 million each year," the Director-General added.
"We have designed our projects and activities to be an effective tool for empowering the community to create real, tangible change and contribute to achieving the United Arab Emirates' global environmental sustainability goals," Abdullatif said.
