UAE Concludes Participation In COP16, Emphasising International Cooperation To Combat Desertification

The UAE recently wrapped up its involvement in the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The focus was on boosting international collaboration to find practical solutions for desertification and drought. The UAE stressed the need for all community groups to participate, especially highlighting women's roles in sustainable land management.

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, led the UAE delegation at COP16. She stated that with visionary leadership, the UAE serves as a model for sustainability both locally and globally. "COP16 on combating desertification marked a new chapter in the UAE’s achievements to address the global drought crisis and halting land degradation," she said.

Dr. Al Dahak highlighted the UAE's initiatives that have benefited communities worldwide. She mentioned efforts like the ‘Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative’ that aim to tackle global water issues. The UAE has also strengthened sustainable agriculture and food systems through innovation.

Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, spoke about water scarcity challenges in the Arab region during a session titled ‘Strengthening the Environmental Dimension of Food Systems Amid a Polycrisis in the Arab Region’. He emphasised investing in climate-smart land solutions to mitigate climate change impacts.

Hiba Obaid Al Shehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector at MOCCAE, participated in a session focused on women's leadership in sustainable land management. She underscored the UAE's commitment to gender equality as part of addressing climate change impacts.

"The climate crisis does not affect one gender more than the other; both women and men are significantly impacted by climate change," she noted. This presents an opportunity to enhance women's roles in combating desertification and drought.

International Cooperation and Innovation

Al Shehhi also discussed initiatives like the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC), launched by the UAE with Indonesia. This alliance aims to expand mangrove planting globally, which helps preserve marine biodiversity. The Mohamed bin Zayed - Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Centre will lead these efforts.

The COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture highlights that achieving Paris Agreement goals depends on addressing food systems' interconnections with agriculture and climate. This declaration has been endorsed by 160 nations so far.

Regional Challenges and Solutions

Al Nuaimi stressed that tackling climate change, water scarcity, land degradation, and desertification requires regional cooperation. Advanced technologies, resource management strengthening, and international collaboration are essential strategies.

"We must invest in climate-smart land solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change," he said. Cooperation among stakeholders is crucial for achieving shared goals across Arab nations.

Commitment to Sustainability

The UAE's participation at COP16 showcased its dedication to sustainability through various initiatives aimed at enhancing agriculture and water management practices. Dr. Al Dahak thanked Emirati work teams for their role in reinforcing national goals while contributing globally.

"The participation of Emirati work teams exemplified our collaboration and unity in pursuing shared goals," she added. Their efforts highlight how innovation-driven agriculture can maximise natural resources' benefits while preventing waste.

The conference served as a platform for discussing strategies that transform land degradation into renewal under its theme "Our Land. Our Future". It brought together governments, businesses, and civil society organisations committed towards shaping a sustainable future for land use worldwide.

With inputs from WAM