UAE Solidifies Its Role As A Key Driver In Achieving CITES Goals Through Innovative Legislation And AI Solutions

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment, highlighted the nation's pivotal role in advancing the goals of the "CITES" convention. By merging innovative laws with AI technology, the UAE is enhancing wildlife protection and tackling cross-border environmental crimes effectively. She delivered this message at the 20th Conference of the Parties to CITES in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The conference is a major event for international wildlife trade regulation, gathering representatives from 184 parties to shape global biodiversity conservation strategies. Al Dahak emphasised that as a global trade hub, the UAE enforces a strict "zero-tolerance" policy against illegal wildlife trade.

Al Dahak detailed the UAE’s Federal Law on wildlife protection, which is being updated to include prison terms up to 15 years and fines reaching AED2 million. This law underscores the UAE’s stance against wildlife trafficking, sending a strong warning to offenders. Additionally, environmental crimes are now part of the national anti-money laundering strategy to dismantle criminal financial networks.

The minister introduced an AI-driven Smart CITES Certificate Verification System developed with IBM. This system replaces traditional methods with automated permit authentication linked to national databases for real-time fraud detection. It ensures supply chain reliability and boosts global confidence in legal trade from the UAE.

The UAE's dedication to wildlife protection has roots in a 50-year legacy established by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This legacy led to early accession to CITES in 1974 and continues guiding modern conservation efforts by blending traditional wisdom with advanced technology.

Looking ahead, the UAE aims to strengthen its global commitment by hosting the 2026 UN Congress on Crime Prevention. The focus will be on "wildlife cybercrime," addressing emerging digital threats to biodiversity.

Global Leadership and Partnerships

The minister stressed that alongside security measures, significant environmental gains are evident through science-based conservation programmes. These efforts have successfully revived species like the Arabian Oryx and Houbara bustard from near extinction.

In her closing remarks, Al Dahak reaffirmed the UAE's leadership in international cooperation, citing successes like "Operation Jungle Shield" in Central Africa. This operation resulted in 58 arrests and seizure of over two tonnes of illicit ivory, showcasing effective collaboration with INTERPOL and UNODC under I2LEC.

The UAE has transitioned from national compliance to proactive global leadership in law enforcement against organised crime. A key aspect is capacity building for combating endangered species trafficking. Through I2LEC, training has been provided to law enforcement officers from over 123 countries worldwide.

Al Dahak reiterated the UAE's commitment to sharing advanced technological solutions and strengthening strategic partnerships. This ensures that CITES conventions lead to sustainable impacts protecting wildlife globally.

With inputs from WAM