UAE Unveils Comprehensive Mangrove Alliance For Climate Strategy 2031 At COP29 In Baku

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, introduced the MAC Strategy 2031 at the second ministerial meeting of the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC). This event took place alongside COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan on 21st November. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Al Dahak and Nani Hendiarti, Indonesia's Deputy Minister for Environment and Forestry Management.

The gathering included ministers from MAC member nations who evaluated the MAC Strategy 2031 and discussed future plans to enhance their collaborative efforts in promoting mangrove restoration globally. Their discussions centred on strengthening joint initiatives to expand and protect mangrove ecosystems worldwide.

Dr. Amna Al Dahak opened the session with remarks highlighting the UAE's dedication to conserving and expanding its mangrove forests. She emphasised the country's contributions to global mangrove ecosystems, discussing their benefits in climate mitigation, adaptation, and supporting marine life.

She stated, "Mangroves act as a natural carbon sink, capturing four times more carbon than rainforests. They provide natural flood protection, prevent erosion, help limit sea level rise. In the UAE, we recognise the critical role mangrove forests play in helping us to achieve our nation’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy. At COP26 in 2021, we stepped up our ambition to expand the UAE’s mangrove cover and pledged to restore 100 million mangroves by 2030."

Dr. Al Dahak highlighted the importance of collaboration within MAC and praised Indonesia for its support in global mangrove conservation efforts. She also acknowledged other members' contributions to their ecosystems.

Unveiling the MAC Strategy 2031, she remarked that it embodies collective efforts to boost global mangroves. "Our collective efforts to boost mangroves worldwide are embodied in the MAC 2031 Strategy, which offers a blueprint to enable mangrove ecosystems to thrive on a global scale. This Strategy raises MAC’s ambitions in mangrove conservation and will drive clear, coordinated action."

Commitments and Future Directions

The meeting concluded with interventions from member states followed by closing remarks from Dr. Amna Al Dahak and Nani Hendiarti. Prior to this ministerial meeting, technical committees from all 45 MAC members met at COP16 in Cali, Colombia.

They reviewed and finalised the proposed MAC Strategy 2031 for ministerial deliberation. This strategy provides a roadmap supporting member states' commitments to mangrove conservation while promoting sustainable climate action through nature-based solutions.

MAC members have pledged to rehabilitate and restore mangroves within their countries while supporting similar international efforts. By doing so, they aim to leverage ongoing commitments across areas like scientific research, coastal management, education, climate mitigation and adaptation.

With inputs from WAM