UAE Delegation Led By Dr. Amna Al Dahak Highlights Biodiversity Efforts At UN COP16 In Colombia

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, led the UAE delegation at the UN Biodiversity COP16 in Cali, Colombia. This conference, running from 21st October to 1st November 2024, marks two years since the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was established. The framework aims for a harmonious coexistence with nature by 2050.

Dr. Al Dahak emphasised the UAE's dedication to biodiversity during COP16. She stated, "Biodiversity runs through every element of our climate action. In the UAE, we have made significant progress in protecting our biodiversity. We have adopted a 360-degree, whole of society approach from enacting legislation and monitoring its implementation, establishing and expanding protected areas as well as protecting, breeding and reintroducing endangered species into their natural habitats."

The UAE's commitment to marine conservation was highlighted by Dr. Al Dahak during an intervention on advancing marine conservation breakthroughs. She discussed policy frameworks and national strategies aimed at enhancing marine biodiversity. Innovative financing mechanisms were also mentioned as part of efforts to protect life under water.

Dr. Al Dahak shared insights on achieving Marine Conservation Breakthrough targets and enhancing marine biodiversity within the nation's NDCs and NBSAPs. She reiterated the importance of global cooperation in safeguarding oceans and marine ecosystems.

At the One Water Summit: Ministerial Event on Freshwater Ecosystems, Dr. Al Dahak participated in a panel discussion about freshwater's centrality in implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework. She elaborated on the COP28 Water Agenda's focus on conserving freshwater ecosystems and enhancing urban water resilience.

The UAE's commitment to water security solutions was underscored by its US$150 million funding pledge for vulnerable communities. Dr. Al Dahak highlighted initiatives like the Freshwater Challenge and Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.

Mangrove Alliance for Climate

The Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) partnership with Indonesia held its second technical meeting in Colombia on 23rd October during COP16. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment chaired this meeting, presenting an overview of the proposed Mangrove Alliance for Climate Strategy 2031.

Participants from Bahrain, Chile, France, Oman, Maldives, Philippines, Japan, and the UK shared challenges and priorities related to mangrove conservation. Feedback was sought to shape the final strategy document for presentation at COP29.

UAE’s National Biodiversity Strategies

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment showcased UAE’s National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) at COP16. They highlighted national achievements in identifying Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) that contribute significantly to global conservation efforts.

The delegation shared insights into freshwater ecosystem conservation initiatives while emphasising collaborative efforts across international agreements. Sustainable water management's role in regional biodiversity resilience was also underscored.

The UAE joined global partners in committing to restore freshwater ecosystems as part of the Freshwater Challenge. Ambitious restoration goals were presented ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference.

These participations demonstrated UAE’s dedication to climate resilience through actionable conservation targets while fostering peer-to-peer learning on natural ecosystem protection.

With inputs from WAM