UAE Allocates US$10 Million To Enhance Community Resilience Against Natural Disasters In Asia And The Pacific

The UAE, under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has committed US$10 million to bolster community resilience against natural disasters in Asia and the Pacific. This initiative, facilitated by the UAE Aid Agency, aims to support the Emirates Nature Society in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) through the "Community Resilience to Natural Disasters Programme."

Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, highlighted the UAE's leadership in fostering international cooperation for both people and nature. He stated, "This initiative embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to invest in preventive action and enhance the adaptive capacities of local communities in facing natural disasters."

The programme is a collaborative effort between WWF and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). It seeks to use nature-based solutions to improve community resilience against natural hazards. The focus is on enhancing disaster preparedness and promoting sustainable income sources.

Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature–WWF, remarked on the UAE's dedication to community resilience. She said, "This commitment reflects the UAE’s belief that resilience begins within communities. For 25 years, Emirates Nature–WWF has worked hand in hand with the nation’s leadership and local partners to empower people and protect nature."

The initial phase of this programme will be carried out in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Fiji, and Solomon Islands. This phase aims to create a scalable model for future regional growth. The UAE's financial contribution is intended to attract further co-financing from public and private sectors.

Kirsten Schuijt, Director-General of WWF International, emphasised nature's role in disaster risk reduction. She noted that this initiative supports communities in restoring ecosystems that protect them while building safer societies. "Nature is one of humanity’s strongest allies in reducing disaster risk," she added.

Focus Areas for Community Resilience

The programme concentrates on three main areas: restoring natural protective systems like mangroves and coral reefs; promoting sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism; and strengthening community preparedness with early warning systems. These efforts aim to ensure that hazards do not escalate into disasters.

Nena Stoiljkovic from IFRC highlighted the importance of preparedness against increasing natural hazards. She stated that working with nature as a primary defence can help strengthen communities and reduce future crises' human and economic costs.

This initiative was announced during the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress held in Abu Dhabi. It underscores a shift from crisis response towards readiness and resilience by empowering communities to adapt effectively.

With inputs from WAM