UAE Joins High Level Panel To Promote Sustainable Ocean Management And Protection

The UAE has become part of the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, known as the Ocean Panel. This group consists of heads of state focused on sustainable ocean management. The UAE is the first nation from the MENA region to join, invited due to its leadership in climate and biodiversity.

On 25th September, during the UN General Assembly in New York City, this announcement was made. The Ocean Panel, established in 2018 and co-chaired by Norway and Palau, acknowledges that the ocean faces significant threats from climate change, pollution, and overfishing.

Members of the panel are dedicated to managing all ocean areas within their national jurisdictions sustainably. They also support a global goal to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak has been appointed as the UAE’s Sherpa and High-Level Representative to the Ocean Panel.

Al Mubarak emphasised that safeguarding oceans can address several challenges humanity faces. "A healthy ocean is key to sustaining life on our blue planet. It is the world's largest ecosystem, regulates the climate, and supplies valuable resources," she stated.

The UAE's commitment to working with global partners aims to enhance nature protection and support sustainable development for communities reliant on oceans. Al Mubarak noted that sustainable ocean management extends beyond biodiversity goals by reducing greenhouse emissions and supporting global livelihoods.

"The Ocean Panel is a unique global initiative, mobilizing political leadership and driving multi-stakeholder action towards a sustainable ocean economy," Al Mubarak said. She stressed aligning efforts across frameworks like the Global Biodiversity Framework's 30x30 target, SDGs, and Paris Agreement’s 1.5C goal.

Challenges Facing Arabian Gulf

This message resonates with the Arabian Gulf, one of the warmest seas globally, expected to heat further due to climate change. Rising water temperatures will likely increase salinity and reduce oxygen levels in the Gulf.

"The UAE borders two distinct marine bodies, the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean," Al Mubarak explained. Sustainable management involves measures protecting biodiversity while promoting sustainable ocean use for future generations.

UAE's Role in Sustainable Management

As an Ocean Panel member, the UAE will create a Sustainable Ocean Plan. This plan may include marine spatial planning, integrated coastal management, establishing marine protected areas, and investing strategically in emerging sectors.

The panel includes countries like Australia, Canada, Chile, Fiji, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Namibia, Norway (co-chair), Palau (co-chair), Portugal, Seychelles, UK, USA alongside its newest member.

Global Initiative for Sustainable Oceans

Together these nations represent half of the world’s coastlines along with significant portions of fisheries and shipping fleets. "It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome the United Arab Emirates to the Ocean Panel at a time when momentum is growing toward 100% sustainable ocean management," said Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., co-chair of the panel.

"We know we cannot achieve a sustainable ocean economy if some areas are managed sustainably while others remain open for exploitation," he added. This step moves us closer to our goal of safeguarding oceans for future generations.

Future Prospects for Ocean Management

"As progress continues toward a sustainable ocean economy," said Norway Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (co-chair), "I am happy to see others take up this initiative for a more prosperous future for both people and planet." He looks forward to collaborating with UAE on achieving 100% sustainable ocean management.

The panel launched "100% Alliance" on 25th September urging all coastal states worldwide towards sustainable management under national jurisdiction. This initiative seeks ambitious action leading up to UN Ocean Conference in Nice (June 2025) co-hosted by France & Costa Rica while preparing for UN Water Conference hosted by UAE (2026).

With inputs from WAM