UAE Spearheads Global Ocean Conservation Efforts In Costa Rica Meeting

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, led the UAE delegation at the Ocean Action: Immersed in Change event in San Jose, Costa Rica, on June 7 and 8. Coinciding with World Oceans Day, the event gathered ministers globally to discuss ocean ecosystem protection and accelerate efforts to improve ocean health.

Organised by the Costa Rican government ahead of the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, Paris next year, the meeting facilitated exchanges on best practices and successful experiences related to ocean governance and health. Dr. Al Dahak participated in high-level panel discussions alongside other ministers and country representatives.

Addressing the UAE’s progress towards the 30X30 target—aiming to protect 30% of oceans by 2030—Dr. Al Dahak emphasised the significance of ocean ecosystems in the UAE’s social and economic development. She shared insights on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the country and highlighted steps to include oceans in climate action.

The minister also referenced the UAE’s pledge to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030. She stressed the UAE’s commitment to international cooperation in tackling climate change, bolstered by initiatives like COP28 hosted in the UAE.

Recent initiatives have resulted in strong international partnerships, including the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC), launched by the UAE and Indonesia. This global initiative, involving 42 countries, aims to scale up mangrove conservation, restoration, and resilience efforts.

The Mangrove Breakthrough programme seeks to restore and safeguard 15 million hectares of mangroves globally by 2030 through $4 billion of finance. Additionally, the '2030 Seagrass Breakthrough' initiative highlights seagrasses' benefits and aims to leverage their potential in combating climate change while supporting local communities.

Key Elements for UNOC 2025 Success

Discussing key elements for a successful UNOC 2025, Dr. Al Dahak emphasised continuing momentum towards UN Sustainable Development Goal 14. She called for clear goals to maintain ocean health and protect against climate change, pollution, and overfishing.

The minister urged all sectors—governments, private companies, individuals, civil society, decision-makers, thought leaders, and activists—to support ocean well-being. She highlighted the need to boost ocean biodiversity and tackle ocean waste through proper funding mechanisms and collaboration.

Promoting Peace for the Ocean

In another high-level dialogue on raising ambition towards UNOC3, Dr. Al Dahak shared how the UAE collaborates with international partners to advance scientific research and tackle current challenges effectively. She described oceans as a shared global asset requiring partnership to achieve common goals.

The minister stressed multilateral collaboration's importance in strengthening cooperation on global ocean agenda issues. The upcoming UNOC will be a key platform for joint action.

Bilateral Cooperation Discussions

During her visit to Costa Rica, Dr. Al Dahak held meetings with Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica; Heiner Méndez Barrientos, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Costa Rica; Hervé Berville, Secretary of State for the Sea and Biodiversity in France; and Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Minister for International Cooperation in Norway.

With inputs from WAM