UAE Minister Leads Delegation At COP16 In Colombia To Advance Global Biodiversity Goals

UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak led a team from her ministry to represent the UAE at the UN Biodiversity COP16 in Cali, Colombia.

The conference celebrated two years of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which outlines a plan aimed at achieving the global goal of living in harmony with nature by 2050.

"Biodiversity runs through every element of our climate action. In the UAE, we have made significant progress in protecting our biodiversity," Al Dahak was quoted as saying by WAM.

"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," she added.

The minister took part in an informal meeting of the Advisory Committee on Local Governments for Biodiversity during the Convention on Biological Diversity. In her speech, she highlighted the UAE's efforts to protect and promote biodiversity.

She urged member countries to strengthen their commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework and underscored the importance of working together to take action. She also discussed the Mangrove Alliance for Climate, pointing out how crucial teamwork is in tackling climate issues.

Al Dahak revealed the UAE's plan to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030 as part of the Plant the Emirates National Program. In another session, she participated in a discussion on advancing marine conservation by connecting global efforts to enhance nature-based solutions.

The minister also attended the One Water Summit: Ministerial Event on Freshwater Ecosystems. During a panel discussion, she talked about the importance of freshwater in carrying out the Global Biodiversity Framework.

She discussed the COP28 Water Agenda, which focuses on protecting and restoring freshwater ecosystems, improving water resilience in cities, and supporting water-resilient food systems.

Al Dahak also mentioned the Freshwater Challenge and the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative. She highlighted the UAE's commitment of $150 million in new funding for water security solutions in vulnerable and fragile communities.

The minister also talked about the UAE's Water Security Strategy and how the country is leading in areas like desalination, wastewater treatment, and smart irrigation systems. She emphasized the need for teamwork to secure funding and develop innovative solutions to tackle global water challenges.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment took part in various activities at COP16 to highlight the UAE's National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and the country's progress in reaching its biodiversity goals under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.