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Al Etihad
18-05-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Emirates Nature-WWF: UAE-grown model for resilience takes root across Asia-Pacific
18 May 2025 22:05 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Emirates Nature-WWF marked its 25th anniversary last week with a major milestone - hosting the WWF Asia-Pacific Regional Conference (AP25) in the UAE for the first time. Held under the theme "Mobilising Partnerships to Shape Disaster and Climate Resilience Across the Asia-Pacific", the event gathered WWF leaders from 30 countries, along with UAE ministers and global experts, to explore collaborative climate and conservation to Aletihad following the conference, Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director-General of Emirates Nature-WWF, reflected on the organisation's journey and future ambitions."Emirates Nature-WWF is celebrating 25 years of impact in the UAE, inspired by the vision of the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The organisation was established in 2001 to safeguard the UAE's natural heritage," she said. From Local Impact to Regional LeadershipInitially launched as a state-level initiative, the organisation has since grown into a national platform grounded in science, policy, culture, and community engagement. Abdullatif described its evolution as a shift into a new chapter, with deep local roots and a widening regional focus. "Today, guided by Sheikh Zayed's enduring legacy, we find ourselves stepping into a new chapter - one that is rooted in the UAE, but reaching far beyond its borders. We are evolving… bringing forward the lessons, partnerships and values cultivated here to contribute to collective efforts that build resilience across the Asia-Pacific and beyond," she beyond serving as a visible expression of this shift, the AP25 conference also embodied the organisation's belief that meaningful change is only possible through "the power of collective action". This ethos, Abdullatif said, has always been central to Emirates Nature-WWF's mission."Since day one, collaboration has been central to our mission. Through joint efforts in research, policy, education, community engagement and more, we co-create science-based solutions that deliver lasting impact for nature and climate."Over the years, Emirates Nature-WWF has worked with local youth and community platforms - including Leaders of Change and Connect with Nature - to promote environmental stewardship."From blue carbon assessments and restored falaj systems to climate-smart farming and eco-tourism models, the organisation's efforts reflect a shared commitment to inclusive, community-driven action, in line with the UAE's Year of Community." Building Resilience Across Asia-PacificLooking beyond the UAE, Abdullatif pointed to increasing risks in Asia-Pacific from climate-related disasters, highlighting a growing need to integrate climate adaptation and nature-based solutions. "We know that climate change, nature loss, and disaster risks are deeply interconnected. Over the past decade, 83% of all disasters were caused by extreme weather and climate events. Asia-Pacific is at the centre of this; home to six of the ten countries most exposed to climate-related risks."Emirates Nature-WWF is now working with the WWF global network and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to help communities at risk become more climate-resilient through a blend of scientific expertise and indigenous initiatives, Abdullatif revealed, focus on restoring mangroves and coral reefs to shield coastlines from storms, implementing reforestation and better water management to counter drought, and advancing climate-smart agriculture and fisheries led by women and youth to boost food security and wellbeing."It is very important for us to address this by not only reducing disaster risk but also supporting effective climate adaptation measures. Climate resilience demands more than reactive solutions; it requires integrated action that empowers communities, protects ecosystems, and safeguards food, water, and human security," she said."By bridging climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and Nature-based Solutions, we can chart a course towards a more resilient, regenerative future where both people and nature thrive." Philanthropy and Future PlansAbdullatif also stressed the importance of philanthropy in enabling scalable climate solutions, especially in Asia. "Philanthropy holds immense power to shape a sustainable and resilient future… It is an exciting area we have been exploring alongside philanthropists, policymakers, and regional leaders… to spark bold partnerships and catalyse in-Asia-for-Asia models that deliver impact where it's needed most." Looking ahead, Emirates Nature-WWF plans to scale solutions that have proven effective in the UAE, expanding from a local implementer to a regional convener and mobilising multi-sector partnerships that match the scale of today's environmental challenges. "We believe the next chapter of Emirates Nature-WWF will be built together with government leaders, partners, community members, and youth. The focus will centre on driving systemic change by scaling projects that work - from local to regional, and eventually to global levels."
Al Etihad
07-05-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Emirates Nature–WWF celebrates 25 years of environmental achievements inspired by Sheikh Zayed's legacy
7 May 2025 11:48 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)This year marks an important chapter for the UAE's environmental journey as Emirates Nature–WWF celebrates 25 years of conservation impact. Founded in the spirit of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, the organisation continues to be guided by his visionary belief that nature and humanity are fundamentally Zayed's environmental vision laid the groundwork for the UAE's model of sustainable nation-building, one that integrates environmental stewardship with long-term economic and social development. His legacy embedded conservation, responsible resource management, and cross-border philanthropy into the core of national progress, setting a precedent for how countries can align environmental priorities with economic and societal advancement. In 1997, Sheikh Zayed became the first Head of State to receive the WWF's prestigious Golden Panda Award, recognising his contributions to global conservation. This moment laid the foundation for the establishment of Emirates Nature–WWF, the first WWF affiliate office with a permanent presence in the Middle East, reflecting the UAE's ongoing commitment to locally grounded, globally informed conservation organisation has worked across the UAE to protect ecosystems, foster climate action, enhance food and water security, and inspire environmental stewardship, working alongside communities. From blue carbon assessments and restored falaj systems to climate-smart farming and eco-tourism models, the organisation's efforts reflect a shared commitment to inclusive, community-driven action, in line with the UAE's Year of commemorate this 25-year journey, Emirates Nature–WWF is proud to host the WWF Asia Pacific (AP25) Regional Conference in the UAE for the first time. The high-level event convened over 30 countries to chart a unified path towards nature-positive development and climate resilience across the Asia Ahmed Al Bowardi, Chairman of Emirates Nature WWF, said: 'This moment is more than a milestone, it is a mandate for the future. Our 25 year legacy reflects a deep-rooted national commitment to environmental stewardship. Today, we step forward to help unlock Asia Pacific's potential by convening the right actors and building partnerships that deliver measurable, regional impact.'Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: 'The UAE remains firmly committed to addressing climate change and environmental protection, both within its own borders and globally. It recognises that cross-sector partnerships are key to creating a resilient, climate-safe future for communities and the planet." She added, "As we celebrate 25 years of Emirates Nature-WWF, we look back at a journey led by ambition and a profound commitment to preserving and protecting our ecosystems. The organisation has done outstanding work in conservation, fostering nature-positive behaviour and bringing about tangible outcomes. This milestone is an opportunity to reinforce our commitment and renew our pledge to protect and preserve biodiversity. Emirates Nature-WWF has been an active and valued partner in our environmental efforts through various impactful projects, and we look forward to continued collaboration.'The opening of the conference was marked by a gala dinner convening high-level guests, including UAE ministers, regional conservation leaders, and global philanthropists. Held under the patronage of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, a philanthropic foundation established to carry forward Sheikh Zayed's philanthropic legacy, the evening highlighted the importance of collective giving to drive long-term event, themed Mobilising Partnerships to Shape Disaster and Climate Resilience Across the Asia Pacific, featured keynote speeches and a Spotlight Dialogue on Strategic Philanthropy, bringing together distinguished leaders from the UAE and across the Asia Pacific and highlighting the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in driving scalable, systemic solutions, by distinguished voices including H.E. Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, Dr Adil Najam, President of WWF International, and Nena Stoiljkovic, Under Secretary General of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) for Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalisation. This dialogue explored the intersection of climate, nature, and community resilience against climate hazards and natural Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature–WWF and Chair of WWF AP25, said: 'The challenges before us are increasingly complex, and the solutions must be transformational. Building on a new chapter, we remain firmly rooted in the UAE, working hand-in-hand with communities, government, partners and youth to deliver lasting impact on the ground." She added, "At the same time, we are catalysing action across borders, guided by the vision of Sheikh Zayed, who believed that nature and humanity are inseparable and that our responsibility extends beyond our own. As we embark on this journey, we continue to honour his legacy by bridging local innovation, policymakers, philanthropists, and implementers, unlocking regional and global partnerships that deliver real, scalable solutions for people and the planet.' The event affirmed Abu Dhabi's emerging role as a global hub for strategic philanthropy and nature-based solutions. It also marked a new chapter for Emirates Nature–WWF; as a regional catalyst fostering powerful, cross-border partnerships to accelerate impact for climate, nature, and communities across Asia Pacific. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
