Latest news with #EmiratesNature-WWF
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."
The National
25-04-2025
- Science
- The National
Dubai's Expo City invites public to take part in huge wildlife project this weekend
Dubai residents are being invited to have their mobile phones at the ready to join an international effort to document urban wildlife and deepen understanding of biodiversity. The annual City Nature Challenge got under way on Friday, with nature-lovers from hundreds of cities invited to photograph and record wild plants, animals and fungi using the iNaturalist app. Dubai's debut in the major conservation campaign, which runs until April 28, was announced at Expo City Dubai and is being led by the Terra Pavilion in collaboration with Emirates Nature-WWF. The data will feed into an international database used by scientists and conservationists to track species. "The City Nature Challenge is present in over 650 cities, and it's the very first time that Dubai is participating," said Sheena Khan, head of environment programmes for education and culture at Expo City Dubai. Cities such as Singapore, Cape Town and Tokyo have secured their spots on the leaderboard in previous years. The aim is to log the highest number of observations, species and participants – turning a simple walk into a step towards global recognition. "We are expecting globally to have over three million observations or data points collected and over 100,000 citizen scientists – so people like you and I – participating to engage and notice nature." The target for Dubai is 5,000 new research-grade observations on iNaturalist. At heart, the challenges are about making conservation accessible. Citizen science, Ms Khan says, is a simple but powerful way for members of the public, regardless of age or occupation, to contribute to conservation by cataloguing and collecting their observations. "It can be flora, fauna or fungi," she explained. "You don't need to know what it is," Ms Khan told The National. "The technology behind the application can help identify what it is, and then on the back end, there's a bunch of scientists that are verifying that data." Participants can join from anywhere – be it a park, balcony or backyard – and simply start snapping. "One of the best techniques, I find, is to sit on a bench and let the nature come to you. So sit back and spend time just peacefully in nature," said Phillip Dunn, senior manager for sustainability, education and culture at Expo City Dubai. "Take pictures of it, upload it. And that's part of the science." Dubai's urban environment may seem unlikely terrain for wildlife, but Mr Dunn explained that arid cities are their own kind of ecosystem. "Arid cities are a different animal, right? A different creature altogether … because in many ways, they are creating some nature that wasn't there before." On Friday morning, Terra kicked off the four-day event with a guided "bioblitz" around the Expo site, encouraging residents to begin documenting native flora and fauna. Among the finds: butterflies, pollinators, the purple sunbird, paper wasps and Arabian red dwarf honeybees. 'Nature doesn't start at the edge of a forest – it's all around us,' added Arabella Willing, head of conservation outreach and citizen science from Emirates Nature-WWF. 'This initiative empowers people to become scientists in their own communities. The data collected has real-world impact.' The biodiversity data collected is open-source and contributes to global conservation efforts, including the IUCN Red List of threatened species. "When a scientist sits down to do an IUCN assessment, they use all of the data that's accessible through literature, and that data includes a search of iNaturalist for citizen science data," Ms Khan said. "Scientists can't do it alone, so they need the help of us, citizens and residents." Mr Dunn said that the data also informs local urban design. "If we know what's here, we can use cities to be catalysts." Mr Dunn and Ms Khan explained that such data can help urban planners know how best to design cities to help support global biodiversity. Participants are encouraged to enter a social media competition by tagging @ for a chance to win tickets to Terra and be featured in an exhibition. Mr Dunn hopes the initiative will spark long-term behavioural shifts. "For the longest time, people thought a beautiful garden was a sculpted hedge – but maybe the new aesthetic is a little wild patch," he said. "A little wild area can attract a lot of wildlife." How to take part Final global results will be announced on May 5. In the meantime, Ms Khan hopes people across the UAE will step outside and help show the world what nature looks like in Dubai.
Arabian Business
22-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Unilever rolls out major sustainability drive in UAE in bid to boost sales, shift consumer behaviour
Global consumer products giant Unilever, in collaboration with regional biggies LuLu and Emirates Nature-WWF, has unleashed a unique sustainability campaign in the UAE – and the wider region – driving consumers to reimagine being environment-friendly as a cool, accessible and everyday choice rather than a luxury through a combo offer of product discounts and tangible environmental benefits on purchases. The major tactical strategy shift is already paying off handsomely, with the smartly conceived initiative boosting sales by double-digit figures month-on-month for the Anglo-Dutch consumer products major. The company has also roped in Dubai-based popular social media influencers and content creators such as Amar & Rim – amarandrim – and Shihab Al Hashemi – Shihabkoo – to amplify its campaign messaging on social media. Besides, it has also rolled out an aggressive omnichannel media strategy to deepen its consumer engagement and campaign reach, spanning radio, in-mall experiences and digital content that is estimated to have garnered over 7 million video views already and counting. 'In the UAE, we've launched a pioneering mangrove restoration campaign in partnership with LuLu Group, Mastercard, and Emirates Nature-WWF. We've seen a 12 per cent year-on-year uplift in sales across sustainable products during our recent UAE campaign, with a 13 per cent increase compared to previous months,' Manan Gupta, General Manager – Beauty & Wellbeing for Middle East, Pakistan, Turkey & Bangladesh, Unilever, told Arabian Business. A post shared by Unilever Arabia (@ Gupta, who assumed charge in his new role early this month, however, said while consumer awareness around sustainability has grown, the challenge remains in converting that awareness into significant action at the shelf. 'This initiative also highlights public-private partnerships and community engagement as key for bridging the gap between awareness and tangible action – ultimately advancing the UAE's ambitious environmental targets,' he said. The Unilever senior executive said such initiatives are scalable and act as blueprints for expansion across other markets in the region, 'reinforcing our regional leadership in sustainable business transformation'. Changing consumer perception remains major challenge Industry watchers, however, said that though the consumer campaign by Unilever directly addresses the challenge of changing deeply ingrained consumer behaviours by emphasising the power of education in shifting perceptions and driving action, the relatively high prices for environmental-friendly – or organic – products still remain a major barrier to sustainable purchases. While consumers increasingly prioritise sustainability, many still perceive eco-friendly products as more expensive, often beyond what they are willing to pay, they said. The 2024 Global Sustainability Study by Simon-Kucher, a leading global pricing consultancy, also showed that affordability is the primary factor preventing mass adoption of sustainable goods, though consumer willingness to pay a premium has risen to 54 per cent compared to the earlier levels. Similarly, recent research by Bain & Company found that while the US consumers are open to paying an 11 per cent premium for sustainable products, these items are often priced 28 per cent higher, creating a gap between intent and affordability. 'Unilever has long recognised this challenge, which is why our recent campaign deliberately addressed the price barrier,' Gupts said. He said by combining product-level incentives such as discounts with initiatives that link purchases to tangible environmental benefits, the company's new campaign in the UAE made sustainability feel less like a luxury and more like an accessible, everyday choice. 'Our just concluded first sustainability campaign was aimed to help, educate, encourage, and incentivise consumers to make sustainable product purchases and become an integral part of the solution and support nature restoration,' he said. Gupta, however, said the industry must continue working to close the pricing gap because 'when sustainability becomes the easy choice, it becomes the default choice'. Unilever Arabia's green campaign Gupta said Unilever Arabia is actively tackling the value-action gap through education, in-store nudges, and impactful storytelling. 'Our campaign – 'A Great Deal for Everyone' – combined product promotions with environmental action, such as restoring 6,000 mangrove trees, which will offset an estimated 120,000 kg of CO₂e over five years. 'In-store interventions, educational activations and consumer pledge at LuLu Barsha, a dedicated microsite, and strategic product placement all aimed to make sustainable shopping more intuitive and rewarding,' he said. Gupta also cited the findings by independent Kantar research, studying the impact of the company's campaign, that 67 per cent of UAE consumers felt empowered to make greener choices in the future, while campaign awareness rose 7.9 points—far above industry norms. 'Our findings reveal that by making sustainability more accessible—through education, visibility, and rewards—consumers are increasingly willing to engage. 'However, we also believe that driving lasting behavioural change takes time and consistent brand commitment.' The Dubai-based Unilever regional top honcho also revealed that the company's sustainability initiatives are not limited to the UAE, but are embedded across multiple brands and markets. While this began locally, it aligns with our broader global commitments, like achieving net-zero emissions across our value chain by 2039 and implementing regenerative agriculture practices on 1 million hectares by 2030, he said. 'For over 15 years, sustainability has been core to Unilever's mission, starting with the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP). Today, our focused strategy spans climate, nature, plastics, and livelihoods,' Gupta said.
Gulf News
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Explore Dubai's hidden Nature and join Terra Expo City to help scientists protect biodiversity
Dubai: Have you ever wondered what wildlife exists right outside your doorstep? Are you curious about how ordinary moments can turn into extraordinary contributions to conservation? If you're excited to take part in an engaging adventure that aids scientists in protecting urban biodiversity, grab your cameras and prepare for the City Nature Challenge at Terra, Expo City Dubai! From April 25 to 28, join a global movement that invites citizens to explore their neighbourhoods and document the plants, animals, and fungi that call them home. This initiative not only empowers you to connect with nature but also supports vital scientific research aimed at preserving the rich urban biodiversity around us. With stunning species waiting to be discovered, you'll never look at your morning coffee on the balcony the same way again. Led by Terra in collaboration with Emirates Nature-WWF, Dubai Holding Entertainment, and Nature Wave, this challenge offers everyone—whether you're a budding naturalist or a seasoned explorer—the chance to make a difference. Imagine capturing the vibrant flutter of a salmon Arab butterfly or the quick movements of a sand gecko, all while contributing to a global database that helps scientists understand our planet better. 'Expo City Dubai was designed to be more than a place — it's a blueprint for what a sustainable city of the future can and should be,' said Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education & Culture at Expo City Dubai. 'Anchoring this vision is Terra, where architecture, innovation, and education converge to bring sustainability to life in a tangible, impactful way. Through initiatives like the City Nature Challenge, we are not only inviting people to reconnect with nature — we are empowering communities to become part of something bigger: a movement to protect the planet, starting right here at home.' Launched by the California Academy of Sciences and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in 2015, the City Nature Challenge turns simple moments into powerful acts of conservation, logging over 7 million species across hundreds of cities to date, and helping scientists better understand and protect biodiversity worldwide. 'Nature doesn't start at the edge of a forest — it's all around us,' added Arabella Willing, Head of Conservation Outreach & Citizen Science from Emirates Nature in association with WWF. 'This initiative empowers people to become scientists in their own communities. The data collected has real-world impact.' The event also taps into Dubai's competitive spirit. Cities like Singapore, Cape Town and Tokyo have already secured their spot on the leaderboard in previous years. The aim is to log the highest number of observations, species, and participants — turning a simple walk into a step toward global recognition. The observation window runs from April 25 to 28, followed by an upload and identification period from April 29 to May 4. The final results will be announced on May 5. To get started, sign up for iNaturalist today and visit the website for step-by-step guides. But there's more! By participating, you stand a chance to win four free tickets to Terra and even see your winning wildlife photo featured in an exhibition.
Gulf Today
07-04-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
EAD, Emirates Nature-WWF launch Citizen Science plan
As part of the Year of the Community, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Emirates Nature-WWF, the founding partners of the Connect with Nature programme, announced the launch of a new 5-year strategy (2025-2029). The strategy aims to empower a new generation of young leaders in environmental conservation by promoting Citizen Science. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, and Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director-General of Emirates Nature-WWF, to renew the long-standing partnership between the two parties on the details of implementing the new strategy. The new strategy builds on the tremendous success of the Connect with Nature programme, which has reached more than 2.5 million youth since its launch in 2019. It connects youth with nature and provides students in public and private schools in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Al Dhafra region with the opportunity to participate in field activities that promote environmental conservation and Citizen Science. It also underscores a steadfast commitment to inspiring and empowering young people in society. The programme continues to engage youth, particularly younger audiences, providing them with opportunities to cultivate their potential and grow into the leaders of tomorrow. Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri commented, 'The new 5-year strategy represents an important stage in our journey towards promoting environmental responsibility in society and preparing leaders capable of effecting environmental change. 'By integrating Citizen Science and practical experiences in environmental conservation into school programmes and activities, we are working to create an ecosystem that combines knowledge and action to achieve a green economy, in line with the UAE Vision 2030. 'Our partnership with Emirates Nature-WWF provides an opportunity to strategically expand the scope of the programme, ensuring that our combined efforts and cooperation protect our natural heritage and advance a green and sustainable future for future generations.' The new Connect with Nature Field Trip Series for schools will accommodate 2,000 students annually, offering participants a unique opportunity to work alongside conservationists and environmental experts as citizen scientists. From venturing knee-deep into muddy mangroves to measure the growth of new saplings to kayaking across the nation's vibrant coastal areas and shaping environmental policies, these field trips are designed to inspire a deeper appreciation for nature while also contributing to conservation impact. Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environment Information Science and Outreach Management said, 'At EAD, we recognise that the path to a sustainable future starts with education and active participation. The 5-year strategy for Connect with Nature is a testament to our unwavering commitment to equipping young minds with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to become future environmental leaders. By incorporating citizen science and conservation into school programmes, we are fostering a generation that not only understands the importance of protecting our ecosystems but is also empowered to take meaningful action. We are confident that their contributions will be instrumental in realising our shared sustainability vision.' Laila Mostafa Abdullatif said, 'Connect with Nature was founded with a simple vision of inspiring young people to experience, celebrate and safeguard nature in the UAE. 'Over five years, we have seen firsthand how time spent in nature – learning about the environment and actively protecting it – has had a profound impact on the nation's youth, motivating them to pursue green careers and advocate for sustainability on the local and global stage. 'During this period, the programme has inspired more than 14,000 youth to volunteer over 32,000 hours of work for the environment, through 250 citizen science events and activities. Today, with the launch of our new five-year strategy, we are excited to inspire similar connections amongst school students and nature and welcome our newest changemakers to the movement.' WAM
