Latest news with #TarifaAlzaabi
Mid East Info
21-05-2025
- General
- Mid East Info
ADFD and ICBA Sign Partnership Agreement to Launch Region's First Soil Museum Guide at 'Make it in the Emirates'
In a landmark move to advance sustainability and scientific education across the region, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) have signed a sponsorship agreement to develop the Middle East and North Africa's first comprehensive guide for establishing and operating soil museums. The announcement was made during the fourth edition of 'Make it in the Emirates,' reinforcing the UAE's role as a global hub for innovation, sustainability, and science-based policy. Designed to promote soil conservation and responsible resource management in arid environments, the guide will serve as a blueprint for institutions across the region. Backed by ADFD funding, the guide will be transformed into a practical training and capacity-building programme featuring technical workshops and scientific mentoring. ICBA will lead the technical delivery, drawing on its expertise in sustainable agriculture and its success in launching and operating the Emirates Soil Museum. Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: 'This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and knowledge partnerships. We believe science-backed solutions like this museum guide can shape regional resilience and inform effective policies for generations to come.' Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, added: 'We are proud to continue our partnership with ADFD to take the Emirates Soil Museum's impact even further. This guide will be a scalable tool for institutions across the region—advancing environmental awareness, building scientific capacity, and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. The Emirates Soil Museum was made in the UAE, and today it begins its journey to the world.' The agreement also outlines the organization of an international scientific symposium on 5 December 2025 to coincide with World Soil Day, with the participation of over 200 experts, researchers, and decision-makers from around the world to discuss soil, salinity, and climate change issues in arid regions. Established in December 2016 with support from ADFD, Emirates Soil Museum is the first specialized soil museum in the region. Located at ICBA's headquarters in Dubai, the museum aims to raise awareness about the role of soil in the environment, agriculture, and food security, while showcasing the diversity of soil types in the UAE. Since its launch, the museum has welcomed more than 13,500 visitors from various sectors of society and has become a reference center for environmental awareness and non-traditional education. This partnership between ADFD and ICBA reflects a shared commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and positioning the UAE as a regional hub for environmental knowledge and scientific innovation, in line with 'UAE Vision 2030' and the 'UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy.'
Web Release
09-03-2025
- Science
- Web Release
Seeds from the Heart of the UAE Reach the Arctic: UAE-Based ICBA Becomes the First Research Center from the Arabian Peninsula to Deposit Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault
By Editor_wr On Mar 9, 2025 In an unprecedented journey across continents and time, Emirati seeds, collected and extensively studied at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), have reached the Arctic, where they are now securely preserved in the world's most protected agricultural time capsule—the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. This historic deposit, the first of its kind from the Gulf region, marks a pivotal step in safeguarding the future of agriculture and ensuring the long-term preservation of climate-resilient crops for generations to come. For the first time, seeds from the UAE's pioneering agricultural research have been enshrined in the permafrost of Norway's Svalbard archipelago. This deposit includes 315 accessions belonging to 110 plant species, including Ghaf tree, the national tree of UAE, selected for their exceptional tolerance to drought, heat, and salinity—traits essential for agriculture in extreme environments. These seeds of 24 genera and 61 species, the result of ICBA's extensive research and conservation efforts, now stand alongside the world's most vital plant genetic resources. Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, emphasized the far-reaching significance of this deposit, stating: 'From the heart of the UAE to the Arctic permafrost, ICBA's seeds from UAE have embarked on a journey through time, ensuring future generations can access the genetic resources needed to sustain food production in a changing world. These seeds represent decades of research in plant breeding, biotechnology, and environmental adaptation. Many of these accessions have been carefully selected for their ability to thrive in extreme conditions, making them invaluable for global food security. By preserving them in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, we are securing a vital agricultural legacy that will support innovation and resilience for years to come.' A Journey Through Time: UAE Seeds in the World's Agricultural Time Capsule Nicknamed the 'Doomsday Vault', the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is the ultimate safeguard for agricultural biodiversity. Located 1,300 kilometers from the North Pole, this facility is designed to protect seeds from conflict, natural disasters, climate change, and unforeseen global crises. With over 1.3 million seed samples from 6,200 plant species, it serves as the world's last-resort backup for crop diversity. ICBA's deposit carries the agricultural DNA of the UAE and beyond—a genetic blueprint for future food security. From the sands of the Arabian Peninsula to the icy chambers of Svalbard, these seeds symbolize resilience, adaptation, and survival, encapsulating the UAE's vision for a sustainable, food-secure future. For over two decades, ICBA has been a global leader in agricultural innovation, focusing on crops that flourish in arid and saline environments. The ICBA Genebank, home to over 17,000 accessions from 325 plant species, is among the world's most extensive collections of drought-, heat-, and salt-tolerant crops. Preserving the Future: A Global Effort Rooted in the UAE's Vision As global food systems face growing threats from climate change, desertification, and water scarcity, ICBA's contribution to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault reinforces the UAE's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration. This deposit ensures that future scientists, farmers, and policymakers will have access to the seeds that hold the key to agricultural resilience. From the UAE's arid landscapes to the frozen vaults of Svalbard, ICBA's seeds have been sealed away—not just as a safeguard for today, but as a promise for the future. Next Post Lola from Rio Pushes the Boundaries of Sustainability in Beauty Comments are closed.
Mid East Info
09-03-2025
- Science
- Mid East Info
Seeds from the Heart of the UAE Reach the Arctic: UAE-Based ICBA Becomes the First Research Center from the Arabian Peninsula to Deposit Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault
A Historic Milestone in Preserving UAE's Agricultural Legacy and Global Crop Resilience Dubai, UAE – March, 2025 – In an unprecedented journey across continents and time, Emirati seeds, collected and extensively studied at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), have reached the Arctic, where they are now securely preserved in the world's most protected agricultural time capsule—the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. This historic deposit, the first of its kind from the Gulf region, marks a pivotal step in safeguarding the future of agriculture and ensuring the long-term preservation of climate-resilient crops for generations to come. For the first time, seeds from the UAE's pioneering agricultural research have been enshrined in the permafrost of Norway's Svalbard archipelago. This deposit includes 315 accessions belonging to 110 plant species, including Ghaf tree, the national tree of UAE, selected for their exceptional tolerance to drought, heat, and salinity—traits essential for agriculture in extreme environments. These seeds of 24 genera and 61 species, the result of ICBA's extensive research and conservation efforts, now stand alongside the world's most vital plant genetic resources. Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA , emphasized the far-reaching significance of this deposit, stating: 'From the heart of the UAE to the Arctic permafrost, ICBA's seeds from UAE have embarked on a journey through time, ensuring future generations can access the genetic resources needed to sustain food production in a changing world. These seeds represent decades of research in plant breeding, biotechnology, and environmental adaptation. Many of these accessions have been carefully selected for their ability to thrive in extreme conditions, making them invaluable for global food security. By preserving them in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, we are securing a vital agricultural legacy that will support innovation and resilience for years to come.' A Journey Through Time: UAE Seeds in the World's Agricultural Time Capsule: Nicknamed the 'Doomsday Vault', the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is the ultimate safeguard for agricultural biodiversity. Located 1,300 kilometers from the North Pole, this facility is designed to protect seeds from conflict, natural disasters, climate change, and unforeseen global crises. With over 1.3 million seed samples from 6,200 plant species, it serves as the world's last-resort backup for crop diversity. ICBA's deposit carries the agricultural DNA of the UAE and beyond—a genetic blueprint for future food security. From the sands of the Arabian Peninsula to the icy chambers of Svalbard, these seeds symbolize resilience, adaptation, and survival, encapsulating the UAE's vision for a sustainable, food-secure future. For over two decades, ICBA has been a global leader in agricultural innovation, focusing on crops that flourish in arid and saline environments. The ICBA Genebank, home to over 17,000 accessions from 325 plant species, is among the world's most extensive collections of drought-, heat-, and salt-tolerant crops. Preserving the Future: A Global Effort Rooted in the UAE's Vision: As global food systems face growing threats from climate change, desertification, and water scarcity, ICBA's contribution to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault reinforces the UAE's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration. This deposit ensures that future scientists, farmers, and policymakers will have access to the seeds that hold the key to agricultural resilience. From the UAE's arid landscapes to the frozen vaults of Svalbard, ICBA's seeds have been sealed away—not just as a safeguard for today, but as a promise for the future.
Zawya
09-03-2025
- Science
- Zawya
UAE-based ICBA becomes the first research center from the Arabian peninsula to deposit seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault
A Historic Milestone in Preserving UAE's Agricultural Legacy and Global Crop Resilience Dubai, UAE – In an unprecedented journey across continents and time, Emirati seeds, collected and extensively studied at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), have reached the Arctic, where they are now securely preserved in the world's most protected agricultural time capsule—the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. This historic deposit, the first of its kind from the Gulf region, marks a pivotal step in safeguarding the future of agriculture and ensuring the long-term preservation of climate-resilient crops for generations to come. For the first time, seeds from the UAE's pioneering agricultural research have been enshrined in the permafrost of Norway's Svalbard archipelago. This deposit includes 315 accessions belonging to 110 plant species, including Ghaf tree, the national tree of UAE, selected for their exceptional tolerance to drought, heat, and salinity—traits essential for agriculture in extreme environments. These seeds of 24 genera and 61 species, the result of ICBA's extensive research and conservation efforts, now stand alongside the world's most vital plant genetic resources. Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, emphasized the far-reaching significance of this deposit, stating: "From the heart of the UAE to the Arctic permafrost, ICBA's seeds from UAE have embarked on a journey through time, ensuring future generations can access the genetic resources needed to sustain food production in a changing world. These seeds represent decades of research in plant breeding, biotechnology, and environmental adaptation. Many of these accessions have been carefully selected for their ability to thrive in extreme conditions, making them invaluable for global food security. By preserving them in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, we are securing a vital agricultural legacy that will support innovation and resilience for years to come." A Journey Through Time: UAE Seeds in the World's Agricultural Time Capsule Nicknamed the "Doomsday Vault", the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is the ultimate safeguard for agricultural biodiversity. Located 1,300 kilometers from the North Pole, this facility is designed to protect seeds from conflict, natural disasters, climate change, and unforeseen global crises. With over 1.3 million seed samples from 6,200 plant species, it serves as the world's last-resort backup for crop diversity. ICBA's deposit carries the agricultural DNA of the UAE and beyond—a genetic blueprint for future food security. From the sands of the Arabian Peninsula to the icy chambers of Svalbard, these seeds symbolize resilience, adaptation, and survival, encapsulating the UAE's vision for a sustainable, food-secure future. For over two decades, ICBA has been a global leader in agricultural innovation, focusing on crops that flourish in arid and saline environments. The ICBA Genebank, home to over 17,000 accessions from 325 plant species, is among the world's most extensive collections of drought-, heat-, and salt-tolerant crops. Preserving the Future: A Global Effort Rooted in the UAE's Vision As global food systems face growing threats from climate change, desertification, and water scarcity, ICBA's contribution to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault reinforces the UAE's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration. This deposit ensures that future scientists, farmers, and policymakers will have access to the seeds that hold the key to agricultural resilience. From the UAE's arid landscapes to the frozen vaults of Svalbard, ICBA's seeds have been sealed away—not just as a safeguard for today, but as a promise for the future.
