The UAE allocates $10 million to strengthen adaptation to natural disasters in Asia and the Pacific

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him,” the State of the UAE, through the Emirates International Aid Agency, announced the allocation of 10 million US dollars to the Emirates Nature Foundation, in cooperation with the World Wide Fund for Nature, to launch the “Programme to Strengthen the Capacity of Communities to Adapt to Natural Disasters” on the Asia-Pacific continent.

This came during the activities of the fourth day of the World Conservation Congress 2025, which is hosted by Abu Dhabi and organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, during the period from 9 to 15 October under the slogan “Strengthening qualitative efforts to preserve nature.” The “Enhancing the Capacity of Communities to Adapt to Natural Disasters Program” is a joint initiative between the World Wide Fund for Nature and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, seeking to harness nature-based solutions to increase the capacity of… Communities to confront natural risks, enhance their preparedness, and create sustainable sources of income.

This specific program was designed in cooperation with local and international partners, to maximize the impact and improve the living conditions of the beneficiary communities and peoples. The program is launched in its first phase with UAE financial support amounting to 10 million US dollars, with the aim of attracting additional financial funding from public and private sector partners and donors within the framework of their social responsibility to support the program and achieve its long-term goals and expand the scope of its impact in a way Sustainable.

In this context, the head of the Emirates International Aid Agency, Dr. Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, stressed the UAE’s pioneering global role in promoting joint international action for the benefit of humanity and nature, a translation of the inspiring vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him,” towards investing in preventive measures and enhancing the readiness of communities and their local capabilities to adapt to natural disasters.

He pointed out the importance of the strategic partnership between the Emirates Nature-WWF and the World Wide Fund for Nature, in continuing joint efforts to reduce the effects of natural disasters when they occur and improve the quality of life, in line with the fundamental foundations of humanitarian aid by focusing on moving from the response stage to the preparedness stage, as well as enabling communities and countries that are exposed to various natural disasters to optimally adapt and recover faster in such emergency situations. And difficult circumstances.

For her part, Director General of the Emirates Nature-WWF, Laila Mustafa Abdul Latif, said that this commitment embodies the UAE leadership’s belief that true resilience lies in strengthening the capabilities of societies to prepare to adapt and deal with the challenges of natural disasters. For 25 years, the Society has worked in cooperation with the World Wide Fund for Nature to empower individuals and protect nature, and in strategic partnership with various local and international bodies.

She added that the association will continue the country’s global efforts towards enhancing the natural capabilities of various societies and securing alternative sources of income within the framework of the UAE’s pioneering journey to build a prosperous and secure future for all.

For her part, Director General of the World Wide Fund for Nature, Kirsten Shewitt, said that nature represents one of humanity’s strongest allies in reducing the risks of natural disasters, and through the program to enhance the ability of communities to adapt to natural disasters, we will work with partners to help communities and peoples restore and protect ecosystems “from mangrove forests to mountains,” which represent a key factor in their protection, support, and empowerment to make their communities safer. The ability to adapt on the one hand, and to preserve the environment and humans on the other hand.

For her part, Nina Stoiljkovic, Assistant Secretary-General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digital Transformation, pointed out the importance of UAE support to enhance the ability of communities to adapt to natural disasters, as it is an effective means of protecting lives by enabling communities to deal optimally and be able to better adapt to natural disasters before they occur, and mitigate their risks by reducing human losses. And mitigate the economic repercussions.

It is worth noting that the “Program for Strengthening Communities’ Resilience to Natural Disasters” is based on three main axes, which include restoring protective natural systems such as mangrove trees and coral reefs, enhancing sustainable sources of income, including supporting farmers, fishermen, and small projects to diversify sources of income through ecotourism and others, and enhancing communities’ readiness to reduce disaster risks, such as developing early warning systems and risk reduction frameworks in cooperation with… Local communities.

The first phase of the program will be launched in the Philippines, Indonesia, Fiji and the Solomon Islands.