Earth Day…the UAE is a global model in protecting the environment and achieving sustainable development
Abu Dhabi, April 22 / WAM / The UAE joins the world in celebrating “Earth Day”, which falls on April 22 of each year, to stimulate international efforts to confront the worsening challenges of climate change and its negative consequences, such as the threat to biodiversity, air and ocean pollution, rising temperatures, floods, and other climate manifestations.
The UAE stands out as a global model in how to deal with climate challenges and achieve sustainable development at the environmental, energy and water levels, through an integrated system of long-term strategies and initiatives, such as the “Emirates Strategic Initiative for Climate Neutrality 2050”, the National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050, and the National Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031, in addition to applying the green economy methodology since 2012, and launching the National Program for Adaptation to Climate Change.
In 2026, the UAE will continue its series of qualitative initiatives and projects in the areas of environmental protection, promoting clean energy sources, and innovation in green technologies, which enhances its global position in sustainability.
In this context, the Cabinet approved the seventh national report on biodiversity in the UAE within the implementation of obligations related to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, where the efforts of the national teams in the country succeeded in raising the number of approved protected areas to 55 terrestrial and marine reserves, covering the equivalent of 19.04% of the total area of the country, and achieving tangible progress in protecting endangered species and improving their condition, through the implementation of integrated programs for protection, propagation, habitat management, and international cooperation. Remarkable progress has also been made in coastal and marine systems through the National Carbon Sequestration Project, which aims to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030.
The UAE issued a new law to regulate and monitor international trade in endangered animals and plants, and also launched, through the Mohammed bin Zayed Fund for the Conservation of Species and the Mubadala Foundation, an international initiative to protect dugongs and seaweed habitats in the UAE and four other countries.
The Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi launched the “Hamdan Bin Zayed for the World’s Richest Seas” initiative with the aim of doubling the emirate’s fish stocks by 2030, as part of efforts aimed at enhancing marine productivity and protecting resources. It also achieved a remarkable global achievement, with the sustainable fishing index rising to 100% by the end of 2025, compared to 8% in 2018.
Dubai adopted the “Al Layan Oasis” project, which covers one million square meters and includes a vast natural lake, to highlight the desert environment and enhance awareness of sustainability and quality of life. In Sharjah, the Environment and Natural Reserves Authority recorded the discovery of four new species of spiders, which reflects the richness of environmental diversity and scientific research in the country.
In terms of renewable energy, the UAE continued its local and international projects to promote solar energy, employ artificial intelligence and cloud computing to reduce emissions, and launch self-supply energy policies to support agriculture and small farms.
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, Masdar, and Global South Utilities, a subsidiary of Resources Investment, announced strategic projects in Asia, Africa, and Europe, with a total capacity of hundreds of megawatts, with broad employment opportunities, which reflects the UAE’s commitment to achieving sustainable development and enhancing global energy security.
The UAE continues to lead global water security efforts through pioneering initiatives, such as the “Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative” and the “Emirates Suqia” Foundation, as it prepares to welcome the world to the “United Nations Water Conference” next December, in partnership with the Republic of Senegal.
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