The strength of our nation is linked to the health of our lands, waters, and wildlife

The Board of Directors of the Emirates Nature-WWF, which works in cooperation with the World Wide Fund for Nature, has adopted a new strategy for the year 2030, which constitutes a national roadmap for preserving the environment, enhancing community resilience, and supporting sustainable sources of income, based on the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, and the UAE’s firm commitment to its land, seas, and people.

The strategy was approved during the annual general assembly, chaired by Mohammed Ahmed Al Bawardi, and with the participation of members of its board of directors, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of its founding, and in anticipation of the next stage of its journey.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Nature-WWF, Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, said that for 25 years, the Emirates Nature-WWF, in cooperation with the World Wide Fund for Nature, has devoted its efforts to serving this nation, based on a firm belief that the strength of our country is closely linked to the health of our lands, waters, and the wildlife that abounds with them.

He stressed that the UAE is a model of flexibility and the ability to adapt, and has proven this time and time again, and this same flexibility, rooted in our farms, coasts, and communities, is what our strategy seeks to consolidate and strengthen, and we are moving towards this new phase with all humility, determination, and pride in what we are building together here in the UAE.

The meeting was attended by members of the Association’s Board of Directors, namely: Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Authority, Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of Health and Community Protection, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Managing Director of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Dr. Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers Club, Majid Al Mansouri, and Director General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. The Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, Hilal Saeed Al Marri, the Director-General of the Fujairah Municipality, Engineer Mohammed Saif Al-Afkham, the founding partner of Hadaf & Partners – UAE, Dr. Faraj Ahmed Ahneesh, and the Chairman of the Emirates Marine Environment Group, Major Ali Saqr Sultan Al Suwaidi.

The General Assembly also welcomed the joining of Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Head of the Government Relations Department of the Government of Sharjah, as a new member of the Board of Directors, due to his extensive institutional experience and a proven track record in community service at the state level.

The vision of the Emirates Nature Society is to empower individuals to protect nature, build more resilient societies, and contribute to the development of sustainable sources of income and economies. The new 2030 strategy that was adopted is based on three main axes to achieve this vision: protecting and regenerating nature by preserving and reviving ecosystems and biodiversity, accelerating climate action by supporting low-carbon development paths, integrating climate and nature solutions into policies and practices, and stimulating communities and resilient sources of income by developing innovative community-led models that support positive projects for nature and opportunities. Sustainable economic.

The strategy is based on four main strategic axes: nature and wildlife, food and water security, climate action, and resilience and preparation for the future.

It also depends on deeply engaging local communities, enhancing community participation in science and volunteer work, in addition to expanding the network of partnerships with government agencies, the business sector, and civil society institutions.

The strategy pays special attention to what is produced, cultivated and restored within the UAE, starting from reviving heritage mountain farms and traditional irrigation systems (Aflaj), all the way to restoring coastal fishing areas and preserving mangrove ecosystems in the various emirates of the country.

The strategy is consistent with the priorities of the Council of Ministers, including national food security, community well-being, and enhancing the ability to overcome challenges with greater strength, and was designed to achieve a tangible and sustainable impact within the country.