Emirates Nature-WWF | جمعية الإمارات للطبيعة

During COP28, we had the privilege of partnering with Mashreq to launch Notice Nature, an innovative nationwide initiative aimed at mapping the wildlife and biodiversity of the UAE in collaboration with the community.   The community climate and nature challenge was officially launched in the Green Zone at COP28, with community members joining us for a lively Bio Blitz – a survey of the urban biodiversity at the COP28 UAE site.   We are excited to share that Mashreq, our esteemed partner, has taken significant steps towards sustainability. They have introduced new Credit and Debit card designs made with 100% recycled plastic. Additionally, their welcome packs are now made with FSC certified recycled paper, resulting in an annual saving of 2,500 kg of plastic and 40,000 kg of paper.   Furthermore, Mashreq has introduced the "Mashreq Al Islami Nature Saver Account" in support of the "Preservation of Endangered Wildlife and Reversing Damage & Nature Loss" in collaboration with Emirates Nature-WWF.   These eco-friendly initiatives demonstrate Mashreq's commitment to protecting key habitats and endangered species in the UAE, aligning with our goal to support the country's conservation objectives.   #TogetherPossible #NoticeNature #Biodiversity

With technology and beyond, we are always exploring new ways to bring people on board for conservation in the UAE.   At the #GlobalSustainabilityForum, our Director General Laila Mostafa Abdullatif talked about how we currently use technology and #AI in conservation - to learn about different species, monitor wildlife, assess the volume of carbon stored in local natural habitats and more, whilst highlighting our Notice Nature Project with our partner Mashreq - which aims at mapping biodiversity across the UAE and creating citizen scientists in the process.

We are Leaders of Change - of course we are building a world where people and nature thrive. #ofcoursechallenge #LeadersOfChange #VolunteerForNature

📢 Exciting Update: Collection of 400 #eDNA samples across 4 Coastal Lagoons in the #UAE One of the biggest challenges when working on nature recovery is getting an accurate picture of which species live where. As we seek to restore & protect coastal & marine ecosystems through the multi-stakeholder Nature-based Solutions project in the UAE, we need to be able to identify the diversity of #Biodiversity that live in an area & understand how their populations are changing, especially under the unique environmental conditions of the Arabian Gulf. 🔍 What are we looking for? All living organisms leave traces of DNA in their environments, reflecting their current or recent presence. eDNA is an efficient, non-invasive & easy-to-standardize sampling approach that helps create a comprehensive inventory of marine vertebrate biodiversity, identifying commercially important, invasive and endangered species. #AI & #technology play crucial roles in the analysis and interpretation of eDNA data. In collaboration with the American University of Sharjah, we are testing both marine water and marine sediments eDNA techniques to determine which one is the most appropriate and efficient under the region's extreme temperature and salinity conditions. 🔬 How does eDNA work? 1. We collected a total of 400 sediment & water samples from the lagoons. 2. We processed & preserved the DNA at the AUS. 3. We will then extract and sequence the DNA found in the samples at the University of Rhode Island. 4. We'll get to identify the species being present in the lagoons & their spatial distribution patterns, informing the whole ecosystem management & planning. 5. Finally, we'll get to determine which eDNA method is more effective for the Arabian Gulf, providing the environmental authorities with the best scientific option in terms of accuracy, cost-effectiveness and simplicity. 🏞️ How does this scientific work support the #NbS project? - Establishing Ecological Baselines: Provides pre-NbS biodiversity data for planning & evaluating ecosystem restoration which is crucial for planning & evaluating the effectiveness of our ecosystem restoration activities. - Integrating Biodiversity Data: Links biodiversity with climate adaptation, food security, & ecotourism services. - Supporting Policy & Financing: Generates scientific evidence to support policy development & financing for NbS. - Enhancing Local Capacity: Builds local expertise in eDNA methodologies, fostering sustainable biodiversity monitoring. - Future Climate Change Implications: Findings from testing both water and sediment methods will be valuable for future monitoring strategies in the warming waters of the Arabian Gulf and beyond. This study aligns with our holistic goal to enhance coastal ecosystem resilience, delivering positive biodiversity and socio-economic benefits for the UAE. More information about our NbS project: https://lnkd.in/gg2vCZmS #Biodiversity #MarineScience #CoastalEcosystems #SDG13 #SDG14

🌴⛰️🌊 Discover the marvel of UAE’s unique nature and wildlife! Our new #summerseries Nature’s Resilience offers a virtual exploration of the rich tapestry of life. From the expansive desert sands and hidden oases to freshwater habitats and coastal regions, get to know UAE’s unique species and habitats like never before. Learn about the intricate link between nature, climate & human well-being - and how YOU can help preserve this incredible biodiversity. 💪 The dynamic 10-part series will be held online from 9th July to 10th September. Register now at https://lnkd.in/dZcKA-RJ #LeadersofChange #Nature #NatureUAE

🟢Exciting Announcement! 🟢UACA’s On Track2.0 Net Zero Dashboard is now LIVE! This first-of-its-kind net zero dashboard showcases the progress of organizations in the UAE towards their decarbonization journey!    We are launching with 21 UACA members on the dashboard!!   UACA's On Track2.0 Net Zero Dashboard allows everyone the ability to dive deep into the decarbonization journey that organizations in the UAE have embarked upon. UACA proudly is endorsed by the MoCCaE UAE to support the vision of a net zero future by 2050.   ▶️ The video below provides an overview of the net zero dashboard, setting new standards for accountability and transparency in climate action!   🔗Access UACA’s On Track2.0: UACA Impact View https://lnkd.in/dXGXmNCm UACA Member Table: where you can explore UACA Member Spotlights! https://lnkd.in/dvid6GWy Thank you to all the UACA members who are leading the charge in the efforts towards a net zero future!   Advanced Media | Video . Photography . Broadcast . Cinema, Al Naboodah , ALDAR, American University of Sharjah, Aramex, Arla Foods, Barma Auto Parts LLC, Chalhoub Group, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Danone, Ehfaaz, Farnek Services LLC, Higher Colleges of Technology, IFFCO Group, Landmark Group, Majid Al Futtaim, New York University Abu Dhabi, Serco, talabat, Unilever, Zurich Middle East   #ClimateAction #UACA #COP28 #Decarbonization #NetZero

To bridge the nature finance gap and support nascent #NaturebasedSolutions (NbS), we need varied sources of public and private capital, and a diversity of financial actors, to work together. Last week’s roundtable on #NbS Finance served to advance this critical journey in the #UAE. Organized by Emirates Nature-WWF and hosted by HSBC, the roundtable convened vital stakeholders from government and private financial institutions, along with our experts, to discuss how we can unlock more capital for NbS in the UAE. Potential enablers, including innovative financing models and blended finance, were discussed.   We are optimistic about the potential for private capital, philanthropy, technical assistance funds and development funds to come together to initiate and scale up projects that will have a positive environmental and social impact.    Maryam Al Moosawi, David Ramos Álvarez

🌊 Exciting news for sustainability and economy in the UAE! The nation's coastal lagoons are not just stunning natural habitats, but also significant economic assets, generating millions in revenue each year. This highlights the vital role of environmental conservation in driving economic growth. Check out the full article to learn more about the synergy between nature and economy.  https://lnkd.in/d3Vt64ND

🌍📣 EXCITING FINDINGS! We are delighted to share insights from #UAE's innovative climate adaptation project (Nature-Based Solutions), in collaboration with MoCCaE UAE, Ministry Of Economy, UAE, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the government of Umm Al Quwain government (Department of tourism and archaeology) and International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), with the tremendous support of HSBC. This new publication reveals essential insights from scientific analysis conducted at strategically selected seascapes in Abu Dhabi & Umm Al Quwain, recognized as top sites for biodiversity conservation, climate mitigation & #NbS intervention. 🔸 900,763 metric tons of carbon unveiled in the top 50 cm of living biomass and soil, potentially valued at $44.4 million. 🔸Coastal & marine tourism i to lead the ocean economy by 2030, with global growth rates exceeding 3.5%. 🔸 Nature-positive solutions present $10.1 trillion in business opportunities & could create 395 million jobs by 2030. 🔸 Establishing conservation areas in UAQ Lagoon & Khor Faridah (AD) could result in annual visitation of 273,000 visitors & $34.95 million in revenue. Coastal lagoons are among our nation's most cherished natural assets! These findings aim at informing conservation plans, enhancing carbon storage & other co-benefits, & driving the next generation of Nature-based Solutions. It's not just about nature; it's about building a nature-positive future for all! Link: https://lnkd.in/d_RYEfXu #NatureBasedSolutions #UAE #ClimateAction #OurFuture

On #WorldEnvironmentDay, Leaders of Change gathered to learn about the rich nocturnal wildlife that thrives under the night sky.   In partnership with Fujairah Environment Authority, our conservation experts led the group through the Wadi Wurayah national park. They explained how the wider community can help gather valuable data on plant and animals species, and support ongoing research as citizen scientists.   Together, we can preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of our remarkable region. #TogetherPossible