ABU DHABI, 21st May, 2025 (WAM) -- The UAE will mark the International Day for Biological Diversity tomorrow, observed this year under the theme “Harmony With Nature and Sustainable Development”.
The theme underscores the essential balance between progress and the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity, particularly in addressing climate challenges.
On this occasion, the United Nations has reiterated its call for urgent action to meet the goals outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which sets 23 targets for 2030 and five global goals for 2050 to stop and reverse the loss of nature in 25 years.
According to the UN, three-quarters of the land-based environment and about 66 percent of the marine environment have been significantly altered by human actions, while 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction.
In response, the issue of biodiversity (conservation and development of wildlife) has received considerable and early attention in the UAE, reflected in the tremendous efforts made by the country and its significant achievements in this area, from enacting legislation and monitoring its implementation, establishing and expanding protected areas, to protecting, breeding and reintroducing endangered species into their natural habitats.
Considering that land and sea diversity is an integral part of the UAE's heritage, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment continues to work, in collaboration with its partners, to strengthen efforts in this context through the implementation of a wide range of plans and initiatives in the framework of the National Biodiversity Strategy, the National Strategy to Combat Desertification and the Strategy for Sustainability of the Marine and Coastal Environment, among others.
The National Biodiversity Strategy seeks to address the root causes of biodiversity loss by integrating biodiversity values across sectors, reducing direct pressures, promoting sustainable use and improving the overall condition of ecosystems.
Acknowledging the link between desertification and biodiversity degradation, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, in cooperation with strategic partners, developed the country’s first National Strategy to Combat Desertification in 2003, which was updated in 2014.
In 2024, the UAE Cabinet approved the National Strategy to Combat Desertification 2022–2030. It comprises 33 key initiatives and a national action agenda extending through to 2030.
During COP28, the UAE adopted the general framework of the Biodiversity Strategy 2031, which focuses on monitoring, protecting and sustaining ecosystems, and strengthening national capacities in the field of biodiversity.
Nature reserves are central to the UAE’s efforts to preserve biodiversity. The country currently hosts 49 nature reserves, including 16 marine reserves that cover approximately 12.01 percent of marine and coastal areas, and 33 terrestrial reserves covering 18.4 percent of the UAE’s landmass.
The UAE places particular emphasis on expanding mangrove forests due to their vital role in absorbing carbon and protecting coastal environments. As part of its broader climate and biodiversity initiatives, the country has committed to planting 100 million mangrove trees by 2030.