Maryam Al Muhairi calls on climate experts to promote “nature-based solutions” to tackle climate change

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment today organized the third council under the “Council of Change Makers” initiative at the Al Ittihad Events Hall in Umm Al Quwain. COP28″ Consists of eight councils that meet before the start of the Conference of the Parties COP28 in the Emirates later this month, with the participation of local leaders and innovators in the climate sector from government, the private sector, industry, academia and other key sectors..

Following the UAE’s recent launch of the UAE Strategy for Climate Neutrality 2050, it sets out a comprehensive government action plan to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Change and reduce its effects..

Mariam Bint Mohammed Al Muhairi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment presided over the event, which was attended by the Director General of Umm Al Quwain Municipality Department, Eng. Ahmed Ibrahim Obaid Ali Al Ali and Managing Director Ahmad Al Hashimi were present. Department of Landscape and Marine Biodiversity at the Environment Institute, Abu Dhabi..

During the assembly, Maryam Al Muhairi said: “Nature-based solutions are a powerful and effective tool to address climate change and reduce its impacts. Umm Al Quwain is a living example of how these solutions can be studied, implemented and strategically supported. A more sustainable future.”“.

He added: “Our national plan to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030 has full support here at Umm Al Quwain, and I would like to thank all those responsible and participants in this plan for prioritizing efforts to plant mangroves to protect and expand coastal forests. , which play an important role as major carbon storage sites.” Generally“.

He continued: “As we move into a new era of concrete efforts and actions led by the UAE Strategy for Climate Neutrality 2050, we must continue to harness the power of nature. Climate change.”“.

The UAE makes effective use of natural systems such as mangroves and coral reefs, acting as natural buffers against sea level rise, reducing the risk of coastal erosion and protecting vulnerable coastal communities..

He stressed: “Ensuring the long-term success of nature-based solutions requires collaboration, research and effective policy implementation because we must protect these ecosystems.”“.

He concluded: “Before holding a conference of parties, we must ask ourselves. COP28 In our ongoing fight against climate change, how can we promote local solutions and commit to removing barriers to achieving a sustainable future?“.

For his part, His Excellency Engineer Ahmad Ibrahim Al stressed that municipalities have a key role in promoting nature-based solutions in the UAE, particularly Umm Al Quwain Emirate. Expanding their participation and cooperation in planting mangrove trees… His Excellency pointed out that climate action takes time and more community education efforts are needed to ensure that these efforts continue for generations to come..

For his part, Ahmad Al Hashemi pointed out that Abu Dhabi Emirate has a strategic approach to protect nature by expanding mangrove cultivation, of which 23 million trees have been planted so far. Tree planting technology introduced using drones.

At the same time, he emphasized that Abu Dhabi’s efforts are not limited to protecting nature, but benefiting from it economically, pointing to the success of honey production experiments in mangrove forests. He pointed out that the success of such projects requires expanding the scope of experiments and funding modern technology to contribute to the success of various ambitious initiatives and projects. Al-Hashemi also pointed to the need for a concrete increase in scientific research supporting nature-based solutions within research centers and universities..

During this session, participants reviewed the challenges and opportunities related to climate change and the implementation of nature-based solutions to protect the environment. They discussed the economic and social benefits associated with nature-based solutions in the UAE and how these solutions contribute to the well-being of local communities..

The session concluded with a request for participants to share current or planned projects and strategies related to nature-based solutions to achieve the country’s goals on sustainability and climate action in the UAE, particularly in Umm al-Quwain. Climate finance for nature conservation is similar to efforts to reduce emissions and sustainable food security..

It also explored how to use modern technology to restore nature and increase the area of ​​forests, which are an important habitat for many species, while giving small and medium enterprises the opportunity to play a greater role in the sector. The Council also discussed designing an integrated system that brings together decision makers, entrepreneurs and relevant economic and financial institutions to start and expand businesses that support the country’s efforts to conserve nature and biodiversity..

The council also discussed the need to work to integrate nature with urban life within cities by expanding major parks and gardens, in which community members can find a natural outlet, and improving community life by improving air quality and others..

The “Council of Change Makers” initiative series reflects… COP28″ The Ministry is keen to consolidate the model of open and exceptional leadership followed by the UAE in addressing challenges, particularly the environment and climate, and which also highlights the aspirations of the Conference of Parties. COP28 Providing a comprehensive platform for influential collaborative and collaborative work.

The idea of ​​a “Council of Change Makers” took root… COP28″ In the tradition of UAE society, based on the culture of councils, it has spread as forums for dialogue to embrace different segments of society for consultation and finding solutions to pressing challenges..