Efforts to protect and manage marine environment broaden

As part of the Year of Sustainability and in preparation for the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) held a workshop to develop the national strategy for the sustainability of the marine environment and fisheries.

The workshop aims to review national efforts to protect and manage the marine environment and fisheries, including aquaculture, in addition to developing future programmes and projects and identifying the main challenges and opportunities available to enhance the sustainable development of marine ecosystems and living water resources, leading to the identification of a shared national vision and key strategic guidelines for the period 2024-2030.

Dr Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector at MoCCAE, opened the two-day workshop. The workshop saw broad participation from more than 40 participants from municipalities, specialised environmental bodies, federal and local government departments, universities, port authorities, and a large number of scientific experts in environmental and marine sciences, scientists, and researchers.

The participating entities included the Ministry of Defence, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi, Dubai Municipality, Fujairah Environment Authority, Abu Dhabi Ports, Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, Sharjah Fisheries Authority, Ras Al Khaimah Environment Protection and Development Authority, Umm Al Quwain Municipality, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), UAE University, and the National Space Science and Technology Centre.

The workshop aimed to identify the national efforts led by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in the field of management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems in the UAE, evaluate the current status of the marine environment and various initiatives and projects in this regard, identify the most important existing and future challenges and opportunities, to enhance sustainable development and conserve the marine environment and its wealth, and lead to the identification of a shared prospective national vision that is in harmony with the country’s environmental policies.

In his opening speech at the workshop, Dr. Mohammed Al Hammadi said, “The concerted national efforts based on constructive cooperation with our strategic partners from specialised environmental entities and relevant federal and local government departments and the private sector will have a great impact in developing the national strategy for the sustainability of the marine environment and fisheries, and effectively contributing to the development and enhancement of the protection of marine resources in the UAE and ensuring their sustainability.”

Al Hammadi stated that the UAE plays a pivotal and active role in preserving the marine environment and fisheries, noting that “In order to preserve our national marine wealth and work on its sustainability, we seek through the workshop to evaluate the current situation regarding the management of marine and coastal ecosystems, within a comprehensive framework that includes environmental, economic, social, and regulatory aspects.”

He added, “Based on an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, and available opportunities, a strategic framework will be developed from a future vision and key guidelines that respond to the challenges facing the marine environment and fisheries and global trends for the governance of marine ecosystem management. Its goals are to rely on developmental economic patterns with high added value, considering the marine environment’s specificity and fragility and the challenges of preserving the marine environment and fisheries.”

Workshop attendees engaged in discussions around the National Strategy for the Sustainability of the Marine Environment and Fisheries 2024-2030. They examined the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment’s efforts, along with those of other participating entities, in maintaining the sustainability of the marine environment and fisheries. This included a review of the numerous initiatives and projects the Ministry has initiated, spanning marine environmental research, studies, and marine habitat rehabilitation projects.

WAM