Abu Dhabi Hosts Global Conservation Gathering to Inspire Bold Environmental Actions, Insha'Allah
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. This Thursday, Abu Dhabi will warmly welcome environmental leaders from around the world for the opening of the World Conservation Congress. This important event comes at a time when the world faces many challenges like geopolitical tensions and changing attitudes towards climate change.
For the first time, the International Union for Conservation of Nature is holding its congress in the UAE. Thousands of scientists, experts, and those living closely with nature will come together to discuss urgent issues facing our planet.
Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the event will host about 10,000 visitors and feature over 1,500 sessions on biodiversity and natural conservation from 140 countries.
Dr. Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General, said this congress is a great opportunity. She hopes it will spark bold ideas, highlight innovative solutions, and unite the global conservation community to protect Allah's beautiful creation and ensure a sustainable future for all.
She emphasized the importance of global cooperation, noting these are challenging times due to geopolitics, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
In light of recent setbacks in climate funding abroad, this congress will launch the new IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the World Heritage Outlook, announce the winners of the International Rangers Award 2025, and reveal the host country for the 2027 congress.
Dr. Aguilar reminded us that working together-governments, civil society, and indigenous peoples-is essential since we depend entirely on nature.
The UAE government and organizers are committed to making the event environmentally responsible by offsetting all carbon emissions, using sustainable materials, streaming sessions online to reduce travel, limiting single-use plastics, and promoting vegetarian meals.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, highlighted the UAE's dedication to conservation, noting the country protects 18% of its land and nearly 14% of its marine waters. The UAE’s successful conservation programs, like the reintroduction of the scimitar-horned oryx and planting over 50 million mangroves to help absorb carbon, serve as inspiring examples.
Key discussions during the week will focus on nature-based climate solutions, closing the significant global financing gap for nature, and addressing overfishing and coral reef decline.
Hiba Obaid Al Shehhi from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment shared that the congress will foster collaboration and innovation towards achieving global goals for people, land, water, oceans, and climate.
The UAE aims to be a platform where diverse voices come together, reminding us that if we care for nature, it will care for us. May Allah guide us all to protect His creation.
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