The "Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for Climate, Biodiversity & People” project in the UAE (2021-2025) is funded by HSBC, and is a partnership between the Minister of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), the Minister of Economy (MoEc), the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the Government of Umm Al Quwain, Emirates Nature-WWF and the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA). This project is part of the Climate Solutions Partnership where the UAE has been selected as the flagship country for HSBC MENAT.
Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) was established in February 2006 as the Ministry of Environment and Water. Under its redefined scope, the ministry has taken on a dual mandate. On the national level, it aims to strengthen the UAE’s efforts in preserving the environment and promoting food diversity in accordance with the nation’s aspiration to emerge as a key benchmark for sustainable development. On the global level, MOCCAE joins international stakeholders in combating climate change and profiles the UAE’s path-breaking achievements in the sector at thought leadership platforms worldwide.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) regulates and enforces Abu Dhabi’s environmental laws to protect biodiversity and preserve quality of life for a sustainable future. Starting as a small group of pioneering ecologists in 1996 working in the harsh desert environment, EAD has grown, breaking down barriers and pushing the limits of science and conservation. EAD is the largest environmental regulator in the Middle East, continuing the strong legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan by exemplifying his values of conservation with a focus on regulation and direction of policy with transparency. EAD’s achievements include setting up the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network, recording 100 unknown invertebrate species, and leading the region in banning gargour fishing nets in Abu Dhabi. EAD leads the IUCN National Committee and is hosting the Convention of Migratory Species – Memorandum of Understanding for Dugongs and Raptors.
Emirates Nature-WWF (EN-WWF)
Emirates Nature-WWF (EN-WWF) is a leading non-profit environmental organization in the UAE working with government, the private sector and the public to make significant progress towards conserving the country’s natural heritage, advancing action to address climate change, and increasing cross-stakeholder dialogue on key issues. EN-WWF has a proven track record of achievements in on-the-ground nature conservation, community involvement, designation and management of Protected Areas and policy recommendations. Emirates Nature-WWF is an IUCN Member organization and participates at the IUCN National Committee, and it is also a Signatory to the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration.
The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA)
The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) is a not-for-profit, international center of excellence for research and development targeting marginal environments – i.e. environments where natural resources are either limited or have been degraded. Established in 1999 in Dubai, ICBA has evolved into a world-class modern research facility, with a team of international scientists conducting applied research which identifies, develops and promotes innovative solutions and technologies that can increase food, nutrition and water security, improve the livelihoods of people and protect natural resources in marginal environments. ICBA is the custodian of the world’s largest collection of genetic resources of crops and forages suitable for salt-affected lands, with a proven capacity of seed development and seed multiplication for a variety of environments.