UAE Strengthens Biodiversity Efforts with 55 Protected Areas Covering 19.04% of National Territory
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates is commemorating the International Day for Biological Diversity this year with a focus on “Acting Locally for Global Impact.” This theme underscores the significance of local actions and the collective commitment of communities, organizations, and governments in safeguarding biodiversity.
The United Nations has highlighted the necessity of meeting the objectives outlined in the “Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,” which sets forth 23 targets for 2030 and five overarching goals for 2050. These targets aim to protect biodiversity, halt environmental degradation, and reverse its trajectory over the next 25 years.
Major Achievements in Biodiversity
Recent developments in the UAE’s biodiversity efforts are detailed in the Seventh National Report on Biodiversity, which is part of the country’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. National teams have successfully increased the number of approved protected areas to 55, comprising both terrestrial and marine reserves that collectively cover 19.04% of the nation’s total area.
Additionally, the UAE has made significant strides in protecting endangered species through integrated conservation, breeding, habitat management, and international cooperation programs. The Cabinet’s approval of the report on March 29 indicates a commitment to enhancing the status of these species.
The UAE has also made notable progress in coastal and marine ecosystems through the National Carbon Sequestration Project, which aims to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030. More than 50% of this target is expected to be achieved by 2024.
Public Awareness and Environmental Initiatives
Public awareness regarding biodiversity has risen to 89%, with the environmental behavior index improving to 85% in 2024. Various national initiatives and programs have been implemented to bolster the UAE’s contributions to biodiversity conservation targets and environmental requirements, in collaboration with relevant international organizations.
In 2026, the UAE continues to roll out initiatives aimed at enhancing biodiversity. A new law has been enacted to regulate and monitor international trade in endangered animals and plants. Additionally, the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund and Mubadala Foundation have launched an international initiative to protect dugongs and seagrass habitats across the UAE and four other countries.
The World’s Richest Seas Initiative
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has introduced the “Hamdan bin Zayed: The World’s Richest Seas” initiative, which aims to double fish stocks in the emirate by 2030. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance marine productivity and protect aquatic resources. The agency has also achieved a significant milestone by raising the sustainable fishing index to 100% by the end of 2025, a substantial increase from just 8% in 2018.
In Dubai, the “Layan Oasis” project has been approved, covering one million square meters and featuring a large natural lake. This project aims to showcase the desert environment while promoting sustainability and raising awareness about quality of life. Meanwhile, in Sharjah, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority has documented the discovery of four new spider species, illustrating the richness of biodiversity and the ongoing scientific research in the UAE.
Comprehensive Biodiversity Strategies
The UAE’s biodiversity conservation efforts align with the objectives outlined in several strategic frameworks, including the National Biodiversity Strategy, the National Strategy to Combat Desertification, and the National Strategy for Sustainability of the Marine and Coastal Environment.
The National Biodiversity Strategy aims to address the root causes of biodiversity loss by integrating biodiversity values across all sectors, reducing direct pressures on biodiversity, promoting sustainable use, and improving the status of ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.
Recognizing the critical role of combating desertification in preserving biodiversity, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment developed the country’s first National Strategy to Combat Desertification in 2003. This strategy was updated in 2014, and in 2024, the Cabinet approved the National Strategy to Combat Desertification 2022-2030, which includes 33 key initiatives and a national action agenda extending to 2030.
In June 2024, the Ministry announced the inclusion of nine globally significant biodiversity sites in the UAE under the “Key Biodiversity Areas” Secretariat. The ministry also launched the National Red List for endangered species in 2022, providing a comprehensive assessment of species status within the local environment.
Legislative Framework and International Agreements
The UAE’s biodiversity conservation initiatives are supported by a robust legislative framework, which includes Federal Law No. 23 of 1999 on the exploitation, protection, and development of living aquatic resources; Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 on environmental protection; and Federal Law No. 11 of 2002, which regulates international trade in endangered animals and plants.
The UAE is a signatory to numerous international agreements aimed at preserving biodiversity, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), among others.
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Published on 2026-05-22 03:15:00 • By the Editorial Desk
