The General Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands has announced that the UAE will host the 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP13) in Dubai in 2018. The announcement was made during a plenary session of more than 800 representatives from 160 countries in Punta del Este, Uruguay attending the 12th Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP12) from June 1 to 9, 2015. The assembly approved the new Strategic Plan to guide national and international actions to conserve and wisely use wetlands in the next triennium (2016 to 2018).
H.E. Eng. Mariam Mohammed Saeed Hareb, Acting Assistant Undersecretary, Water Resources and Nature Conservation Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Water said: “The UAE’s decision to host COP13 affirms our support for the Convention at the regional and international levels. Wetlands have caught the attention of the government in line with UAE Vision 2021’s emphasis on conserving our rich natural environment and protecting these fragile ecosystems from urbanization and human activities.”
The participation of the UAE in the conference comes in line with its commitment to the Convention and affirms the important role played by the country at the regional and international levels. The delegation included H.E. Eng. Hareb; H.E. Eng. Mohamed Saif Al Afkham, Director General of Fujairah Municipality; and Dr. Saif Mohammed Al-Ghais, Executive Director, Environment Protection and Development Authority in Ras Al Khaimah. A number of delegates from the Dubai Municipality were present as well.
Eng. Hareb emphasized the importance of strengthening joint cooperation among countries in promoting and developing plans and programs for wetland management. She noted that the UAE’s presence in the conference reflects its commitment to the international Ramsar Convention, which the country joined in 2007.
The Acting Assistant Undersecretary also underscored the relevance of concerted international and regional efforts to protect wetland environments in conserving biological diversity, She explained that this will reflect positively on the conditions of these systems and promote the values and services and the economic, social and environmental benefits they offer. She also pointed out the importance of the coastal wetlands, mangroves, salt marshes and tidal flats characterizing the UAE’s marine and coastal environments. Eng. Hareb added that the Ministry of Environment and Water intends to cooperate fully with all concerned parties in the country to maintain and ensure sustainability.
The conference further discussed the impact of climate change on wetlands and the vital role of these areas in reducing carbon levels and absorption and ultimately reducing the adverse effects of climate change. The importance of spreading awareness and education on wetlands, the benefits of fostering an appreciation of ecosystems in local communities, and the strengthening of cooperation among stakeholders to maintain wetlands was also emphasized. Moreover, the conference tackled the vital role of wetlands in resolving the global scarcity of water, highlighting how these areas constitute sustainable solutions for conserving natural resources such as water and food for human consumption and other uses.
Participants also addressed the role of wetlands in mitigating natural disasters such as desertification, land degradation and hurricanes, as well as the importance of organizing programs to diminish the effects of climate change through wetlands that thrive on effective carbon storage systems. A resolution on including Arabic as an official language within the Convention as part of a gradual plan in the coming years was also given support.
H.E. Hareb added that the national strategies for biodiversity and sustainability of the marine and coastal environments both prepared by the ministry will play important roles in preserving the said environments and enhancing their ability to cope with human and natural challenges by 2021. She noted that the Ministry of Environment and Water intends to raise the level of awareness on biological diversity among the various sectors of society and integrate related concepts in the planning and decision-making processes. She added that there will be a sharper focus on innovation and practices relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity in the development of local and national policies and legislation.
On the sidelines of the conference the UAE delegation showcased the most important wetland environments in the region and national initiatives such as an evaluation of the effective management of protected areas in the state; a ‘blue carbon’ project; and an assessment of existing environmental systems. The group also presented a short film on the importance of coastal wetlands, mangroves, marshes, and salt and tidal flats typical of the country’s marine and coastal environments. The film showed how these systems store large amounts of carbon and create a natural barrier against storms and sea waves. It also emphasized the unique environmental value of these areas in terms of their biodiversity and renewable natural resources and their contributions to groundwater quality.
The UAE delegation also met with H.E. Mr. Christopher Briggs, Secretary-General of the Convention. Briggs commended the UAE for its active participation in COP12, its upcoming hosting of COP13, and its important role in supporting the objectives of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
Another meeting was held with H.E. Enida de Leon, Minister of Housing, Territorial Planning and the Environment of the Republic of Uruguay and her deputy. The group discussed ways to enhance mutual cooperation in preserving wetlands and wildlife sustainability.
The UAE presided over the 12th Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP12) in the Republic of Uruguay. Its delegation was headed by H.E. Dr. Saif Mohammed Al-Ghais, Executive Director, Environment Protection and Development Authority in Ras Al Khaimah.
The Ministry of Environment and Water adopted two important initiatives during the first government creativity lab held in November 2014: UAE Smart Map of Natural Capital and the national program for the sustainability of wildlife which aims to provide more protection for biologically diverse wetlands as a main objective under the national strategy for biodiversity.