The UAE Ministry of Environment and Water recently hosted a delegation of the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) to discuss ways to enhance cooperation on the UAE’s successful hosting of the 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP13), which will be held in Dubai in 2018.The announcement was made during a plenary session attended by more than 800 delegates from 160 countries for COP 12 from June 1 to 9, 2015 held at Punta Del Este in Uruguay to approve a new strategy to guide national and international action to wisely use and conserve wetlands in the next three years from 2016 till 2018.
The hosting of COP 13 comes in line with the UAE’s commitment to the Ramsar Convention, confirming their role of supporting the Convention at the regional and international levels. It also complements UAE Vision 2021 which emphasizes on the importance of preserving the rich natural environment and fragile ecosystems from rapid urban expansion.
During the gathering, H.E Abdel Rahim Mohammed Al Hammadi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Environment & Water, met Dr. Ania Grobicki, Deputy Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention. Both sides discussed channels for enhancing cooperation between the UAE and the Secretariat of the Convention in the field of wetland protection along with matters relating to the state’s hosting of COP 13. The session also talked of ways to raise awareness on the importance of wetlands in the UAE and the region over the next three years.
In addition, a delegation headed by the Acting Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention along with representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Water and Dubai Municipality viewed the proposed site. The venue is expected to host government representatives from more than 170 countries as well as heads of several international organizations.
Lastly, the visit included a field trip to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary which is popular for its unique environment offering a habitat for migratory birds. The delegates also visited Wasit Wetland Centre located in Sharjah’s Wasit Nature Reserve, one of the leading centers in the field of awareness and education on wetlands.