Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Leads UAE Delegation at High-Level Ocean Action Event

San Jose, The Gulf Observer: Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, led the UAE delegation at the “Ocean Action: Immersed in Change” event, coinciding with World Oceans Day. This high-level stakeholder gathering was organized by the government of Costa Rica as a precursor to the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC), scheduled for next year in Nice, France. The event brought together ministers and international stakeholders to enhance ocean ecosystem protection and accelerate efforts to improve ocean health.

Dr. Al Dahak participated in various high-level panel discussions alongside other ministers and top country representatives. In her address, she highlighted the UAE’s advancements towards the 30X30 target, aiming to protect 30% of the planet’s oceans by 2030. Emphasizing the significance of ocean ecosystems to the UAE’s social and economic development, she shared insights on sustainable fisheries and a thriving aquaculture sector within the country. She also reiterated the UAE’s commitment to planting 100 million mangroves by 2030.

The minister underscored the UAE’s dedication to international cooperation in combating climate change, bolstered by initiatives like the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC), co-launched with Indonesia. MAC, now supported by 42 countries, focuses on scaling up mangrove conservation and resilience efforts. Dr. Al Dahak also mentioned the Mangrove Breakthrough program, aimed at safeguarding 15 million hectares of mangroves globally by 2030 with $4 billion in financing, and the ‘2030 Seagrass Breakthrough’, which highlights the benefits of seagrasses in climate change mitigation and community support.

Discussing the upcoming UN Ocean Conference in 2025, Dr. Al Dahak stated: “We need to continue the momentum towards the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 and work towards conserving and sustainably using ocean, sea, and marine resources. It is crucial to set clear objectives to maintain ocean health and protect them from climate change, pollution, and overfishing. On this World Oceans Day, let us unite for clean, healthy, and sustainable oceans. This year’s theme, ‘Awaken New Depths,’ inspires deeper exploration of our oceans, urging all sectors—governments, private companies, individuals, civil society, decision-makers, thought leaders, and activists—to support ocean well-being.”

The minister emphasized the necessity of maintaining and enhancing ocean biodiversity, addressing ocean waste, and securing proper funding and collaboration to achieve these goals.

In a dialogue on raising ambition for the Third Ocean Conference, Dr. Al Dahak detailed the UAE’s collaborations with international partners to advance scientific research and tackle current oceanic challenges. In another discussion on “Promoting Peace for the Ocean,” she described the ocean as a shared global asset, advocating for partnerships to boost ocean ecosystems.

During her visit, Dr. Al Dahak held bilateral meetings with Franz Tattenbach, Costa Rica’s Minister of Environment and Energy; Heiner Méndez Barrientos, Costa Rica’s Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture; Hervé Berville, France’s Secretary of State for the Sea and Biodiversity; and Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Norway’s Minister for International Cooperation, to discuss cooperation in various environmental and marine fields.