(MENAFN- Mid-East Info) Subheadings:

• From New York to Abu Dhabi: The Majlis builds on the success of its international edition to shape a unified national vision ahead of hosting IUCN2025.
• A New Development Model: Transitioning from treating nature conservation as a separate priority to positioning it as a driver of the economy and a cornerstone of societal prosperity.
• Activating an Integrated Partnership: Empowering youth, communities, and local entities to play a central role in shaping and implementing a sustainable environmental future.
• Harnessing Innovation and Artificial Intelligence: Deploying strategic tools to cement the UAE's position as a global hub for knowledge and pioneering environmental solutions.
• Forging National Consensus: Showcasing the UAE's development model to lead influential global dialogue and reinforce the nation's role as a key partner in shaping a sustainable future.

Abu Dhabi,October 2025 – In a strategic step to strengthen the UAE's leadership in the global environmental agenda and promote nature-based solutions, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) held the second edition of the Nature Guardians Majlis – Government Sector Council. The event gathered distinguished officials and decision-makers from various government entities.

This Majlis is part of the UAE's efforts to host and lead the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The second edition builds on the success of the inaugural Majlis, which was recently held in New York during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80). At the event, the UAE's ambitious vision for sustainability was presented to global leaders.

The Majlis, held yesterday in Dubai, aims to achieve a transformation in governmental approaches-shifting from treating nature conservation as a separate priority to fully integrating it into the heart of the nation's comprehensive development process. The aim is to position nature as a driver of economic growth and a cornerstone of societal prosperity, while empowering youth and the wider community as essential partners in this journey.

The council was attended by HE Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, HE Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and IUCN Councillor for the West Asia Region, HE Ali Ahmed Ali Abughazayain, Chairman of the Sharjah Fish Resources Authority; HE Assilah Abdullah Ali Maala Al-Hashimi, Director General of the Fujairah Environment; and HE Ahmed Ismail Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.

Additionally, the attendees included representatives from a number of authorities and institutions concerned with the environment and wildlife in the country, with the participation of representatives from the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, the Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain – Al Ain Zoo (ZAPIA), and the Dibba Municipality.

Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said that the Majlis lays the foundation for a new phase of integrated national action. HE said:“Our meeting today in the Nature Guardians Majlis signifies a profound turning point in our developmental approach, extending beyond preparing for the conference. We are transitioning from a focus on nature protection to actively enabling nature as the primary driver of sustainable development across the nation's critical sectors. This necessitates genuine community partnership in both shaping and implementing our objectives, a cornerstone of the Emirati model we are developing and showcasing globally. Our heritage underpins our vision to establish natural capital as the most valuable asset in our economy. We are committed to leveraging nature-based solutions as the principal engine of innovation for food and water security, facilitating our green economic transition, fostering sustainable cities, and enhancing overall quality of life.”

Her Excellency added:“Under the guidance of our leadership, we have transformed nature conservation from an environmental obligation into a primary driver of our economy and livelihoods – a vision we proudly present to the world. This vision is realised through a comprehensive governmental framework and genuine community partnership. Our strategic dialogue fosters full cross-sector cooperation, unifying our efforts as one team toward a common goal. We design policies with the community, not for it. Empowering our youth, community members, and local institutions is not optional, it is the only way to turn our ambitions into a lasting legacy. We aim to showcase a model where nature and humanity thrive together in the future.”

Three Dialogue Rounds Forge Unified National Roadmap:

The dialogue within the Majlis was structured as a comprehensive strategic journey. It began with an assessment of the current situation and a forward-looking exploration of the future. This phase aimed to identify the essential policy shifts and governmental mechanisms required to enhance integration and accelerate progress, as well as the key obstacles that needed to be overcome.

Building on this foundation, the second round of discussions focused on practical tools. In particular, it underlined nature-based solutions as a strategic instrument to address climate challenges and strengthen environmental resilience. Additionally, it aimed to set priorities for the effective expansion and management of the network of protected areas.

The final round centred around shaping the UAE's ambitious national commitment to be presented at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, and on identifying tangible initiatives and partnerships that could translate this commitment into a lasting, sustainable legacy.

Key Outcomes Reinforcing Leadership and Shaping a Nature-Positive Future

Establishing a legislative and environmental framework to support a nature-positive economy:The participants agreed that the next phase involves more than just updating existing laws; it requires creating a flexible and innovative legislative ecosystem that serves as the policy infrastructure for fostering a nature-positive economy. This will include developing legislation that encourages investment in natural capital, accelerates the adoption of nature-based solutions, safeguards the nation's biological security, and expands the network of protected areas in a measured manner, transforming these areas into living laboratories for environmental innovation.

Integrating nature as a fundamentalcriterion in all development projects: Emphasis was placed on the need to promote“nature-positive” projects. This involves creating clear mechanisms and standards to ensure that all future development and infrastructure projects -ranging from sustainable urban planning to modern agricultural practices – are designed from the outset to enhance natural capital rather than deplete it. This principle will be an integral part of the planning and financing processes of all national projects.

Activating a participatory governance model to empower local authorities and communities:The Majlis emphasised that the success of the national vision depends on participatory governance that grantsa central role to local authorities, such as municipalities and environmental agencies, in implementation and close monitoring. This ensures that policies are translated into tangible outcomes. It was also highlighted that engaging communities, youth, and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors should go beyond mere consultation. Mechanisms must be established to ensure these parties actively participate in designing, monitoring, and executing initiatives. This approach will ensure that solutions are grounded in reality and sustainable in the long term.

Harnessing innovation and artificial intelligence for nature conservation:The Majlis underscored that innovation is a cornerstone of achieving the national vision, with artificial intelligenceat the core of these initiatives. Technology will not only serve as a supporting tool, but as the analytical and strategic engine for understanding and protecting the country's unique ecosystems.

The participants agreed on the necessity for significant investment in predictive AI models, which should be supported by integrated national databases and the digitisation of environmental monitoring processes. This approach aims to provide proactive insights into ecosystem health. These advanced technologies will also radically improve the efficiency of natural resource management, reinforcing the UAE's position as a global hub for knowledge and innovative solutions, as well as a leading source of pioneering models in applying innovation and AI to conserve and enhance nature.

National consensus on showcasing the Emirati model and leading the global dialogue:The Majlis concluded with unanimous agreement among the participants on the strategic importance of highlighting the UAE's achievements as a unique, nature-centred development model. They affirmed that the upcoming phase will witness greater integration of efforts to document these successes and present them to the world,not only as inspiring stories but as practical, scalable solutions that balance economic growth with environmental protection. This unified vision aims to empower the UAE to lead a constructive and influential global dialogue during the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, further strengthening its role as a key partner in shaping a sustainable future, where nature drives prosperity and well-being.

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