The UAE’s terrain is divided into three different regions – mountainous, low coastal and desert.  As a result, it is home to a rich biological diversity that includes a range of ecosystems, terrestrial and aquatic habitats.  The harsh environmental conditions prevalent in the area have led to many of the species found there adapting to the largely arid desert climate, making them unique.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has worked with partners in both the public and private sectors to develop strategies to preserve this biodiversity. It works to protect and restore the natural habitats of its local plants and species, to protect its marine and coastal environment and to raise awareness within society of the importance of conserving and managing the country’s natural resources.

The adhesion of the UAE as a State Member of IUCN will not only enhance IUCN’s presence in the region, but also strengthen the Union’s capacity to influence, encourage and assist governments, civil society and the private sector in the good governance of the world’s natural resources and environment.

“The United Arab Emirates has long been committed to the protection and preservation of biodiversity and the conservation of species and their natural habitats.  Initiatives to conserve the Arabian, and Scimitar-horned Oryx are clear examples of their leadership in this area. Furthermore, the UAE has topped global 2020 rankings in eight environmental indicators and is leading the MENA region in 19 of them,” says Hany El Shaer, IUCN Regional Director, West Asia. “We are delighted that the United Arab Emirates has joined IUCN as a State Member and we look forward to working closely with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in furthering the country’s environmental protection policies”.

In recent years, the IUCN Regional office in Jordan (IUCN ROWA), has worked with the UAE on a number of initiatives, including most recently ensuring that key knowledge products such as the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas are integrated into local level planning and regulations.  UAE’s State membership with IUCN will further strengthen this collaboration and will enhance regional and international engagement.

IUCN looks forward to continuing to support UAE in its efforts towards the conservation of its diverse ecosystems and to the equitable and sustainable use of the natural resources of the country, thereby contributing to the successful implementation of its developmental and environmental protection policies.