Ministry Of Environment Hosts 'Wetlands And Environmental Conference'

DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 23rd Oct, 2018) The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, MOCCAE, welcomed more than 1,000 participants from 158 countries to the 13th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, COP13, at the Festival Arena in Dubai.

Sponsored by the Dubai Municipality, COP13 offers the opportunity to member states to discuss progress on the Ramsar Convention goals for international co-operation on wetlands conservation and wise, sustainable use of their resources. Contracting parties will plan a policy for the next three years, vote on 26 draft resolutions, and discuss a range of ongoing and emerging environmental issues.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Agency, Dawood Abdul Rahman Abdullah Al Hajiri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, and Martha Rojas Urrego, Secretary-General of the Ramsar Convention, among others, addressed the delegates at the opening ceremony. The Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands also presented awards to the winners of the Ramsar Wetland Conversation Awards.

"Wetlands have received the attention of our government, and hosting this prestigious event confirms our commitment to conserving our natural environment, and protecting our ecosystems from urbanisation and human activities," Dr. Thani Al-Zeyoudi said. "We cannot risk losing these valuable ecosystems, as it will have an impact on our lives, society and our future. I hope that this conference will open doors for greater collaboration, understanding and intervention to preserve and save the world’s wetlands."

Razan Al Mubarak stated, "Today marks a momentous occasion for the UAE as it hosts its first-ever COP to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, reinforcing our nation’s leading role in the protection of the environment and the conservation of our biodiversity. It gives us great pride to hold this important meeting in the ‘Year of Zayed’, in memory of UAE’s Founding Father, who himself was an ardent conservationist and champion of species. The treaty, which underscores the importance of the wise use of wetlands, has never been more relevant as it is today, given the threats to these rich ecosystems from industrialisation, urbanisation and even climate change."

"We are fully committed to protecting wetlands and their biodiversity.

The declaration of Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi, the only location in the Gulf to breed flamingos regularly, as a Ramsar site in 2016, and subsequently, a protected area in 2017, is a true testament to that commitment. While the challenge concerning the conservation of wetlands is both real and substantial, immense opportunities for meaningful collaboration and discovery of innovative solutions to protect these natural resources are available. Our collective efforts towards this cause will ensure that we are able to protect the wetlands not only for ourselves but for our future generations," Al Mubarak added.

Emphasising the importance of wetlands for society, Al Hajiri affirmed, "It is not common knowledge that there is a beautiful bird sanctuary and designated Ramsar site just a stone’s throw away from the city of Dubai. Developing a happy and sustainable city is part of the Dubai Municipality’s mandate, and that includes protecting our environment and its inhabitants. We are proud to host this meeting and delegates from around the world, to be part of the solution for these important ecosystems."

Urrego of Ramsar convention noted, "From mangroves to rivers, the world’s wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate, and swift action is needed now. Wetland interventions must be scaled, and we need to raise awareness of the services they provide, and most importantly, integrate wetland conservation, its wise use and restoration into policies across all societal sectors. This is the first time that a meeting is being held in an Arab country, and we are confident that Dubai will lead efforts in promoting the cause for wetlands."

The Ramsar Convention Award for Wetland Wise Use was presented to Fundacion Global Nature, Spain, in acknowledgement of the organisation’s contributions to the long-term sustainable use of wetlands. The Youth Climate Action Network of Samoa won the Ramsar Convention Award for Young Wetlands Champions.

The Ramsar Secretariat will also introduce the Wetland City Accreditation for the first time, which pays tribute to 18 cities that have taken exceptional steps to safeguard their urban wetlands.

The recently launched Global Wetlands Outlook, GWO, by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands highlights that the world’s wetlands are declining rapidly, with 35 percent losses since 1970.