UAE introduced the MAC (Mangrove Alliance for Climate) Strategy 2031 as Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE minister of Climate Change and Environment, revealed the initiative during the second ministerial meeting of the MAC. This event which took place on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, highlighting the alliance’s commitment to advancing global mangrove conservation efforts, WAM reported.
Co-chairing the meeting alongside Nani Hendiarti, deputy minister of the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs of Indonesia, Dr. Al Dahak welcomed ministers from MAC member countries. Together, they reviewed the MAC Strategy 2031 and discussed strategies to enhance collaborative efforts aimed at promoting global mangrove restoration. The focus of their discussions was on strengthening joint initiatives to expand and protect mangrove ecosystems worldwide.
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UAE’s commitment to mangrove conservation
In her opening remarks, Dr. Al Dahak delivered the UAE’s country statement, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to conserving and expanding its mangrove forests. She highlighted the UAE’s significant contributions to global mangrove ecosystems and elaborated on the vital role these ecosystems play in climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as in supporting diverse marine and coastal species.
Importance of mangroves in climate action
Dr. Al Dahak pointed out that mangroves serve as a natural carbon sink, capturing four times more carbon than rainforests. She mentioned that they provide essential flood protection, help prevent erosion, and limit sea level rise. She acknowledged the critical role that mangrove forests play in the UAE’s efforts to achieve the nation’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy. Additionally, she noted that at COP26 in 2021, the UAE increased its ambition to expand mangrove coverage and committed to restoring 100 million mangroves by 2030.
Emphasizing collaboration and support
Furthermore, Dr. Al Dahak underscored the importance of collaboration, referencing the success of the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) and the coordinated efforts of its members.
She also expressed gratitude to Indonesia for its steadfast support of global mangrove conservation and acknowledged the contributions of other member states to preserving these vital ecosystems.
In unveiling the MAC Strategy 2031, Dr. Al Dahak stated that their shared efforts to enhance mangroves globally were encapsulated in the MAC 2031 Strategy, which serves as a framework to ensure the flourishing of mangrove ecosystems on a global scale. She added that this Strategy elevates MAC’s ambitions in mangrove conservation and will drive focused, coordinated action.
Following her speech, Nani Hendiarti delivered a keynote address, and the Mangrove Breakthrough provided a presentation.
The meeting concluded with contributions from member states and closing remarks from both Dr. Amna Al Dahak and Nani Hendiarti.
Pledges towards global mangrove restoration
Members of the MAC pledged to rehabilitate and restore mangroves within their own countries while also supporting similar initiatives on an international level. Through these efforts, the alliance aims to enhance and strengthen the commitments of member nations across various domains, including scientific research, coastal management and conservation, education, climate mitigation, climate adaptation, and relevant policymaking.
Technical preparations for the strategy
Before the ministerial meeting, technical committees representing all 45 MAC members gathered at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, to review and finalize the proposed MAC Strategy 2031 for consideration at the ministerial level. This Strategy provides a roadmap to assist member states in fulfilling their mangrove conservation commitments and advancing sustainable climate action through nature-based solutions.
