Emirates Council for Rural Development signs agreement with Emirates Nature-WWF at COP28 to drive sustainability and resilience of “Emirates Villages” project

United Arab Emirates, 12 December 2023: At COP28, His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Emirates Council for Rural Development, witnessed the signing of the agreement between the Emirates Council for Rural Development and leading UAE-based environmental charity Emirates Nature-WWF. Also in attendance was H.E. Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State and Deputy Chairman of Emirates Nature-WWF. The agreement aims to support the sustainable development of rural areas that are part of the Emirates Villages project. In particular, it strives to ensure climate resilience and promote eco-tourism in the Misfit area within the emirate of Ajman, and contribute positively to economic diversification in line with future sustainable developments and the nation’s economic objectives. 

The agreement was signed by Mohammed Khalifa Bakhit Al Kaabi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Council for Rural Development, and Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF, to advance the implementation of a nature restoration project in Al Waraa Falaj and Lake Al Shariyah in the Masfout area.  

As part of the project, Emirates Nature-WWF will restore the traditional falaj irrigation system, plant Arabian Moringa trees (Al-Shu'a), and build a natural trail to raise awareness of the cultural importance of the area amongst community members and tourists. An inclusive conservation approach will be followed, whereby local community members will be engaged throughout the various phases of the project to find solutions that will bring about positive returns for community and nature. 

His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Emirates Council for Rural Development said: “The agreement with Emirates Nature-WWF reflects our common goals, principles and foundations. It brings together the two parties in a way that translates the nation’s visions and direction into action towards achieving comprehensive and sustainable development for the UAE.” 

His Highness added: “The agreement contributes directly to strengthening of the Council’s efforts to build climate resilience and improve standard of living in remote areas, while also increasing the role of community in raising the competitiveness of the national economy. It aims to create opportunities that mobilize civil society to contribute towards development of their communities, which is an important area of focus for the Emirates Council for Rural Development.” 

“Emirates Nature-WWF has a comprehensive strategic vision with regard to preserving the environment. The charity’s extensive experience in strategic research and engagement with local communities, demonstrates natural synergies between the two parties and doubles the importance of joint cooperation to achieve shared objectives," His Highness continued. 

Mohammed Khalifa Bakhit Al Kaabi, Secretary General of the Emirates Council for Rural Development said: “By signing this agreement with Emirates Nature-WWF, the Emirates Council for Rural Development continues to strengthen its effective partnership with NGOs and charities to support the sustainable development goals of the Emirates Villages project, contributing towards increased sustainability and social responsibility across the nation.” 

Al Kaabi added: “Enhancing the utilization of human energies and natural potential of each region will help improve of the quality of services available within communities, and drive positive participation in sustainable development.”  

Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF commented: "Emirates Nature-WWF is honoured to collaborate with the Emirates Council for Rural Development on this project, which aims to unlock multiple benefits for climate, biodiversity and people through the protection, restoration and sustainable management of natural resources. We look forward to creating new opportunities for rural communities across food production and eco-tourism in the Masfout Region, applying a Nature-based Solutions approach that is rooted in science, and engaging closely with local communities." 

Through the “Emirates Villages” project, the Emirates Council for Rural Development is working to provide the mechanisms and means to enhance the quality of life in all regions of the country. The project aspires to build a model for sustainable development that offers economic and investment opportunities to enhance social stability and well-being of communities in remote areas. This effort relies on leveraging the natural and cultural capital as well as eco-tourism potential of these regions. 

The "Emirates Villages" project is based on five development pillars. It aims to achieve a set of goals that revolve around developing innovative and mini-economic forms and patterns in 10 villages within 5 years. The project also focuses on raising community participation and human development through continuous and constructive communication with families and residents. Furthermore, it aims to attract investments, increase participation of the private sector, develop the local arena, and improve the effectiveness of this model. Enhancing cooperation between the federal and local governments as well as the private sector will be key to facilitating development.