An Ocean of Benefit - Coral
Sustainable Blue Economy

UAE’s marine ecosystems contribute directly to the health of our economy, society and environment. We work with government and private sector stakeholders to protect, preserve, and restore these ecosystems for generations to come.

Sustainable Blue Economy

Why do marine ecosystems matter?

Water bodies shape the way we live, where we build our towns and cities, and how we earn our livelihoods.

Globally, goods and services from coastal and marine environments amount to about $2.5 trillion each year. In the UAE, marine environments have given rise to vital industries including ports and shipping, seawater desalination, coastal real estate, tourism and recreation, and fisheries.

But the health of our marine ecosystems is at risk. Biodiversity and fish populations are declining, habitats are being degraded or polluted, and water temperatures are rising.

A sustainable approach is critical to preserving the health of our blue marine-based economy.

According to the World Economic Forum, USD 44 trillion of economic value, or over half of the world’s GDP, is moderately or highly dependent on nature, and therefore currently at risk as a result of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.

An Ocean of Benefit - turtle swimming

What is the Sustainable Blue Economy?

WWF defines the Sustainable Blue Economy as a marine-based economy that:

  • provides social and economic benefits for current and future generations
  • restores, protects, and maintains the diversity, productivity and resilience of marine ecosystems, and
  • is based on clean technologies, renewable energy, and circular material flows

For a clear understanding of what characterizes a Sustainable Blue Economy and guidance on ensuring sustainable development, explore the Principles for a Sustainable Blue Economy.

Explore the Principles

PAVING THE WAY FOR A SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY IN UMM AL QUWAIN

During the World Government Summit in March 2022, the emirate of Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) officially launched its Sustainable Blue Economy (SBE) 2031 strategy, with an aim to:

  • Triple the emirate’s GDP in partnership with the private sector
  • Position the blue economy as a key pillar in the economy of UAQ while ensuring the protection of the marine environment
  • Meet a net-zero emissions target by 2050 and protect at least 20% of the vital natural ecosystems of UAQ and manage them sustainably by 2030

Emirates Nature-WWF played a key role by providing recommendations towards UAQ's strategy and is now partnering with the UAQ government and the Ministry of Economy to support the strategy implementation. With support from HSBC and Accenture, we are identifying opportunities for sectoral development and provision of finance, by:

  • Undertaking an analysis of relevant SBE sectors in UAQ and developing sectoral guidance for four sectors: tourism & recreation, real estate & infrastructure, food & emerging sectors and maritime transport
  • Identifying engagement opportunities and modalities for UAE financial actors to support the development of SBE in UAQ as well as broadly in the country
SBE Event

Government of Umm Al Quwain, Ministry of Economy and Emirates Nature-WWF officially announce initiatives supporting the Sustainable Blue Economy in Umm Al Quwain at COP28

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SBE workshop

UAE’S FLAGSHIP NBS PROJECT

The UAQ SBE strategy was born out of the work conducted through the UAE’s flagship “Nature-based Solutions for Climate (NbS), Biodiversity, and People” project. As part of this project, we are currently developing a pipeline of ‘bankable’ SBE and NbS projects of various sectors including ecotourism and agriculture to support local economic growth, and are working to unlock suitable finance mechanisms to drive implementation and scale.

LEARN ABOUT THE NBS PROJECT

Future-proofing the UAE’s blue economy

The UAE’s transition to a Sustainable Blue Economy will require new economic models that inspire innovation, foster corporate leadership and reward cross-sector collaboration.

Our conversations with corporate stakeholders highlight five drivers for success:

  • Cross-sector dialogue and knowledge platforms can accelerate business awareness and investments
  • Sector-specific insights can help decision-makers prioritize actions that support healthy oceans
  • Corporate leadership, consumer demand and brand recognition can help drive corporate sustainability action
  • Policy, regulation and monitoring are seen as effective tools that can ensure sustainable development
  • Sustainable finance is uniquely placed to help industries integrate principles of the Sustainable Blue Economy

For a deeper understanding of the role of corporates in the transition to a Sustainable Blue Economy, read our full report.

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT

66% of interviewed business stakeholders agree that their companies depend on the quality of the marine environment, according to a study undertaken by Emirates Nature-WWF on the UAE’s Sustainable Blue Economy.

The role of Emirates Nature-WWF

A prominent and active partner in environmental conservation in the MENA region for nearly two decades, Emirates Nature-WWF is in a unique position to support government and businesses with science-based recommendations in the transition to a Sustainable Blue Economy.

Our efforts:

  • Raise awareness about the socio-economic benefits of resilient marine ecosystems
  • Create space for government and business to work together on achieving a Sustainable Blue Economy
  • Inform investment decisions based on scientific knowledge regarding the health of marine ecosystems

Over 60% of interviewed business stakeholders agree that NGO support will increase corporate sustainability efforts

OUR NBS-RELATED PROJECTS

Priceless Planet

Priceless Planet Coalition

Nature-based Solution for Climate, Biodiversity & People project
Al Bithnah

Agro-farming: Building Resilient & Sustainable Rural Communities