IUCN WORLD CONSERVATION CONGRESS
At the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, Emirates Nature–WWF helped shape global conversations and advance practical solutions for a nature-positive future. As thousands of leaders, decision-makers and conservationists gathered in Abu Dhabi, we were proud to showcase UAE solutions and innovations, celebrate new milestones, and accelerate momentum for people and planet.
FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL — SCALING RESILIENCE ACROSS BORDERS
Under the directive of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with anchor funding of USD 10 million from the UAE Aid Agency, the Building Community Resilience to Natural Disasters (BCRND) program was launched to strengthen community resilience across Asia Pacific. A joint initiative by WWF and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), BCRND harnesses Nature-based Solutions to help communities withstand and adapt to natural disasters, while creating sustainable livelihoods. This milestone reflects our evolution from a local organization to a global connector and catalyst for nature — as we mark 25 years of impact in the UAE.
Read the AnnouncementMOBILISING PHILANTHROPY TO BRIDGE THE NATURE FINANCE GAP
At the Nature Without Borders event, we highlighted how philanthropy can power innovative financing solutions for nature — introducing the BCRND vision for climate adaptation and disaster resilience.
Explore insights from over 100 leaders in philanthropy, investment and conservation in the new WWF × AVPN report “Mobilising Partnerships and Philanthropy to Build Resilient Communities in Asia Pacific.”
Read the ReportSTRENGTHENING RESILIENCE AT HOME
Resilience remains a national priority in the UAE. In a session co-hosted with our partner the Emirates Council for Balanced Development (ECBD), we explored innovative community-led models of sustainable farming, reforestation and ecotourism — with experts from ECBD, Fujairah Environment Authority (FEA), Ras Al Khaimah Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA) and Emirates Nature–WWF. Rural communities are driving the UAE’s transition to a nature-positive future — proving that conservation and development can thrive together.
SAFEGUARDING FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
In arid regions like the UAE, freshwater systems are vital for biodiversity and agriculture. Together with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), we co-hosted a session on the Freshwater Challenge, exploring how the UAE is translating global ambition into local action. Drawing from our work with the Fujairah Environment Authority (FEA) in Wadi Wurayah, we showcased how targeted restoration and the protection of freshwater habitats — including natural springs — are strengthening ecosystem health and supporting the livelihoods that depend on them.
OUR EXPERTS IN ACTION
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, our Director General, addressed the Youth Summit, inspiring young changemakers to become future custodians of nature.
Watch Her Speech
Our conservation experts shared milestones in marine and terrestrial restoration, including UAE-wide efforts to restore native trees and mangroves.
“Mangrove Mayhem: Crack the Case”, an exclusive conservation-mystery activity, offered youth delegates an engaging immersion into conservation and nature.
Through the Leaders of Change programme, delegates experienced UAE conservation hands-on in a series of IUCN Tours with Emirates Nature–WWF — from mangrove monitoring to nurdle hunts in iconic nature spots across Abu Dhabi.
NEW INSIGHTS PAPER – PATHWAYS TO IMPACT: ECOTOURISM EXPERIENCES FOR A NATURE-POSITIVE UAE
Co-authored with Natureza Urbana, this paper positions ecotourism as a powerful tool for the conservation of ecosystems and empowerment of local economies. With forewords by H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, and Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF, the paper presents a roadmap for inclusive growth and environmental stewardship. It also showcases case studies from Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Brazil and Malaysia.
Read the ReportNEW PARTNERSHIP WITH MAJRA — EMPOWERING YOUTH FOR NATURE
We’re delighted to announce a new partnership with Majra — the National CSR Fund — to empower the next generation of environmental leaders. Through this collaboration, Majra will sponsor 500 Emirati youth under our Leaders of Change programme — giving young changemakers the opportunity to engage in hands-on conservation and citizen science in the UAE’s Year of Community.
REPORTS
Nature-based Solutions for Climate, Biodiversity and People: Impact Report
A four-year snapshot of insight and impact across the UAE’s coastal ecosystems under the Nature-based Solutions (NbS) project, supported by HSBC — offering a blueprint to scale impact across the UAE and beyond.
Read the Report
Financing Nature-based Solutions for Climate Mitigation: Blue Carbon Ecosystems in the UAE
Explores opportunities and challenges in developing blue carbon projects across the UAE, bringing together research on market mechanisms, investment pathways, and recommendations to enhance project viability.
Explore the Insights PaperLOOKING AHEAD
The Congress concluded with the re-election of H.E. Razan Al Mubarak as President of IUCN — a proud moment that renews global momentum for collaboration and science-based solutions for nature. Her leadership has long inspired our mission; as Managing Director of Emirates Nature–WWF, she has guided our growth and impact over the past 25 years. Together, we look ahead with renewed determination — to scale solutions that work, forge new partnerships and catalyse lasting change for people and planet.