Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has organized a workshop to develop the national strategy for the sustainability of the marine environment and fisheries.
The workshop was aimed at reviewing national efforts to protect and manage the marine environment and fisheries, including aquaculture. The workshop also focused on identifying the main challenges and opportunities available to enhance the sustainable development of marine ecosystems and living water resources.
Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector at MoCCAE, inaugurated the two-day workshop. The workshop was attended by more than 40 participants from municipalities, specialized environmental bodies, federal and local government departments, universities, port authorities, and a large number of scientific experts in environmental and marine sciences, scientists, and researchers.
The concerted national efforts based on constructive cooperation with our strategic partners from specialized environmental entities and relevant federal and local government departments and the private sector will have a great impact in developing the national strategy for the sustainability of the marine environment and fisheries and effectively contributing to the development and enhancement of the protection of marine resources in the UAE and ensuring their sustainability.
Dr. Al Hammadi shared
The Assistant Under-Secretary added that “in order to preserve our national marine wealth and work on its sustainability, we seek through the workshop to evaluate the current situation regarding the management of marine and coastal ecosystems within a comprehensive framework that includes environmental, economic, social, and regulatory aspects.”
Workshop attendees engaged in discussions around the National Strategy for the Sustainability of the Marine Environment and Fisheries 2024–2030. They analyzed the Ministry’s efforts, along with those of other participating entities, to ensure the sustainability of the marine environment and fisheries.
In addition, the participants discussed developing a national plan to combat marine pollutants, establishing a national framework for sustainable fisheries, and introducing legislation to address changes in fish stock status, climate change impacts, and human activities. The discussions also touched on strategies to tackle the effects of pollutants originating from terrestrial and marine sources.