Razan Al Mubarak Announces UAE President's US$40 Million Contribution to Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund

Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has generously contributed US$40 million to the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. This contribution will raise the Fund's endowment to over US$70 million by 2028, highlighting the UAE's firm dedication to global biodiversity conservation.

Founded in 2009 by His Highness, the Fund has supported conservation projects in 170 countries. The additional funding will enable the Fund's small grants program to continue providing vital support to more than 2,750 projects across all seven continents, helping safeguard over 1,700 species and subspecies threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and poaching.

This contribution will secure the longevity of the Fund's grants program for decades to come, demonstrating unwavering trust in its mission. It emphasizes the dedication of Razan Al Mubarak and the Fund to tackle the extinction crisis and protect global biodiversity.

This milestone is worth celebrating, as it reinforces the importance of biodiversity and the generosity that drives conservation efforts toward a thriving future.

Nature's Role in Our Climate Future: Highlights from Razan Al Mubarak's Editorial

The National

In her recent editorial for The National on Earth Day and International Mother Earth Day, Razan Al Mubarak emphasized the need to prioritize nature in global climate action. Drawing on the outcomes of COP28, she underscored the importance of a unified, nature-centric approach to meet the ambitious goals set during the conference.

Al Mubarak highlighted COP28’s landmark commitments, including the global pledge to halt deforestation by 2030 and the mobilization of $2.7 billion for nature-related projects. She underscored the pivotal role of Indigenous communities, whose knowledge and practices are crucial to environmental protection.

Al Mubarak also emphasized the importance of protecting marine and coastal ecosystems through initiatives like the Mangrove Alliance for Climate and seagrass conservation projects. These ecosystems are vital not only as carbon sinks but also as protective barriers and biodiversity nurseries.

Looking forward, she advocated for an integrated approach that aligns nature-based solutions with the Paris Agreement's goals. This shift calls for viewing nature not just as a resource but as a partner in building a sustainable future.Al Mubarak closed with a call to action, urging collective efforts across all sectors and highlighting the importance of philanthropy in supporting nature-based climate solutions. Her editorial is a clear reminder that our journey to a sustainable and resilient future relies on a collaborative relationship with nature, driven by the spirit of global solidarity forged at COP28.