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For a recent episode of Inspire Middle East on Euronews, Razan Al Mubarak met with correspondent Rebecca McLaughlin-Eastham in Abu Dhabi's Jubail Mangrove Park to discuss conservation initiatives she is leading in the UAE, Chad, and beyond.
Mangroves planted in Abu Dhabi forty years ago now absorb more than 41 million tons of carbon-dioxide equivalents, according to Ms Al Mubarak, and the country is on track to increase protected areas from 15% today to 30% by 2030. In addition, protection efforts in the UAE have kept the number of marine turtles stable for a decade, while the country's dugong population is second only to Australia's. The report also highlighted Ms Al Mubarak's role in re-introducing the once extinct-in-the-wild Scimitar-horned oryx in Chad.
But with scientists warning of a sixth mass wildlife extinction, Ms Al Mubarak said it's urgent that people take action now. “We must invest in the greatest museum of all, and that is nature - its conservation and preservation,” she said. “It is a reflection of our humanity.”
On the potential of becoming the first Arab woman to lead the International Union on the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and its 72-year history, Ms Al Mubarak told Euronews: “If I get the job, I would first listen. Second, I would hope to bring a more balanced approach between the conservation agenda and the climate change agenda. And third, is nurture cooperation between the members.”