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Razan Al Mubarak, Founding Managing Director of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, affirmed that biodiversity conservation must receive equal priority with climate change action during Dubai Climate and Biodiversity Week on October 21, 2020. Hosted by Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE’s platform for galvanizing global action, the event brought together over 40 established and emerging leaders to discuss solutions for a shared, sustainable future.
Ms. Al Mubarak spoke during “Nature’s Giant Game of Jenga,” part of the series of World Majlis held in the long-established Emirati and Arab tradition. The panelists discussed ways to address biodiversity loss and climate change with equal focus. She was joined by Paula J. Ehrlich, President and CEO of E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation (USA), Sir Tim Smit, Executive Vice-Chair and Co-Founder, Eden Project (UK), Nuno Sá, marine activist and cinematographer (Portugal), Joaquin Ruiz, Director, Biosphere 2, University of Arizona and others.
“If speaking is silver, then listening is gold,” Al Mubarak quoted the Arab proverb, citing the need to listen to local communities and support front-line conservation workers. “The narrative must become fundamental, not ornamental. Nature must have a seat at the table. We can’t solve the climate crisis without ensuring the conservation of biodiversity.”