Dubai
Environment groups met with business leaders on Wednesday to discuss marine conservation and abate climate change risks for the UAE in a post-oil economy.
The Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF (EWS-WWF) hosted an exclusive meeting with influential business leaders today, to foster dialogue and raise awareness about the importance of the UAE marine environment and its relationship to the economy and industry.
Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre and EWS-WWF board member, urged the support of the private sector to ensure a healthy marine environment provides a foundation for a strong and sustainable economy.
“The UAE, and Dubai in particular, is spending a lot of time diversifying the economy and tourism plays a big part in this. The well-being and happiness of tourists and residents is paramount and the marine environment is an important factor. For people who grew up here, the sea is a source of passion, and for many of the visitors, Dubai is a beach and marine destination,” Al Marri said.
The meeting took place on a dhow trip off the coast of Dubai. Currently, Gulf waters are under pressure from ever increasing, unsustainable activities and climate change. Thus, immediate action is required.
Laila Mostafa Abdul Latif, Deputy Director General of EWS-WWF, said the health of the UAE’s marine ecosystems has a direct impact on several industries including food, water, transport and energy, as well as tourism and recreation.
“We encourage the private sector, civil society and key decision-makers to take a more active role in understanding and working to overcome the challenges that face our marine environment — and subsequent risks to UAE industry and business. We also invite them, and in particular the private sector, to collaborate with us through our Marine Programme, to help boost the resiliency and health of our marine environment.”
