Abu Dhabi wins for the second time in a row the position of Regional Adviser for West Asia in the elections of the International Union for Conservation of Nature

Continuing its leadership in the field of nature conservation by strengthening its cooperation and unremitting efforts with international organizations, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi today announced the victory of Her Excellency Dr. Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Authority in the International Union for Conservation of Nature elections.

Her Excellency Dr. Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri won the position of Regional Adviser for West Asia for the second time in a row to be among the members of the new Council of the Union for the period from 2021-2024, in the voting process that took place during the World Conference for the Conservation of Nature organized by the Union from 3 to September 11, 2021 In Marseille, France. Dr. Sheikha was the only female candidate from the West Asia region, and one of 6 female candidates who were elected to the position of international advisor to the Federation.

As a regional advisor to the Federation Council, in her second term, Dr. Sheikha Al Dhaheri will support its objectives and programmes, and as a member of the Federation Council, she will play a very important role in the management of the Federation and will contribute to providing support and guidance with regard to the overall development and implementation of conservation policies and programs throughout world in the next four years. Council members are also considered ambassadors of the Union, working to promote its programs in the region and the world.

His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defense Affairs and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, congratulated Dr. Sheikha Al Dhaheri for winning the elections, noting that her commitment and tireless efforts during her first term as a regional advisor for West Asia at the International Union for Conservation of Nature contributed to her re-election to the same position again, as her passion for preserving the environment and her strong desire to work outside the borders of the UAE The United States is what made it a suitable option to continue to play this important role for a second term. His Excellency indicated that Dr. Sheikha has greatly contributed to supporting the efforts of the Abu Dhabi government and enhancing its leading role at the global level in the field of sustainability, environmental protection and species conservation. His Excellency Al Bowardi wished Dr. Sheikha success in her second term, stressing his confidence that she will make the UAE proud as it has always been.".

Her Excellency Dr. Sheikha Al Dhaheri expressed her gratitude to all members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature for choosing her for another term as a regional advisor for West Asia, stressing her commitment to continue serving the United Arab Emirates and the region to enhance efforts to conserve natural resources. She pointed out that the encouragement and support of the wise leadership of the UAE and members of the UAE National Committee for the Federation and the Environment Agency was a major factor in the success of its efforts to work outside the borders of the UAE, and beyond that..

Dr. Sheikha indicated that during her work as an international advisor to the Federation in the past period, she focused her efforts on establishing an effective and proactive regional network that responds not only to the challenges faced by species conservation issues, but also implements the Federation's program, and takes new and bold initiatives to achieve its mission and goals..

Her Excellency stated that she continued to enhance the role of the International Union for Conservation of Nature in the United Arab Emirates by forming the first national committee for the Union in the UAE, which includes six members and is expected to join more other environmental institutions in the country, and also contributed to the efforts of the Ministry of Climate Change to join. And the environment as a “state member” in the Federation, as well as the joining of the Mohammed bin Zayed Fund for the Conservation of Living Organisms as a new member as a non-governmental organization.

Her Excellency Al Dhaheri added, “With my election for the second time, I will continue my work to enhance the role of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and make our planet a safer place. To reinforce our resolve to make the world a healthier and more sustainable place. "

Since her election in the first session as an advisor, Her Excellency has supported the initiative to revitalize the Federation's Regional Committee at the level of West Asia. It also organized, with the sponsorship and support of the Environment Agency, the first regional forum on biodiversity for the West Asia region in Abu Dhabi, which was attended by more than 130 participants from 11 countries representing 77 environmental institutions. One of its most important outputs was the presentation and discussion of the level of progress in implementing the International Union for Conservation of Nature program for the period 2016-2020.

The forum contributed to strengthening the possible aspects of cooperation between the conventions related to the protection of biodiversity and providing a platform for discussing joint technical coordination frameworks among the Arab countries in the region for an effective participation in the Thirteenth Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention (Ramsar COP 13) held in the United Arab Emirates in October 2018 and the Fourteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 14) hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt in November of the same year.

Her Excellency Dr. Sheikha Al Dhaheri also played a major role in supporting the Species Conservation Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature through a framework agreement aimed at strengthening the efforts of the Committee in preserving endangered species and addressing all environmental challenges around the world. In the context of regional and global environmental challenges.

Her Excellency has also played a positive role through her role as an advisor to the Federation in reviewing and updating the Federation's strategy and work programs, reviewing all membership applications submitted to the Federation and reviewing the Statute of the Federation (IUCN Statues) Participation as a key member of the Governance and Election Committee (GCC) In all her duties, she was also selected in the Committee to appoint the Director General of the Federation.

It is noteworthy that the relationship of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi with the International Union for Conservation of Nature began in 2000, when it was announced that the Authority had joined the Union as a framework partner. In addition, the agency is committed to supporting the activities of the Species Survival Committee, and has hosted the reintroduction group chair for 16 years. In 2013, the authority became an official member of the federation.

Founded in 1948, the International Union for Conservation of Nature is the world's largest and most diverse environmental network, with a mission to influence, encourage and assist communities around the world to conserve nature and ensure that any use of natural resources is environmentally just and sustainable. To date, the Consortium includes more than 1400 members of environmental organizations, more than 18000 experts and an extensive network that provides a solid foundation for a wide variety of conservation projects around the world.