UAE Strengthens Global Fight Against Desertification and Drought with Innovative Strategies
Leading Global Efforts
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is taking a prominent role in the global fight against desertification and drought. Through an innovative model, the nation is redefining the relationship between people and their environment. This approach transforms pressing climate challenges into actionable pathways for sustainable development and environmental security.
Strategic Vision for Sustainability
The UAE is pioneering efforts by integrating modern technologies and scientific solutions aimed at rehabilitating ecosystems, enhancing vegetation cover, and safeguarding natural resources. This strategic vision transcends traditional responses, focusing on proactive solutions to address climate-related challenges effectively.
On June 17, recognized globally as World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the UAE continues to advance its National Strategy to Combat Desertification for 2022-2030. This strategy aims to enhance the efficiency of local production systems by 40%, restore at least 80% of degraded land where feasible, improve water-use efficiency, and increase the reuse rate of treated water to 60%.
Comprehensive Initiatives and Roadmap
The National Strategy encompasses 33 key initiatives and outlines a roadmap extending to 2030. It is structured around five main pillars:
- Ecosystem Conservation: Focused on improving the condition of arid and dry lands.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Addressing the impacts of climate change on ecosystems affected by desertification.
- Awareness and Education: Enhancing national awareness, education, and capacity building.
- Technological Adoption: Implementing modern technologies while integrating scientific research.
- Partnerships: Strengthening cooperation at national, regional, and international levels.
Measures to Combat Land Degradation
To combat desertification, the UAE has rolled out various measures, including the National Biodiversity Strategy 2031, the Blue Carbon Project, and initiatives supporting organic farming. Aerial mapping plans for agricultural areas and date palm initiatives further underscore the country’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Significant progress has been made in constructing dams, which provide essential irrigation water for forests and agricultural lands. Following heavy rainfall in April, the UAE’s dam network retained approximately 72 million cubic meters of water. Managed by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, this network consists of 109 dams with a total storage capacity exceeding 90 million cubic meters and an occupancy rate of about 83%.
Research and Development Initiatives
The UAE has established research centers and experimental stations dedicated to combating desertification and monitoring climate variables. An international center specializing in saline agriculture has also been created to research salt-tolerant plants and expand their cultivation.
Recently, the UAE launched the National Agricultural Initiative for the Adoption of Climate-Smart Crops. This strategic program, led by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in collaboration with the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), focuses on four strategic crops adapted to the UAE’s environment. Notably, millet and sorghum varieties require up to 50% less water than traditional grain crops, offering practical solutions to water scarcity.
Innovative Agricultural Practices
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has implemented a project utilizing drones for comprehensive surveys of agricultural areas nationwide. This initiative supports the restoration of degraded lands and the protection of existing agricultural areas. Drones have also been employed to disperse and plant seeds of native trees, such as ghaf and samar, across various locations.
In its second Nationally Determined Contributions report submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UAE increased its target for mangrove planting from 30 million to 100 million trees by 2030. This initiative aims to enhance soil protection and natural habitats while bolstering resilience to climate change.
Expanding Nature Reserves
The UAE’s commitment to addressing desertification and drought is reflected in the expansion of nature reserves. The number of designated terrestrial and marine protected areas has increased to 55, covering 19.04% of the country’s total area. A decree issued in April established the Wadi Al Qarha Nature Reserve in the Emirate of Sharjah.
Contributions to Water Security
The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science significantly contributes to the nation’s efforts to achieve water security and combat drought. Since its inception, the program has played a crucial role in supporting scientific research and innovation, positioning the UAE as a global hub for rain enhancement research and technologies.
International Collaboration
On the international stage, the UAE has signed numerous agreements related to combating desertification, including the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in 1994. The country has actively participated in international and regional meetings addressing environmental challenges.
In November 2022, the UAE joined the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), launched by Spain and Senegal with the support of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. This alliance aims to mobilize resources and strengthen drought resilience in countries, cities, and communities worldwide.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
Explore the latest digital editions of FAME Delivered in the Magazine section.
Published on 2026-06-17 05:40:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk