In a strategic initiative designed to strengthen environmental and biodiversity efforts across the Arab world and to ensure access to the latest scientific insights and methodologies, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), in cooperation with the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Secretariat, has announced the Arabic edition of the Global Standard for the Identification of Key Biodiversity Areas to be lunched during the IUCN congress.
The announcement coincides with the tenth anniversary of the KBA Partnership, marking a decade of global achievements in nature conservation.
The launch was made during a high-level event held during the IUCN World Conservation Congress, taking place in Abu Dhabi from 9 to 15 October.
The event was attended by Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Naomi Kingston, Co-Chair of the KBA Partnership, as well as representatives from various KBA partnerships
The Global Standard for the Identification of Key Biodiversity Areas is among the most significant scientific references issued by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It serves as a key tool to guide environmental policies and investments towards sites of highest importance for biodiversity conservation.
Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak said: “The UAE’s investment in translating environmental sciences to Arabic language represents an investment in a sustainable future for the entire region. The launch of the Arabic edition of the Global Standard reflects our collaborative approach underscoring the UAE’s influential role, both regionally and globally, in advancing nature conservation and biodiversity.
“We are delighted by this fruitful collaboration with the KBA Secretariat. This initiative provides a robust scientific tool and fosters knowledge exchange, empowering nations to align their vision and unify efforts in safeguarding our shared natural heritage. It highlights the UAE’s position as a leading advocate for climate and biodiversity action, both regionally and internationally. The launch of the Arabic edition of the Standard at the IUCN World Conservation Congress serves as a powerful testament to this commitment.”
H.E. added: “The UAE plays a central role in supporting global initiatives dedicated to protecting our planet. This role extends beyond implementing best practices at the national level to active engagement in disseminating world-leading scientific methodologies. The translation of the Standard stands as tangible evidence of the UAE’s commitment to empowering the nations and scientific communities of the region by equipping them with the necessary tools to address the challenges of biodiversity loss. It strengthens their capacity to achieve environmental sustainability goals and to safeguard natural systems for future generations”.
Naomi Kingston, Co-Chair of the KBA Partnership stated: “The leadership demonstrated by the UAE in comprehensively updating its Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) network has significantly advanced national understanding of where critical biodiversity occurs. This effort has also clarified where targeted action can most effectively protect nature and secure the country’s environmental future. By making the KBA Standard available in Arabic, the UAE is catalyzing similar efforts across other Arabic-speaking countries, empowering them to assess and conserve their own sites of biodiversity importance.”
“As we celebrate the first 10 years of the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) Partnership, analysis shows that countries like the UAE—where comprehensive assessments have been completed—have on average doubled the number of KBAs identified within their territories. This demonstrates the power of national action in uncovering and safeguarding biodiversity. We urge other countries to update their KBA networks as part of their commitments to the 2030 biodiversity targets.”
A Unified Scientific Framework to Support Decision-Makers
The Global Standard for the Identification of Key Biodiversity Areas provides a unified scientific framework and methodology for recognising sites of outstanding global importance for biodiversity conservation. The Standard is grounded in rigorous quantitative principles and criteria that ensure the site identification process is transparent, objective, and replicable across nations and ecosystems. These criteria include assessing sites according to the presence of threatened species, species with restricted geographic ranges, the integrity of their ecosystems and their critical role in sustaining key biological processes such as reproduction and migration.
Empowering the Arab Region with Global Tools
The launch of the Arabic edition is designed to enable governments, research institutions, and civil society organisations across the Arab region to implement the Global Standard for the Identification of Key Biodiversity Areas effectively. It will help harmonise national efforts to strategically identify and expand protected area networks, thereby supporting the achievement of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) targets, particularly the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
Furthermore, it provides researchers and experts with an authoritative scientific reference in their native language, facilitating environmental impact assessments, informing sustainable development strategies, and enhancing capacity to safeguard the region’s distinctive ecosystems.
A Successful Partnership and Tangible Results
The launch builds on the long-standing relationship and close cooperation between the UAE and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and its affiliates. This partnership has recently achieved a significant national milestone, the inclusion of nine new sites in the UAE, recognised by the Key Biodiversity Areas Secretariat and added to the World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas (WDKBA).
These sites encompass important habitats for globally unique species such as the Arabian oryx, the Arabian gazelle, and the dugong Their recognition reinforces the UAE’s position on the global conservation map and illustrates the implementation of its commitments, resulting in tangible outcomes for the protection of endangered species.