World Summit of the Oceans to be held in Abu Dhabi

Helping a “blue economy” to thrive will be a key objective when the sixth the World Summit of the Oceans comes to Abu Dhabi next year.

The announcement that the capital will host global talks to support protection of oceans and marine life was made at the close of this year’s summit in Mexico.

Officials from the Environment Authority Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Ports and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development attended the talks to assess international initiatives supporting the UAE’s environmental approach to a more sustainable economy.

“Holding this summit in the UAE next year marks the culmination of the blueprint and strategies developed by the UAE for a blue economy, environmental sustainability and conservation of natural resources,” said Mohammed Al Shamisi, chief executive of Abu Dhabi Ports.

“We will work to harness all the possibilities for the success of this World Summit and inform participants about the principles and innovative solutions that we have undertaken to maintain the sustainability of the marine environment.”

In Mexico, more than 360 global leaders in government, industry, multilateral organisations, the scientific community and public gathered to discuss solutions to the challenges facing the oceans.

Summit sessions included a review of initiatives aimed at achieving a sustainable economy that protects the rights of future generations to benefit from natural resources.

Key topics of next year’s summit are expected to cover how nations can adopt environmental conservation strategies to boost economic output, and how innovative methods can address environmental crises such as high levels of salinity and depletion of fish.

An example of projects to boost marine life is the coral gardens project on the coastline of Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman. A new reef over 850 square metres will help to rehabilitate natural marine ecosystems in the area.

It is the first phase of three new coral reefs being bedded in as part of a Ministry of Climate Change and Environment project to help boost fish stocks and other marine species.

More coral gardens and 30,000 mangrove trees are also being planted around the coast.

Summit sessions at this year’s event included a review of initiatives aimed at achieving a sustainable economy