A Regional Perspective
e landscape around climate and environment, once characterized by a focus on charity and corporate social responsibility (CSR), has evolved. Governments and private entities now recognize the need for true integration of sustainability at a policy and strategic level.
Last year, the UAE hosted COP28, which put climate action center stage in the region. It also spotlighted the need for regional action and collaboration on climate-related issues. Goumbook’s latest plans include expanding its reach from the UAE to the broader MENA region. In 2023, the company launched 6 initiatives. At the forefront of Goumbook’s initiatives is the Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme, a collaborative effort with HSBC and Saudi Awwal Bank, supported by the European Institute of Technology Food (EIT Food). is transformative initiative seeks to empower researchers and students to address fundamental agricultural challenges in the MENAT region.
“e average age of farmers in our region is 57-63, while the population’s average age is 25,” says Kayruz. “is program aims to unify regenerative agriculture practices, supporting science- and research-based approaches, encouraging youth to choose agriculture as a viable career choice.”
With the GCC importing 80-90% of its food, the Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme becomes a linchpin in fostering self-sufficiency. Regenerative agriculture, a practice focused on restoring soil health and productivity, holds the key to combatting desertification, improving biodiversity, and addressing climate change, says Kayrouz.
“Innovation in agriculture must be accessible and inclusive for traditional farmers,” Kayruz says. “is program positions the MENAT region as a
“Innovation in agriculture must be accessible and inclusive for traditional farmers.”
potential seedbed of innovation in climate-resilient agriculture, addressing challenges that extend beyond our borders.”
“e program is designed to support a science-, data-, and research-based approach to agriculture, and make innovation accessible to farmers in the region,” she adds.
e overwhelming response to the Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme from across the MENAT region and beyond underscores the global need for research-based solutions and collaborative efforts, she tells us. Other initiatives launched last year include a soap recycling initiative with environmental, social, and economic benefits called UNISOAP UAE, and Take A Breath, a partnership with pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, which aims to monitor the quality of indoor air and provide easy-to-implement solutions at homes, schools, and offices.
Other projects include the Trees Matter and the Ajman afforestation project with Ajman Municipality and Planning Department--a phased project that aims to drive research and ecotourism in the emirate of Ajman, among others.
Goumbook also launched the
MENA Oceans Network in partnership with the United Nations UAE, and the MENA Oceans Summit under the patronage of the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and in partnership with the Emirates Diving Association, the UN High-Level Climate Champions Team, and Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah. e initiative aims to increase collaboration across regional diverse ocean stakeholders and accelerate the pace of ocean action. e initiative brings together policymakers, academia, researchers, the private sector, and innovators, along with the youth and community to drive impact.