Abu dhabi: The Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA) is collaborating with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to create an integrated programme dedicated to managing Dubai's nature reserves. This initiative aims to enhance the protection of these areas, ensure the sustainability of their resources, and conserve their biodiversity.
According to Emirates News Agency, Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Director-General of DECCA, shared insights at the Dubai Environment Conference and Exhibition 2026 held at Grand Hyatt Dubai. The collaboration with IUCN seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for managing the emirate's eight nature reserves, which include marine, mountain, and desert environments.
Bin Thani emphasized the significance of the conference and exhibition in contributing to Dubai's environmental protection and sustainability efforts. The event also facilitates broader cooperation among entities involved in environmental and climate action, supporting initiatives and projects aimed at developing more sustainable solutions.
An exhibition accompanying the conference highlights operational environmental initiatives, such as the Dubai Reef project, which supports marine biodiversity and fish stock replenishment. This project involves manufacturing and deploying approximately 20,000 purpose-built reef modules in Dubai's waters, providing habitats for marine organisms.
The authority is also utilizing artificial intelligence in various areas of environmental work, including biodiversity monitoring, environmental surveys, bird nest monitoring, animal and bird population counts, and improving the speed and accuracy of environmental data analysis. Initial trials using artificial intelligence have shown promising results, and plans are underway to further develop and expand this initiative.
Bin Thani noted that the conference and exhibition serve as a platform for government and private entities, academic institutions, experts, and specialists to engage in discussions. The event features panel discussions, research papers, and presentations of environmental projects and initiatives, supporting knowledge exchange, partnership building, and exploring modern solutions and technologies that advance sustainability.
In addition, an environmental photography award aims to raise awareness of environmental issues and showcase the beauty of natural diversity through photography. The award results and winning photographs will be announced on 8th September.