Local, National and Regional Biodiversity Report set as basis for UNEP-WCMC Aichi Targets

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As part of the United Nations Environment Programme’s World Conservation Monitoring Centre’s (UNEP-WCMC) efforts to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, recent revisions have taken place on the existing system of terrestrial ecoregions of the world. To capture a more relevant and updated outlook on the ecoregions of the Arabian Peninsula, UNEP-WCMC collaborated with AGEDI to incorporate the latest Geographical Information Systems (GIS) data on hand. As a result, AGEDI’s Local, National and Regional Biodiversity Rapid Assessment data has been set as a standard tool for the region to monitor the progress towards achieving the Aichi Targets.

AGEDI highlights Blue Carbon at COP 21

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The AGEDI team leveraged its Blue Carbon knowledge to contribute to climate change discussions at the Conference of Parties (COP), COP 21, in Paris, France.

The team highlighted Blue Carbon in panel discussions in the IUCN Pavilion, Taking Implementation of Policy, Programmes and Projects of Blue Carbon Ecosystems to Scale: Identifying the Priority Next Steps and during a speaking opportunity at the GCC Pavilion on GCC regional efforts in their adaptation actions through: water conservation, marine protection, urban planning and desertification; including their mitigation co-benefits.

The GCC Blue Carbon workshop was also discussed at the UNFCCC and UNEP Lima Adaptation Knowledge Initiative (LAKI) session, and the team also ensured a Blue Carbon contribution to a side event showcasing the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea regions’ efforts in their adaptation actions through water conservation, marine protection, urban planning and desertification, including their mitigation co-benefits. Learn more about AGEDI’s Blue Carbon work here.

Here’s a video from the conference.

Launch of the National Blue Carbon Project Report

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The Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) today launched the National Blue Carbon Project report, marking the first national quantification of the UAE’s Blue Carbon stocks, which will help guide decision-making in coastal ecosystem preservation and climate change mitigation. The Project was a collaborative initiative managed and facilitated by a partnership between MOEW and the Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI), and implemented in collaboration with the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD) alongside the local authorities of the other emirates.

National Blue Carbon Project – Decision-maker Summary

National Blue Carbon Project – Executive Summary

AGEDI research presented at the Third International Symposium on the Effects of Climate Change on the World’s Oceans

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Santos City, Brazil – AGEDI’s regional ocean model on large-scale climate change projections on the Arabian Gulf was presented at the Third International Symposium on Effects of Climate Change on the World’s Ocean in Santos City, Brazil. The Symposium provided an opportunity for the international scientific community to share the latest information, understanding and assessments of the impacts of climate change on oceans worldwide. The event saw 12 sessions covering different but interconnected themes, from physical processes and their interaction with ecosystem dynamics, to resource provision and ocean governance. The regional ocean modelling under climate change is part of AGEDI’s four-year Climate Change Programme.