MENA Oceans

The 10th IUCN Regional Office for West Asia Regional Conservation Forum held in Riyadh, hosted by National Center for Wildlife, KSA concluded with a strong call to action for policy makers, academia, the private sector and community organisations: that nature cannot be tackled as an isolated agenda - a clear need for converging business and humanitarian outcomes with nature, backed by science, was identified as crucial to drive conservation efforts in the region. Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Founder of Goumbook and Chair of the MENA Oceans Initiative highlighted the role of the private sector in enabling a nature positive transition, as she joined a panel discussion on “Navigating Ocean Challenges: Strategies for a Sustainable Future in West Asia”, moderated by Ameer A. Eweida. Discussions with co-panelists Dania Abdul Malak, Director, ETC-UMA and Abdulnasser Al-Qutub, Director, National Center for Wildlife drew attention to the following areas:  🌱 The importance of adopting ecosystem-based approaches integrated with circular economy principles 🔬 Enhancing the sharing of scientific evidence in shaping actions and decisions for coastal and marine environments 🎯 The power of establishing strategic cross-sectoral collaborations, with the government actively driving these efforts, and actively engaging the private sector Meeting IUCN members and thought leaders through the week, was a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships with peers from the region and exchange notes on West Asia’s unique challenges and opportunities. We look forward to these talks driving outcomes at key upcoming events including COP29 Azerbaijan, UN CCD COP16 Riyadh, UN Ocean Conference 2025 Nice - culminating at the IUCN World Congress 2025, Abu Dhabi. #marinebiodiversity #blueeconomies #sustainable #conservation #sdg14

Interesting insights from Yiannis Issaris, Marine Ecologist (Phd) and Underwater Videographer, on World Dolphin Day, the anniversary of the largest single day slaughter of cetaceans in recorded history - both in memory of the 1428 dolphins killed in Faroe Islands in 12/09/2021, and a reminder that the dolphins around the world need more protection. For those who love wildlife and see ecotourism as a way of preserving nature, Yiannis offers an interesting perspective on the role of responsible eco-tourism practices in conserving marine species. How many of us, if given the opportunity, would pay to check off our bucket list, the experience of swimming with dolphins? In 2020, Shawky, Christiansen, and Ormond conducted a study on the impact of swim-with-dolphin tourism at Egypt’s Shaab Samadai (Samadai Reef) in the northern Red Sea, where regulations regarding tourist interactions are in place. Their findings showed that –despite the regulations– tourist activities significantly affected the spinner dolphins’ behaviour, increasing their milling, traveling, and avoidance, while significantly reducing their resting time. This highlights that even with management measures in place, tourist activities, unless led responsibly and with awareness created at all levels; disrupt dolphin behaviour more than previously recognised, potentially leading to long-term negative impacts on their energy reserves and overall well-being. Responsible tourism not only enriches our lives but also safeguards the delicate balance of marine ecosystems for future generations. REF: Shawky A, Christiansen F, Ormond R, 2020. Effects of swim-with-dolphin tourism on the behavior of spinner dolphins at Samadai Reef in the Egyptian Red Sea. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 30(7), DOI: 10.1002/aqc.3332 DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of any employer or affiliated organisations. #marineecosystems #conservation #dolphinday #menaoceans

The IUCN Regional Office for West Asia Regional Conservation Forum kicked off in Riyadh today, hosted by the KSA National Center for Wildlife, with opening keynotes by HE Razan Al Mubarak, HE Dr. Grethel Aguilar and other dignitaries; who further joined a high level opening panel bringing together HE Eng Abdulrahman Al Fadely, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and HE Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment Egypt - moderated by Dr. Hany El Shaer. The MENA Oceans team looks forward to engaging with IUCN members over the next few days to gain more insights into key conservation issues and effective implementation plans, identifying regional challenges and opportunities to accelerate the pace of ocean action. Tomorrow, we look forward to the Financing Nature and Strategies track, as part of which Goumbook Founder and Chair of the MENA Oceans Initiative, Tatiana Antonelli Abella joins a panel moderated by Dr. Ameer A. Eweida on Navigating ocean challenges: Strategies for a sustainable future in West Asia. #oceanconservation #collaborativeaction #regional #blueeconomy #menaoceans

To understand the significant impact of rising ocean temperatures on the region's marine ecosystems; we speak to Rumaitha Al Busaidi, about her recent article for the Oman Observer; which draws on research by New York University Abu Dhabi and the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology . Key information that stands out: 🐠 Fish size reduction: Fish species in the Arabian Gulf have been observed to shrink by 14-40% at maximum size compared to their counterparts in cooler regions, primarily due to rising ocean temperatures. ☀ Temperature tolerance: The study revealed that fish in the Arabian Gulf have adapted to summer water temperatures > 35.0°C, while fish from the cooler Gulf of Oman struggle to acclimate to these extreme conditions. 🔻 Projected decline in global fish populations: It also aligns with broader projections that global fish populations could decline in mass by 14-24% by 2050 due to the effects of climate change, particularly in warmer, tropical regions like the Arabian Gulf. 📉 Adaptation capacity: Only a small subset (less than 12%) of the species found in the Gulf of Oman have managed to survive in the much hotter Arabian Gulf, highlighting the limited adaptive capacity of many tropical fish species to rising temperatures. Source: Oman Observer Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/didSeV28 Rumaitha is an Omani scientist with nearly two decades of experience in environmental stewardship, specialising in the blue economy - particularly fisheries / aquaculture and sustainable development. #menaoceans #adaptation #marinebiodiversity

To understand the significant impact of rising ocean temperatures on the region's marine ecosystems; we speak to Rumaitha Al Busaidi, about her recent article for the Oman Observer; which draws on research by New York University Abu Dhabi and the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology . Key information that stands out: 🐠 Fish size reduction: Fish species in the Arabian Gulf have been observed to shrink by 14-40% at maximum size compared to their counterparts in cooler regions, primarily due to rising ocean temperatures. ☀ Temperature tolerance: The study revealed that fish in the Arabian Gulf have adapted to summer water temperatures > 35.0°C, while fish from the cooler Gulf of Oman struggle to acclimate to these extreme conditions. 🔻 Projected decline in global fish populations: It also aligns with broader projections that global fish populations could decline in mass by 14-24% by 2050 due to the effects of climate change, particularly in warmer, tropical regions like the Arabian Gulf. 📉 Adaptation capacity: Only a small subset (less than 12%) of the species found in the Gulf of Oman have managed to survive in the much hotter Arabian Gulf, highlighting the limited adaptive capacity of many tropical fish species to rising temperatures. Source: Oman Observer Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/didSeV28 Rumaitha is an Omani scientist with nearly two decades of experience in environmental stewardship, specialising in the blue economy - particularly fisheries / aquaculture and sustainable development. #menaoceans #adaptation #marinebiodiversity

The ocean is home to 250,000 known species & countless more awaiting discovery. Yet, marine species face a triple threat of rising temperatures, acidification, and deoxygenation. Through marine Protected Areas, we can #SaveOurOcean and all life it sustains. But more action is needed. Read UNESCO’s State of the Ocean Report for more insights and data: https://unes.co/qw1xpq

The Global Online Stakeholder Consultation for the UN Ocean Conference 2025, in Nice, France is now open to contributions from non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, indigenous peoples and local communities and other actors. In preparation for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference Conference, the Secretary-General of the Conference will prepare, in consultation with the co-hosts of the Conference, concept papers for each of the themes of the Ocean Action panels, based on the substantive inputs received from these consultations. Contributions will be shared broadly and will be available online on the Conference's website. A summary, including outcomes of the consultation and key inputs/messages, will be prepared by DESA and made publicly available. Deadline for submission: 30 August 2024 #menaoceans #sdg14 #unoc3 #oceanactiondecade Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Ashok Adicéam, Ignace Beguin Billecocq, Jamila El Mir

On the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, the Global Mangrove Alliance’s comprehensive The State of the World’s Mangroves report is back with a new 2024 edition! A collaboration of over 100 authors from around the world, it features: * Over 60 case studies and photo stories from field teams and GMA members working hard every day to safeguard their local mangroves. * Information from FAO on drivers of loss and food security. * Findings from the influential new report by IUCN, The Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems, showing the threat that climate change poses to mangroves and the lives that depend on them. * Updates on the Mangrove Breakthrough and policy efforts. * Perspectives from funders on mangrove investment and innovative financing opportunities. * The new GMW v4 map and stories from the field demonstrating how the GMW loss alerts are improving monitoring efforts * New science on coastal protection. * A new fisheries model estimating how valuable mangroves are to support livelihoods and biodiversity. Download the report here: https://lnkd.in/gUrgR-6 #naturebasedsolutions #bluecarbon #conservation #coastalecosystems #mena

Last month, Goumbook had the incredible honour of welcoming 250+ thought leaders, policy makers, sustainable blue economy experts, scientists, researchers and the youth from more than 10 countries to the 2nd Annual MENA Oceans Summit, held under the patronage of the وزارة التغير المناخي والبيئة Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, UAE. Looking at the climate vulnerability of our regional ecosystems and advances across science and industry - the conversations brought forth important insights, focussed around the key themes of ocean governance, blue science and sustainable blue economies. Get a glimpse into our sessions and deep dives HERE: https://lnkd.in/dZMm37UV The need for unprecedented regional collaboration frameworks and a look at each of these thematic areas with a cross-sectoral lens as the foundation, was an evident outcome. In the lead up to COP29 and the UN Ocean Conference 2025, we look forward to working with all our stakeholders to drive tangible action through further consultations, research and focussed groups. We thank Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, our Advisory Board and Partners for your leadership in steering this dialogue: Strategic Partners: High-Level Climate Champions Team, United Nations - UAE, UN Ocean Conference 2025 Summit Partners: Fugro, DP World, Strategy& Middle East Knowledge Partners: Roland Berger, G20 CORDAP (Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform), Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), Emirates Diving Association (EDA), Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Gulf Women in Environmental Sciences Network Youth Impact Partners: Global Shapers Dubai The MENA Oceans Network is currently welcoming Network Members to join our efforts this year. For more information - please email menaoceans@goumbook.com.

During Shark Week, we take a look at regulatory efforts in the United Arab Emirates by the وزارة التغير المناخي والبيئة Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to protect sharks and regulate the fishing and trade of sharks. The UAE is home to over 80 species of sharks and rays, which the country protects by banning the catch of 27 species; prohibiting harmful practices like finning; sharing specifications for fishing & shark fishing equipment; defining areas in which fishing is allowed; species prohibited throughout the year and seasonal prohibition mandates during breeding periods. Some of the species found in our seas include: - Whale sharks, one of the largest sharks in the world. - Sword sharks, considered one of the most highly endangered species in the UAE. It is well known as part of the local heritage, and has inspired many of the traditional stories across the country. - Hammerhead sharks, whose presence is important to restore the ecological balance in our waters. The Ministry works in cooperation with academic institutions, local authorities and the private sector to conserve them, restore their populations and ensure they are always there for future generations. Follow us, as we bring you more insights on regional policies, sustainable blue economies and blue science. To join the MENA Oceans Initiative as Partners and Network Members - email menaoceans@goumbook.com. Goumbook; High-Level Climate Champions; United Nations - UAE; UN Ocean Conference 2025, Nice #sdg14 #biodiversity #oceanaction #menaoceans