Dugong & Seagrass Hub

🌿 In conjunction with #WorldSeagrassDay, we celebrate the inclusion of the 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough in the resolutions of the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14). 🤝 This recognition not only underscores the critical role of seagrass ecosystems for biodiversity and climate but also exemplifies the ambition loop in action. The Seagrass Breakthrough, a Non-State Actor (NSA) effort, is now recognized by parties as a supporting initiative to deliver on global targets, showcasing the power of collaborative efforts. 📖 Discover more about this pivotal moment and join our mission to safeguard these vital habitats here: https://lnkd.in/gqqb9an7

This #WorldSeagrassDay, let's unite in safeguarding our blue carbon treasures. Approximately 10,000 km2 of seagrass habitat occur in the Arabian Gulf, but only three of its species have adapted to survive the extreme temperatures and salinity of this shallow sea. The launch of the #2030SeagrassBreakthrough by High-Level Climate Champions, in collaboration between وزارة التغير المناخي والبيئة Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), and Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Abu Dhabi, underscores the intrinsic worth of thriving seagrass ecosystems and their profound advantages in combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, fortifying disaster resilience, and advancing the attainment of sustainable development objectives. In the #menaregion particularly, this ecosystem is important as the Arabian Gulf is home to the second largest population of dugongs in the world, after Australia (Dugong & Seagrass Hub). As Rouba Abou-Atieh, Executive Coordinator of CMS Office – Abu Dhabi shared, "Embracing the 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough is not just a commitment; it's a catalyst for global action, aligning with crucial international agreements and initiatives, like the #SDGs, the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and many others. Together, we can conserve, recover and protect these vital habitats for the benefit of present and future generations." Goumbook, High-Level Climate Champions Photo credits - Florian Kriechbaumer (Ramhan Island, Abu Dhabi) #friendsofmenaoceans #marinebiodiversity #conservation #coastalresilience #regionalcooperation #sdg14

This #WorldSeagrassDay, let's unite in safeguarding our blue carbon treasures. Approximately 10,000 km2 of seagrass habitat occur in the Arabian Gulf, but only three of its species have adapted to survive the extreme temperatures and salinity of this shallow sea. The launch of the #2030SeagrassBreakthrough by High-Level Climate Champions, in collaboration between وزارة التغير المناخي والبيئة Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), and Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Abu Dhabi, underscores the intrinsic worth of thriving seagrass ecosystems and their profound advantages in combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, fortifying disaster resilience, and advancing the attainment of sustainable development objectives. In the #menaregion particularly, this ecosystem is important as the Arabian Gulf is home to the second largest population of dugongs in the world, after Australia (Dugong & Seagrass Hub). As Rouba Abou-Atieh, Executive Coordinator of CMS Office – Abu Dhabi shared, "Embracing the 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough is not just a commitment; it's a catalyst for global action, aligning with crucial international agreements and initiatives, like the #SDGs, the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and many others. Together, we can conserve, recover and protect these vital habitats for the benefit of present and future generations." Goumbook, High-Level Climate Champions Photo credits - Florian Kriechbaumer (Ramhan Island, Abu Dhabi) #friendsofmenaoceans #marinebiodiversity #conservation #coastalresilience #regionalcooperation #sdg14

Seagrass is responsible for 18% of the ocean’s total carbon storage. That’s a lot! One element of the Seagrass Ecosystem Services Project is to evaluate blue carbon storage and accumulation at selected sites in Johor and Penang, #Malaysia. The project is funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety of the Federal Government of Germany, managed by the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Abu Dhabi Office, with technical lead from Centre For Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University. A full results report is now available online: https://lnkd.in/dUSDNMFc 📸: Ben Jones 

This stunning video is really worth a watch. #WorldSeagrassDay As part of the Seagrass Ecosystem Services Project, our National Partner in #timorleste, Blue Ventures, worked with the local communities to develop this documentary in aid of raising awareness around #seagrass and the ecosystem services it provides to coastal communities. The Seagrass Ecosystem Services Project is funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety of the Federal Government of Germany, managed by the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Abu Dhabi Office. https://lnkd.in/dxuZfsQP

Seagrasses are critical to ecosystem health and #ClimateAction. They: ✅ Filter water for corals ✅ Provide fish nurseries ✅ Capture & store carbon Find out more about their superpowers this #WorldSeagrassDay: https://lnkd.in/d8qvVszt

Seagrass is responsible for 18% of the ocean’s total carbon storage. That’s a lot! One element of the Seagrass Ecosystem Services Project is to evaluate blue carbon storage and accumulation at selected sites in Johor and Penang, #Malaysia. The project is funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety of the Federal Government of Germany, managed by the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Abu Dhabi Office, with technical lead from Centre For Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University. A full results report is now available online: https://lnkd.in/dUSDNMFc 📸: Ben Jones 

Happy #WorldSeagrassDay! Watch this fantastic video produced by our national Partner in #Trang Province, #Thailand - the Dugong capital of Thailand - highlighting the work they have achieved alongside local communities to conserve and protect seagrass under the International Climate Initiative Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) funded Seagrass Ecosystem Services Project. The project is managed by the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Office - Abu Dhabi, and implemented by local partners in Indonesia (Yapeka Indonesia), Malaysia (Marecet), Philippines (Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and C3), Thailand (SAN) and Timor-Leste (Blue Ventures). It is time for seagrass to shine! https://lnkd.in/d-2j5cSU

In recognition of World Seagrass Day, H.E. Razan Al Mubarak, United Nations (UN) Climate Change High-Level Champion and IUCN President, has delivered a speech emphasizing the unparalleled importance of seagrass ecosystems in sustaining life on our planet. Seagrasses are the unsung heroes of our ocean, quietly sustaining life beneath the waves and playing a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, purifying water, maintaining the health of the marine environment worldwide, and mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration and storage. In response, a new and promising initiative—the 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough—is in the process of being established by the UN Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Office - Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the High-Level Climate Champions team. The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Office – Abu Dhabi made public announcement of the initiative in December 2023 at UNFCCC COP28, time when HE Mariam Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCaE) at the time, publicly announced that the UAE would be joining the initiative. The CMS Office – Abu Dhabi also hosted a high-level dialogue to discuss the shaping of the 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough during that meeting. The 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough is a groundbreaking endeavor that offers a framework for a diverse range of stakeholders worldwide to synchronize and accelerate their global pledges with grassroots and regional efforts. "The 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough is a statement of our commitment to the planet," affirmed H.E. Razan Al Mubarak. "Aligned with the Paris Agreement, the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and ambitious #30x30 targets, it represents our collective dedication to a resilient and sustainable future." Ms. Rouba Abou-Atieh, Executive Coordinator of CMS Office – Abu Dhabi notes that "Celebrating World Seagrass Day reminds us of the invaluable role seagrass ecosystems play in our planet's health and biodiversity. Embracing the 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough is not just a commitment; it's a catalyst for global action, aligning with crucial international agreements and initiatives, like the Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and many others. Together, we can conserve, recover and protect these vital habitats for the benefit of present and future generations." The initiative marks a significant stride towards achieving global resilience for biodiversity, climate and livelihoods in the face of the Triple Planetary Crisis. The first 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough Technical Workshop will be held on World Seagrass Day 2024, bringing together over 20 seagrass and marine conservation experts. https://lnkd.in/d8jH9Gtp

CMS Office - Abu Dhabi is taking a leading role in the 2030 Seagrass Breakthrough, supported by MoCCaE UAE, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), @World Seagrass Association and High-Level Climate Champions. Seagrass is one our most effective #naturebasedsolutions.  The #2030 Seagrass Breakthrough is more than just conservation, "They represent our collective dedication to a resilient and sustainable future". Join us on a mission to protect, conserve and manage seagrass ecosystems through the #2030SeagrassBreakthrough. #WorldSeagrassDay #30x30 #racetozero Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)