Emirates Nature-WWF Annual Report 2018

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 A CONSERVATION DIARY ANNUAL REPORT 2018 A CONSERVATION DIARY ABOUT EMIRATES NATURE-WWF CONTENTS Emirates Nature-WWF is a non-profit organisation established to drive positive change in FOREWORDS 4 the United Arab Emirates to conserve the nation’s natural heritage. Founded in 2001 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN: H.E. MOHAMMED AL BOWARDI 4 Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Environment Agency–Abu Dhabi, Emirates Nature works in association with WWF, one H.E. RAZAN KHALIFA AL MUBARAK, MANAGING DIRECTOR 6 of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organisations. LAILA MOSTAFA ABDULLATIF, DIRECTOR GENERAL 8 For almost two decades, Emirates Nature-WWF has been a prominent and active partner in environmental conservation, working to alleviate the most pressing threats to nature 2018: THE YEAR OF ZAYED 11 and wildlife throughout our nation and the region by partnering with government, businesses and civil society on multiple conservation initiatives to protect the UAE’s natural heritage – our seas, lands, climate and the biodiversity they support. CLIMATE & ENERGY PROGRAMME 12 MARINE PROGRAMME 18 For more information please visit: www.EmiratesNatureWWF.ae @ews_WWF TERRESTRIAL PROGRAMME 26 @ews_WWF @EmiratesNatureWWF EDUCATION PROGRAMME 32 EmiratesNature_WWF @Emirates Nature-WWF COMMUNICATIONS 42

Emirates Nature-WWF, Abu Dhabi (Head Office). BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 50 P.O. Box: 45553 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates OPERATIONS 58 T: +971 (0)2 634 7117 F: +971 (0)2 634 1220 THANKS TO OUR VALUED PARTNERS 62 Emirates Nature-WWF, Dubai. P.O. Box: 454891 THANKS TO OUR PROGRAMME SUPPORTERS 63 Dubai, United Arab Emirates T: +971 (0)4 354 9776 OTHER SUPPORTERS 65 F: +971 (0)4 354 9774 Front cover: © Oliver Wheeldon / Emirates Nature-WWF FINANCIAL DATA 66 Published in March 2019 by Emirates Nature-WWF. Any reproduction, in full or in part, EMIRATES NATURE-WWF TEAM IN 2018 67 of the contents of this publication must be accompanied by a complete reference and provide full attribution to the copyright holder. Text ©Emirates Nature-WWF, 2019. All rights reserved. FOREWORDS

H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi Chairman of the Board of Directors of Emirates Nature-WWF

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN: H.E. MOHAMMED AL BOWARDI As a nation, we are home to an extraordinary number of different nationalities – a diversity that is equalled only by the unique wildlife of our lands and seas. Whilst the United Arab Emirates is well known for the economic development and opportunities, many of those who call this country home remain unaware that its nature, underpinned by biodiversity, provides a wealth of services, which form the building blocks of modern society.

Increasingly, research demonstrates momentum must be maintained in nature’s importance to our health, order to achieve meaningful impact, wealth, food economy and security. but this can only be realised through With more knowledge, we better the continuation and development of understand our reliance on natural partnerships with likeminded systems, and it has become organisations, institutions and publics increasingly clear that nature is in the UAE. essential to our survival.

The forward-thinking visions and In this regard, it is inspiring to see strategies of our nation’s founders have collaboration from across society, led this nation to prosperity, but it is with so many organisations, our commitments today to securing companies and individuals from all long-term sustainability that will sectors and communities in the UAE determine our future success. Ensuring willing to contribute their time and the long-term prospects for a healthy resources to advance our shared natural environment in the UAE is vital cause. On behalf of Emirates Nature- WWF, I wish to express our deep if we are to ensure the prosperity of appreciation for their support in future generations. realising the organisation’s The ongoing efforts of Emirates mission and contributing to a Nature-WWF have contributed to sustainable UAE. achieving this aim and served to deliver continued growth in the organisation’s resources and capabilities. This

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H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak Managing Director and Treasurer of the Board of Directors, Emirates Nature-WWF

H.E. RAZAN KHALIFA AL MUBARAK programme provides a platform for the next generation of change makers and environmental leaders in the UAE and MANAGING DIRECTOR enables youth to experience a wide variety of experiences in nature, via the Connect In late 2017, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President with Nature website. of the United Arab Emirates, declared that 2018 would be known in the Throughout 2018 our partners UAE as the Year of Zayed. It marks 100 years since the birth of the late demonstrated exceptional support both for Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE and our current and forthcoming programmes. an inspirational voice in the global conservation community. For that support we are very grateful and hope that together in 2019 we can put Featuring events and initiatives across connecting with nature, we believe that nature at the top of everyone’s to-do list in the UAE and beyond, the Year of Zayed more people across the emirates will order to bring about the change required to intended to both commemorate his life come to realise the responsibility we all safeguard the future of our nation’s natural and showcase his values, impact and share in protecting this vital and wealth, its people and future generations. legacy – a key aspect of which was his beautiful inheritance. visionary attitudes toward the In this way, and through our various preservation of the nation’s rich programmes and initiatives, Emirates biodiversity, which he viewed as an Nature-WWF aims to conserve nature integral part of the nation’s history, and reduce the most pressing threats to heritage and future. our environment for the benefit of Our forefathers thrived on the natural society. To achieve this in an assets of the land and the sea, and in interconnected world requires the turn maintained a deep appreciation combined efforts of all stakeholders, for their inherent importance to their including local communities, mutual existence. By recognising the homegrown and multinational need to conserve them, taking only organisations, governments and NGOs. what was needed to survive, they preserved these resources for future We are proud of and grateful for our generations to enjoy. partnerships with a variety of leading This understanding of both the organisations in the UAE which enable us to engage with society and significance and vulnerability of the drive tangible change. One such UAE’s natural beauty and diversity is collaboration is our recently shared by Emirates Nature-WWF. We launched Connect with Nature youth aim to encourage all who call the UAE engagement programme, in their home to interact with and partnership with the Environment experience the extraordinary natural Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). The assets this nation has to offer. By

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Laila Mostafa Abdullatif Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF

LAILA MOSTAFA ABDULLATIF the Ramsar Convention, in October 2018. This was the first time the event has been held in an Arab country, and our DIRECTOR GENERAL participation was a unique opportunity to promote what is currently happening and The Year of Zayed celebrated many of the founding principles that lie at being developed in the UAE, by our the core of the Emirates Nature-WWF mission. Throughout his organisation and our partners. remarkable life, the late Sheikh Zayed maintained a deeply-held belief in Safeguarding the health and diversity of the importance of environmental conservation to the emirates. As we our environment, both today and in the reflect on the UAE’s environmental successes in 2018, we are heartened to future, is a responsibility we all share see that his legacy lives on in the UAE. equally. The accomplishments of 2018 are only made possible due to the commitment Throughout 2018 Emirates Nature- action on climate change, more made by our willing partners and WWF progressed with a renewed opportunities to engage and act with volunteers. Collaboration is key to putting urgency towards our goals, marked by our initiatives and plentiful guidance our strategy into action and achieving our goals – only together can we achieve our refreshed strategy, and visualised on how to make a difference through meaningful conservation for the good of by a new name and brand. Our new bigger campaigns, more outreach and the nation, its people and our planet. We brand reflects the late Sheikh Zayed’s awareness raising in the UAE. know that we must redefine humanity’s environmental legacy and is symbolic As part of this refreshed strategy, relationship with the planet, and together of the mark that we, as a society, have Emirates Nature-WWF is championing with our partners we passionately believe left on the environment, and the a special journey, where youth discover that we can do so. responsibility that we must protect it. the magic of nature around them and This brand relaunch coincided with the take ownership of the conservation mid-way review of our 5-year strategy knowledge and leadership skills and signified a new era for our required to uphold the legacy of the late organisation, where given the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. increasing challenges the world faces, Together with The Environment we placed even greater emphasis on Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), this building a sustainable United Arab programme is designed to educate and Emirates where our economy, society inspire Emirati youth to connect with and the environment thrive side nature to celebrate and respect the by side. UAE’s natural heritage. Through our refreshed strategy to 2020, partners can now expect even Emirates Nature-WWF is also pleased to have participated in more science-driven data and research, industry events, including the further transformation to sustainable Convention on Wetlands, known as practices, greater collaboration and

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The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE held a personal connection to the land and the sea and engendered a lifelong commitment to sustainability that continues to inspire the nation. This was embedded in the spirit of the Year of Zayed through its encouragement of initiatives that ensure economic and environmental sustainability through economic diversification, innovation, preserving the land and marine environments, and developing clean and renewable energy sources. Throughout the Year of Zayed, Emirates Nature-WWF remained dedicated to supporting and encouraging these programmes and sought to complement them by embodying the legacy and values of Sheikh Zayed in our own initiatives and activities. We will continue to celebrate his visionary environmental leadership by encouraging the people of the UAE to connect with nature in the way that he did, and to share his appreciation of the extraordinary fragility of the living world around us. We envisage no better way to do this than to inspire people throughout the emirates and the world to put nature at the top of everyone’s to-do list in 2019.

© Oliver Wheeldon / Emirates Nature-WWF EMIRATES NATURE-WWF ANNUAL REPORT 2018 10 A CONSERVATION DIARY 11 INTRODUCTION Climate change remains the single most CLIMATE & ENERGY pressing environmental challenge of our lifetime. The goal set out in the Paris Agreement is to keep global temperature rise well below 2˚C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature PROGRAMME increase even further to 1.5˚C, to mitigate the most harmful effects of climate change. That THE UAE IS A REGIONAL LEADER WHEN objective is clear; but how do we actually IT COMES TO ADDRESSING CLIMATE. WITH achieve it? “ The UAE is a regional leader when it comes to ITS HEAVY FOCUS ON INNOVATION, THE addressing climate change. With its heavy focus on innovation, the nation is well-positioned to lead by NATION IS WELL-POSITIONED TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE example and assume a global role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The UAE has stressed the AND ASSUME A GLOBAL ROLE IN THE TRANSITION TO importance of accelerating action on climate mitigation and adaptation to ensure the A LOW-CARBON ECONOMY. implementation of the Paris Agreement. DR. DEEPTI MAHAJAN MITTAL, PROGRAMME LEADER, CLIMATE AND ENERGY It has adopted a renewable energy target of 44% ” share in the power capacity mix by 2050. The country also aims to increase energy consumption efficiency by 40% by 2050. In 2018, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCaE) has taken significant steps toward identifying the risks of – and means to prevent and adapt to – climate change. This includes an assessment of the UAE energy sector’s adaptation to climate change, and a comprehensive assessment of climate change risks to energy, public health, infrastructure and environment, conducted in line with the National Climate Change Adaptation Programme. The goal of the Climate & Energy Programme at Emirates Nature-WWF is to ensure that the UAE continues to take significant steps towards low- carbon, climate-resilient development by 2020. Our projects are geared towards increasing the deployment of renewable energy, implementing energy efficiency measures, expanding sustainable transport infrastructure and further addressing climate risks, through both public and private sector collaboration.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2018 DUBAI SOLAR SHOW 2018 Emirates Nature-WWF engaged with DEWA as Knowledge Partner for the ENABLING UAE’S ENERGY TRANSITION CLIMATE BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT: Authority’s Dubai Solar Show, held at The objective of this project is to THE SUSTAINABLE CITY GREENHOUSE GAS the Dubai International Convention and support the UAE in developing a policy INVENTORY 2017 Exhibition Centre on October 23–25, framework that would help increase the In April 2016, Emirates Nature-WWF 2018. The show, which forms part of contribution of clean energy produced entered into a strategic partnership DEWA’s Water, Energy, Technology from renewable sources to 44% by with The Sustainable City – a and Environment Exhibition (WETEX), 2050, in line with the objectives of the community created by Diamond acts as platform for public–private UAE National Energy Plan 2050. Developers that is working towards sector engagement in the field of becoming the first net zero emissions As part of this commitment, and with solar energy. community in Dubai. Utilising the the support of The Sustainable City in Global Protocol for Community-Scale Dubai, Emirates Nature-WWF GHG Emission Inventories, Emirates undertook an assessment, “Developing Nature-WWF is supporting The a Policy Framework for Increased Sustainable City in assessing its GHG Renewable Energy in the UAE - performance and is assisting with the Enabling UAE’s Energy Transition”, monitoring and reporting of its which sets out the policy framework GHG emissions. necessary for upscaling the national contribution of renewable energy. In 2018, we developed The Sustainable City GHG emissions inventory for 2017 The extensive technical research and – the first ever for a gated community stakeholder engagement conducted for in the region. We also developed the project during 2017 and 2018 led to recommendations for developers and the release of a report co-developed policymakers in the areas of renewable with the UAE Ministry of Energy and energy, transport, data access and Industry entitled: “Enabling the waste management. These were shared UAE’s Energy Transition: Top Ten with relevant stakeholders in July 2018. Priority Areas for Renewable Energy Policymakers”. The assessment revealed that the GHG intensity of villas at The Sustainable City is almost 50% lower than that of conventional villas in the UAE and that per capita water consumption in the City is 31% lower than the lowest DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) water design consumption rate for residential buildings.

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CLIMATE AND ENERGY PRIORITIES IN 2019 ENCOURAGING CLIMATE ACTION AMONG BUSINESSES Emirates Nature-WWF is also INVESTIGATING OPPORTUNITIES AND ASSESSING THE POTENTIAL FOR ELECTRIC embarking on an initiative to encourage CHALLENGES FOR ROOFTOP SOLAR PV VEHICLES IN ABU DHABI greater commitment and action among Building on our previous work on IN THE UAE private sector companies to combat We will continue to build upon our vehicle fuel economy policies, Emirates climate change. The aim of the “Private policy project aimed at supporting Nature-WWF is now investigating the Sector Climate Action in the UAE” the UAE’s transition toward greater potential for widespread electric initiative is to advance the development use of renewable energy. To this end, mobility in Abu Dhabi. In partnership of a low-carbon economy by providing Emirates Nature-WWF is launching with the Environment Agency - Abu companies with the knowledge and a new project to develop a better Dhabi (EAD), we aim to measure the tools required to measure and report understanding of the barriers to the projected impacts of increased use of emissions, identify opportunities for uptake of rooftop solar photovoltaics low emission vehicles (LEVs) in Abu emissions reduction and set (PV) in the UAE and devise Dhabi based on current targets; map related targets. potential solutions. the full potential of electric vehicles in Abu Dhabi; and to design related policy The objective of the project is to priorities to encourage the uptake independently assess the growth of of EVs. rooftop solar photovoltaics across the nation in recent years, and identify Coupled with an increasing share of related successes and challenges. We renewables in the electricity mix, EVs aim to use this information to can considerably limit carbon and local encourage the broader adoption of pollutant emissions thus addressing rooftop solar throughout the UAE, in both climate change and air quality. support of the 2050 target. This project will facilitate multi- stakeholder dialogue and collaborate with relevant entities to facilitate adoption of priority policies.

EMIRATES NATURE–WWF ANNUAL REPORT 2018 16 © Emirates Nature-WWF A CONSERVATION DIARY 17 INTRODUCTION The year 2018 was of global importance for MARINE marine conservation worldwide. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance held its 13th Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP13) in Dubai, underlining the UAE’s strong commitment and PROGRAMME achievements in the context of wetland ecosystems, particularly in marine and coastal THROUGH OUR WORK IN 2018 WE HAVE areas. The UAE will be chairing the Convention for the next three years, allowing PROUDLY SUPPORTED A NUMBER OF KEY the nation to push for even greater “STRATEGIES, PLANS AND AGREEMENTS accomplishments in the year to come. Emirates Nature-WWF is pleased to recognise the LINKED TO THE UAE’S NATIONAL AGENDA INCLUDING growing support for wetland protection coming from the UAE’s private sector and we acknowledge the THE UAE’S NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGIC ACTION vital role it plays in protecting these important PLAN, THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY natural habitats for future generations. (CBD), THE RAMSAR INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE CONSERVATION OF WETLANDS, THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS) AND AN UPCOMING NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR TURTLES. MARINA ANTONOPOULOU, PROGRAMME LEADER, MARINE ” © VBK Photography

MARINE ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2018 OUR ENGAGEMENT AT RAMSAR COP13 We participated in a number of international conferences, including the habitats – including seagrass, HABITAT MAPPING TO SUPPORT INFORMED 13th Conference of the Contracting oyster beds, coral reefs and mangroves POLICY-MAKING Parties (COP13) to the Ramsar In collaboration with the Ministry of – were identified and mapped. Convention on Wetlands of Climate Change and Environment and With the endorsement of His International Importance. the competent environmental Excellency Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Emirates Nature-WWF participated in authorities of four of the emirates (the Zeyoudi, Cabinet Member and Minister discussions and plenary sessions, Environment and Protected Areas of Climate Change and Environment, supported the UAE government Authority in Sharjah, Environment the outcome of this project provides delegation and WWF international, Protection and Development Authority relevant authorities a fundamental tool hosted a side event for the launch of the in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman Municipality to support the conservation, first Marine and Coastal Habitat Map of and Umm Al Quwain Municipality), we management and efficient monitoring the Northern Emirates in collaboration launched the first Marine and Coastal of coastal marine habitats providing with the Ministry Of Climate Change Habitat Map of the Northern Emirates. spatial information and understanding and Environment (MoCCaE), The of the status and trends over time. In total, 371 ground-truthing points Environment and Protected Areas were sampled throughout the field- For example, habitat maps provide Authority (EPAA, Sharjah), based surveys. The area covered by the information which can inform Environment Protection and map extends 2 km from the mainland protected area delineation, Development Authority (EPDA, RAK), coast out to a maximum depth of 15 m, environmental permitting, quantifying Ajman Municipality and UAQ with a total mapped area of ecosystem services, in addition to Municipality, and held an expert approximately 782.3 sq. km and up to estimating blue carbon, detecting land presentation on sea turtles, highlighting 400 km of coastline (381 km for the degradation and habitat loss and our work with them, and their mainland and 19 km for Sharjah’s ultimately land use and conservation importance and dependence on off-shore island). planning which informs sustainable marine wetlands. development in these areas. The key findings of the study included the presence of large extensions of oyster beds and seagrasses, unreported coral reefs and large mangroves areas. In total, seventeen coastal and marine

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TURTLE TAGGING IN THE UAE organisations in the region. Our 2018 work with marine turtles in Nonetheless, the improvements of this THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY the UAE included the collection of tool can benefit the global conservation It is widely accepted that a radical ecological data to help protect green and scientific community. Emirates rethink of both design and after-use turtles through the satellite tagging of Nature – WWF and its partners aims to processes is required, in addition to 12 individuals, bringing to 47 the total foster regional collaboration and other measures such as stimulating number of animals tagged over three information sharing which is critical for demand for secondary raw materials. In years by the Gulf Green turtle the conservation of endangered 2019, the focus will be on the principles Conservation Project. We also migratory species such as the Arabian of a ‘plastic circular economy’. Emirates expanded the activities of the project to Sea humpback whale. Nature-WWF developed a proof of the east coast of the UAE, in the concept packaging recovery and re-use Protected Area of Khor Kalba, Sharjah. RE-THINKING PLASTIC model for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. With the dedicated support of our At its conclusion, the Gulf Green Turtle Our Re-Think Plastic initiative seeks to partners, and the formation of a Conservation Project will deliver the investigate the potential for broad coalition of major local and multi- best picture of regional turtle ecology in policy change to prevent plastic national brands, this pilot project will the world and, as a direct result of the pollution on land and in the seas, and seek to identify the value chain research undertaken, will provide how, together, through a series of opportunities and mechanisms required science based information to strategic initiatives we can strive to to address high volumes of discarded governments and policymakers achieve the ambition of removing waste packaging and help secure a transition essential to make informed decisions to plastic from nature. In 2018, Emirates to a less-wasteful circular economy. protect green turtles and their habitats. Nature-WWF launched Re-Think Plastic initiatives with supermarket ARABIAN SEA WHALE NETWORK chains, Toystore and Hallmark. In the summer of 2018, Waitrose and Fine The Arabian Sea Whale Network Fare Foods agreed to host a pilot study (ASWN) has partnered with Wild Me to in Abu Dhabi to reveal shopper create an Arabian Sea regional whale attitudes and behaviour when asked to and dolphin database building from pay for single use plastic bags at the till. existing the existing on line platform This ‘charge for convenience’ of 25 fils (Flukebook.org). The collaboration with was positively received by the majority ASWN and other research groups such of Waitrose shoppers, with the resulting as the Indian Ocean Network for data being used to inform policy work Cetacean Research (Indocet) has at the emirate and federal levels. resulted in the development of a ‘data storage and analysis on line platform’ that is customized towards the specific needs of the researchers and

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MARINE PRIORITIES IN 2019 The coming year will see the conclusion of the Gulf Green Turtle Project. This work will contribute to the soon to be released National Plan of Action for the Conservation of Marine Turtles in the UAE, created by MoCCaE. The research project is supported and promoted by public facing awareness raising on the importance of marine turtles, a flagship species and the ambassadors of our seas, acting an indicator of the health of our marine environment.

SIR BU NAIR WORLD OCEAN SUMMIT Our new project, ‘Sir Bu Nair Island The current plight of the world oceans – Sharjah’s Pearl’, will be launched has forced a new approach to ocean with the aims of supporting the existing conservation, one that will be management framework, further championed by organisations such as developing robust long-term scientific Emirates Nature-WWF and others at monitoring programmes and the World Ocean Summit 2019 in Abu implementing science-based protection Dhabi - that of building a Sustainable measures to improve ecosystem Blue Economy. Through its global resilience. Through our unique scientific and technical network, approach, we aim to inspire a new era Emirates Nature-WWF is exploring the of conservation management in the business impacts facing the local emirates, producing tangible on-the- economy – asking big questions about ground impacts that can be scaled up the future of our resources if we do not throughout the UAE and become a take this issue seriously today. model for marine protection efforts This is important to ensure responsible around the world. In 2019, fieldwork on marine practices, planning and the island to provide ecological baseline management that directly benefits the information related to sharks, birds, economy, business and society. This in coral and fish will be conducted. turn helps facilitate the UAE’s future economic sustainability in a rapidly evolving and diversified economy.

EMIRATES NATURE–WWF ANNUAL REPORT 2018 24 © Nicolas Pilcher / Emirates Nature-WWF A CONSERVATION DIARY 25 © Emirates Nature-WWF INTRODUCTION The Hajar Mountain range, which runs along TERRESTRIAL the eastern UAE into the Sultanate of Oman, is an important habitat for UAE biodiversity. The range hosts a variety of unique and emblematic species, some of which are endemic to the region. One of the main PROGRAMME objectives of the Terrestrial Programme is to contribute to the conservation of this ONE OF THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE biodiversity by developing a network of TERRESTRIAL PROGRAMME IS TO Protected Areas and Ecological Corridors to “ preserve vital habitats. CONTRIBUTE TO THE CONSERVATION OF THIS In an arid country such as the UAE, freshwater ecosystems represent rare and precious sources of BIODIVERSITY BY DEVELOPING A NETWORK OF life and form the basis of the mountains’ biodiversity. However, due to their scarcity, freshwater resources PROTECTED AREAS AND ECOLOGICAL CORRIDORS TO are coveted for agricultural, domestic and industrial uses, leading to their over-exploitation and the PRESERVE VITAL HABITATS. eradication of natural freshwater habitats. For this DR. JACKY JUDAS, reason, we are prioritising our conservation efforts PROGRAMME MANAGER AND ADVISOR, TERRESTRIAL ” on these highly threatened freshwater habitats and species.

TERRESTRIAL ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2018 INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT The international convention for Wetlands conservation, better known as time in the UAE, which was formally SUPPORTING BIODIVERSITY IN 2018 the Ramsar convention, held its 13th In order to prioritize conservation areas confirmed in November 2017. Although COP in Dubai from 21 to 29 October and fill gaps in our knowledge of very secretive, their presence was 2018. This event saw the participation biodiversity, we continued field surveys confirmed in ten different territories of more than 1,000 representants, initiated in previous years with funding throughout the mountains, three of including freshwater experts from all from the Mohammed bin Zayed Species which hosted breeding populations. over the world, and was presided over Conservation Fund that aim to assess Distribution data for other species (the by His Excellency Mohammed Al the distribution and abundance of owl Little Owl [Athene noctua], Pallid Afkam, a member of the Emirates and bat species. Scops Owl [Otus brucei] and Pharaoh Nature-WWF Board. At the COP we Eagle-owl [Bubo ascalaphus]) were A new camera trapping programme was showcased our work conducted in the also collected. initiated in 2018, extending the work past to conserve freshwater habitats in conducted in Wadi Wurayah National Our bats survey, conducted with the Wadi Wurayah National Park and the Park between 2013 and 2015 to cover participation of two French bat establishment of our Water Research new areas of the mountains that may specialists between January and and Learning programme, which ran warrant conservation measures. The March, revealed the presence of three from 2013 to 2017. programme aims to assess the status, species of bats new to the country: In line with the recommendations distribution and abundance of large Geoffroy’s bat (Myotis mystacinus), formulated by the Convention on and medium-sized mammals present in Botta’s serotine (Eptesicus bottae) Biological Diversity in Cancun, Mexico, the mountains, such as the Arabian and the Egyptian tomb bat in December 2016 to streamline tahr, caracal, Blanford’s fox, Brandt’s (Taphozous perforatus). biodiversity conservation through hedgehog and the wild cat. These surveys also expanded the business, we organized in partnership Preliminary surveys were also reference library of echolocation calls with the Ministry of Climate Change conducted to characterize freshwater for 10 of the 15 species now known in and Environment a side event on habitats in the Hajar Mountains, the UAE. Analysis of echolocation calls Business, Water and Wetlands. The measuring water parameters and indicated the presence of 2–3 potential event explored businesses’ recording the presence of freshwater new species in the country, but transformative approaches to species included toads, fishes, birds, confirmation of their identity will freshwater management and why others dragonflies, damselflies and require capturing specimens with should follow their lead, showcasing other invertebrates. mistnets in order to take morphological examples from Danone, Coca-Cola, measurements in hand. This research is Standard Chartered, HSBC and Veolia. OWLS AND BATS IN THE HAJARS important as it will allow scientists to We also received an official delegation understand the ecological requirements Our owl surveys revealed the presence from the Chinese Government, necessary to develop the conservation of the Arabian Spotted Eagle-Owl coordinated by our colleagues from measures needed to protect (Bubo africanus milesi) for the first WWF China. these species.

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OUR PRIORITIES IN 2019 During 2019 we will continue our efforts to valorise and conserve one of the last functional falaj systems in the Hajar Mountains of the UAE at Wadi Shis in the Emirate of Sharjah. We will provide support to local communities and government in achieving recognition for the wadi and falaj system of Shis as a nationally or internationally recognized Protected Area, with an initial focus on designating it as a Wetland of International Importance (or Ramsar site) under the Convention on Wetlands.

Also in 2019, we will develop further biodiversity surveys in key areas of the Hajar Mountains by extending our network of camera traps and deploying automatic sound recorders to capture the vocalisations of owls and bats. We will also explore ways of streamlining biodiversity conservation through business by demonstrating links between the conservation of healthy ecosystems, natural habitats, species communities, and national water and food security for the benefit of local communities. © Emirates Nature-WWF

EMIRATES NATURE–WWF ANNUAL REPORT 2018 30 © Emirates Nature-WWF A CONSERVATION DIARY 31 INTRODUCTION Public knowledge of pressing environmental EDUCATION issues in the UAE is increasing. However, much more must be done to achieve the awareness needed to drive change at the scale required to reverse the many negative trends afflicting the natural world in the emirates PROGRAMME and beyond. Emirates Nature-WWF and its partners connect with THROUGH THESE EDUCATION AND the public on a number of fronts to achieve greater AWARENESS PROGRAMMES, WE HOPE environmental consciousness across the nation and “ among its dynamic business community. Through TO CULTIVATE A GENERATION OF these education and awareness programmes, we hope to cultivate a generation of informed citizens who will INFORMED CITIZENS WHO WILL ACT AS act as champions for sustainable growth and CHAMPIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND development in the UAE. DEVELOPMENT IN THE UAE. JENNIFER CROES, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, CONSERVATION EDUCATION & OUTREACH” © Oliver Wheeldon / Emirates Nature-WWF

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CONNECTING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH NATURE spend limited time outside due to 2018 was an exciting and challenging weather and social constraints and year for the Education team as we consequently devote much of their time embarked on a new phase in our to web-based interaction and conservation education and outreach communication. In order to cultivate a activities. Our central focus was on the desire to protect the natural final preparations to launch Connect environment, they need to feel with Nature, a major new collaborative passionate about their natural heritage education programme co-founded by and to understand the importance of Emirates Nature-WWF and the protecting these ecosystems by Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi spending time connecting with the (EAD) with the support of our Strategic natural world. Connect with Nature Partner, the International Fund for therefore engages young people in Houbara Conservation (IFHC). thematic activities across four key streams – Adventure, Heritage, Connect with Nature, launching in Creativity, and Science & Technology. January 2019, is designed to educate and inspire young people in the UAE to experience, celebrate and respect the UAE’s natural heritage. Targeted at those between the ages of 15 and 24, it aims to increase environmental awareness, build a public movement for change through outreach initiatives and create an appreciation for nature that translates into sustainable lifestyles. Its ultimate goal is to equip young people with the experiences, knowledge, skills and opportunities to become the next generation of flagbearers for the environment, continuing the legacy of the late founding father of the UAE, © Oliver Wheeldon / Emirates Nature-WWF Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Our extensive focus group research revealed that young people in the UAE

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THE PILLARS OF CONNECT WITH NATURE: The Engage pillar is where informed, EXPLORE, EMPOWER AND ENGAGE confident leaders inspire action and In the Explore pillar, young people change. Members may create or join unlock the mysteries of the natural youth circles to discuss various world virtually or in real-life at various environmental issues, form local youth sites across the UAE, such as Al Wathba committees and/or become mentors to Wetland Reserve, Saadiyat Marine spark change to become Connect with National Park, Umm Al Emarat Park, Nature Ambassadors and spread the Al Ain Oasis and Al Qudra Lakes. conservation message both locally and Through a virtual location map, globally. It is here that young people members can undertake gamified evolve into global environmental heroes challenges and progress through their and changemakers that the UAE own, personalised journey of desperately requires. behavioural change, completing Through these three pillars, we aim to challenges, earning badges and elicit a commitment to behavioural rewards, sharing social media content change among young people in the UAE and supporting research – all through based on a passion to conserve the their mobile devices. UAE’s biodiversity. By empowering The Empower pillar sees members take UAE youth and incorporating a ‘green their conservation learning to the next lens’ to all aspects of modern life, we level. It is a space for young people to seek to inspire a generation to tackle expand their critical skills through conservation problems in an informed, advanced learning opportunities and solution-oriented manner. build their personal and professional portfolios. They can take part in citizen science projects to add to the national dragonfly and damselfly database or join research and learning programmes to collect data to measure the impacts of climate change on UAE biodiversity. To reinforce conservation knowledge gained in the field, members can browse our Knowledge Hub – an online resource library full of facts that acts as a one-stop-shop of learning on species, habitats, conservation threats and how they can become part of the solution.

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AN IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN can then take part in gamification LEARNING EXPERIENCE challenges at selected sites and earn At the core of the programme is our badges and rewards in their personal Digital Platform, encompassing a learning journey. website (www.connectwithnature.ae) The app also provides a means for and mobile app. By utilising these collaboration between members technologies, the aim is to “connect” through peer-level content sharing and young people to the programme and participation in gamified activations encourage them to “disconnect” and and challenges, and enables time- “reconnect” to nature and culture. sensitive tailored content and activities The Platform also aims to achieve a to be delivered to target audiences in behaviour-based profile database of line with their interests and personal engaged youth, providing Emirates profiles. Content streams include: Nature-WWF, EAD and the IFHC with Adventure, Creativity and Science & a resource from which to recruit Technology. Through the built-in volunteers, encourage young people to rewards and recognition system, users take part in citizen science, and both will also be encouraged to undertake monitor and evaluate the behavioural further engagement with the Connect change journey of Connect with Nature with Nature programme. Ambassadors as they embark on their The Connect with Nature concept is personal journeys. both replicable and scalable for use by The website forms the central other global WWF Network offices knowledge hub for Connect with around the world. Nature, helping users learn about the programme and its various activities and events as well as providing the means to sign up. The Connect with Nature mobile app represents the programme’s remote access feature. Members will use the app to interact with the programme, peers and friends and find out which conservation sites to visit through an integrated Virtual map. In Phase 1, up to 30 nature sites will be made available for people to visit in their own time. Connect with Nature members

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EDUCATION PRIORITIES IN 2019

Over the course of 2019, we will launch field courses, for youth to learn more and expand the Connect with Nature about the natural world and their place programme within the UAE and in it. This will be the beginning of their increase the capability of our digital personal journey and applying a ‘green platform such as including more sites lens’ perspective into their lives and to visit on the virtual map and entice promote environmental values. people to explore their backyard and develop new, interactive locations. We also aim to introduce this new conservation education outreach concept within the wider WWF global network and commence a trial with another region and adapt our Connect with Nature learnings to another country and tailor it to their needs. The programme aims to align to the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD), Aichi Targets and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to ensure that Education is embedded into achieving conservation goals where

people are aware of the values of © Oliver Wheeldon / Emirates Nature-WWF biodiversity and the steps they can take to conserve and use it sustainably. We will start to transition from our Explore phase, encouraging youth to get out in nature and be part of it, to the Empower phase to focus on extending their skillsets. We endeavour to launch our Research and Learning component of the programme, encouraging participation and involvement in Citizen Science projects, build partnerships with Universities and online courses and develop our onsite

EMIRATES NATURE–WWF ANNUAL REPORT 2018 40 © Oliver Wheeldon / Emirates Nature-WWF A CONSERVATION DIARY 41 COMMUNICATIONS OUR NEW NAME AND VISUAL IDENTITY MARK THE BEGINNING OF A “NEW ERA IN WHICH WE ARE EVEN MORE PASSIONATELY DRIVEN TO ACT, ADOPT NEW AND INNOVATIVE APPROACHES, AND INSPIRE SUSTAINED COLLECTIVE ACTION © VBK Photography THROUGH SOCIETY TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE, AND SAFEGUARD THE SEAS, THE LAND INTRODUCTION Meeting international targets and putting a AND THEIR ASSOCIATED BIODIVERSITY. stop to the staggering biodiversity loss HELENA CARLESS, occurring across the globe requires broad COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR ” public understanding and awareness of these key environmental causes. Inspired by this aim, the Communications Department of Emirates Nature-WWF seeks to engage with government, businesses and civil society in the UAE and highlight pressing environmental challenges and solutions, driving motivation for change.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2018

A NEW STRATEGY AND IDENTITY environment of the UAE, and FOR A NEW ERA consequently of our responsibility to The urgency of our core goals was ensure its protection. reflected in a refreshed To accompany our new branding, we communications strategy in 2018 that launched a new website featuring aims to put nature on the top of engaging storytelling and offering a everybody’s to-do list, and following more intuitive and refined user much planning and preparation, we experience that highlights our new received approval from the Ministry of approach to connecting people with Community Development to launch our nature. We also refocused our social new brand: Emirates Nature-WWF. media engagement on establishing an Our new name and visual identity mark emotional connection with our the beginning of a new era in which we audiences whilst showing them how are even more passionately driven to they can use their voices as individuals act, adopt new and innovative to become advocates for the health of approaches, and inspire sustained the planet. collective action through society to Emirates Nature-WWF also celebrated combat climate change, and safeguard the UAE’s 47th National Day with a the seas, the land and their sand story activation titled associated biodiversity. #HisLegacyOurFuture at Kite Beach, The symbol of our new brand identity is Dubai, showcasing Sheikh Zayed’s a unique Emirati imprint that environmental legacy, and the encapsulates both our UAE heritage importance of connecting with nature. and our deep connection to the modern In the spirit of National Day, families nation, its society and environment. It and friends gathered to enjoy the is our thumbprint – a symbol of our activation that showcased Emirates individuality as an organisation – Nature-WWF’s new brand and ongoing inspired by the fragile mangroves, deep efforts to ensure our society, economy wadis and undulating tides that define and environment thrive side by side, the contours of the UAE’s natural enabling people to live in harmony heritage. It is also symbolic of the mark with nature. that we, as a society, have left on the

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STRENGTHENING OUR PARTNERSHIPS EARTH HOUR 2018 In keeping with our refreshed strategy, On March 24, 2018 at 8:30 pm, people and the urgent need to generate across the UAE came together in an act awareness and action on key of solidarity to mark Earth Hour, the environmental and sustainability largest popular environmental issues, we also focused on expanding movement in the world, inspired by a our collaboration with public sector shared desire to protect the health of partners, working on joint the planet and its diverse eco-systems. communications streams which Earth Hour 2018 highlighted both the highlight our shared goals and projects. power of individuals, and what can be One example was “Sir Bu Nair - the achieved collectively when people act to Pearl of Sharjah” with Sharjah’s affect change in a highly visible and Environment and Protected Areas engaging way. Emirates Nature-WWF Authority (EPAA) and the Emirates collected pledges as part of its Earth Marine Environmental Group (EMEG). Hour 2018 campaign from those who Amongst many activities was a expressed a desire to take action community launch event held at Al ‘beyond the hour’. Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah to raise public awareness about Sir Bu Nair’s In the UAE in 2018, numerous records environmental, cultural and traditional were broken; 5,806 individuals signed significance before the official project up on the UAE Earth Hour website and launch in 2019. committed their support, as did 341 organisations. The earthour.ae website We also began working more closely received 21,734 unique visitors, with our corporate partners, advising representing a 96% increase over 2017. on how they can influence their own In total, 20,666 pledges of support audiences to make more choices that were collected from individuals are beneficial to the environment and and organisations. additionally extend our reach into our valued partners networks.

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COMMUNICATIONS PRIORITIES IN 2019 WORLD OCEAN SUMMIT Emirates Nature-WWF will be present at the World Ocean Summit 2019 in that this new narrative should underpin A NEW DEAL FOR NATURE AND PEOPLE Abu Dhabi – discussing a new approach a New Deal for Nature and People that In 2019 we will continue to broaden to ocean conservation, that of a ensures the interests of all. public awareness in the UAE of the Sustainable Blue Economy. Emirates importance of biodiversity, which As an extension to this concept, we will Nature-WWF is supporting the continues to fall dramatically in the also work closely in 2019 with our mainstreaming of this concept and will face of the multitude of adverse effects Education and Business Development be exploring the business impacts of climate change. As part of this new teams to market Emirates Nature- facing the local economy if we do not awareness drive we will be using WWF products to individuals and take action to protect our oceans. #naturematters and #connect2earth organisations, including our new across our upcoming initiatives to Connect with Nature programme and increase digital conversations fundraising initiatives. surrounding these issues. We will, above all, continue to engage The aim of our engagement and with the UAE community and communications strategy remains to stakeholders through meaningful create growing momentum behind a engagement and communication, and change in attitudes toward the effects of ensure our data analytics provide us our everyday actions on the Earth’s with the insights we need to continue to climate, in addition to conserving test, learn and adapt our content to marine and terrestrial wildlife, reach and influence people effectively. including the instilling of cultural changes that place greater value on our OUR PLANET relationship with nature. The launch of the WWF Our Planet We will also embrace and celebrate series in April 2019 will also provide a the growing convergence between prime opportunity to engage with key development and the conservation audiences. The ground-breaking new agenda as a key element in creating a series – the product of collaboration sustainable model for progress. This between WWF and Silverback Films – reflects the increasing awareness of the will premiere across the globe on understanding that it is in the mutual Netflix, the world’s leading internet TV interest of all that the natural world be network and is produced by the preserved as an indispensable creators of the renowned Planet foundation for our well-being and Earth series. socio-economic success. It is our aim

EMIRATES NATURE–WWF ANNUAL REPORT 2018 48 © Daniel Mateos / Emirates Nature-WWF A CONSERVATION DIARY 49 INTRODUCTION Effective conservation, on the scale BUSINESS necessitated by the threats facing the natural world, can only be achieved through collaboration with a broad range of national stakeholders, including businesses, individuals and communities in the UAE. DEVELOPMENT As a non-profit organisation we rely extensively on our partnerships to deliver programmes that OUR PARTNERS IN THE BUSINESS SECTOR ARE complement state-led environmental activities; our BECOMING MORE AWARE OF THE ADVANTAGES Business Development initiatives therefore reflect the “ importance we place on establishing a variety of partnerships with supportive organisations across OF SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS THAT SUPPORT the UAE. THEIR OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES. TOGETHER, WE These joint initiatives with our partners aim to encourage businesses to engage with pressing CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE GIVING environmental issues and incorporate sustainable practices into their operations, including among PLATFORMS, AS WELL AS CREATING BEHAVIOUR CHANGE their employees. AMONG EMPLOYEES, CUSTOMERS, AND SUPPLYING 2018 has been a challenging year in terms of fundraising, particularly owing to the introduction of VOLUNTEERS FOR ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS. value-added tax (VAT) on donations in the UAE. ABDULLA AL NUAIMI However, our partners in the business sector are BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ” becoming more aware of the advantages of sustainable solutions that support their objectives and activities. Together, we continue to focus on developing Sustainable Giving platforms, as well as creating behaviour change among employees, customers, and supplying volunteers for activities and events.

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MAJOR INITIATIVES IN 2018 Our flagship Re-think Plastic and Just One for Planet initiatives saw retailers sign up for activities in 2018- 2019 to help reduce the critical AL DAHRA HOLDING level of waste plastic that finds its way into nature, including The Body Emirates Nature-WWF has signed a Shop, Jashanmal, Deliveroo, Plantshop.ae, Yas Mall, Waitrose, RM Retail three-year partnership with Al Dahra and The World Trade Centre mall. Holding, a prominent multinational leader in agribusiness, specializing in ABU DHABI COMMERCIAL BANK THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY – ABU DHABI the cultivation, production and trading of animal feed and essential food Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi commodities and end-to-end supply has partnered with Emirates Nature- (EAD) is a long standing partner of chain management. Through this WWF since 2012 to support our vision Emirates Nature-WWF in a number of Innovation level partnership, Al Dahra of a sustainable UAE in which our areas. In 2018, EAD and Emirates is committed to supporting Emirates society, economy and environment Nature-WWF championed a special Nature-WWF’s diverse environmental thrive side by side, enabling people to journey with the Connect with Nature programmes and initiatives that protect live in harmony with nature. Through programme, where youth discover the habitats and wildlife throughout the this Innovation level partnership, magic of nature around them and take UAE. The impact of this partnership ADCB agrees to offer its customers the ownership of the conservation will help safeguard natural resources facility to make donations towards knowledge and leadership skills and create a more sustainable economy Emirates Nature-WWF through its required to uphold the legacy of the late for future generations in the UAE. ATM network across the UAE, while Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. promoting our campaigns designed in Together, EAD and Emirates Nature- collaboration with ADCB. As part of WWF recognize the imminent need for this partnership, ADCB also offers its Emirati youth to re-connect to their customers the facility to make natural heritage to preserve the land, donations towards Emirates Nature- seas, and biodiversity they stand to WWF through its internet inherit. For this reason, EAD has donations platform. become an Innovation level partner, enabling the two organisations to continue collaborating on large-scale projects that enhance awareness and seek to create lasting environmental change throughout the emirates.

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DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND COMMERCE MARKETING RE-THINKING PLASTIC USE Emirates Nature-WWF, together with We partnered with the Environment Dubai Sustainable Tourism, partnered Agency–Abu Dhabi and Yas Mall, Abu with Emaar Hospitality Group, to Dhabi’s largest shopping mall, in a deliver a series of initiatives in 2018- 3-day Re-think Plastic campaign on 2019 that will engage both employees September 13–15, 2018, during which and guests to illustrate how small more than 20,000 plastic bags were changes can make a big difference collected and exchanged for eco- when it comes to resource use friendly jute shopping bags designed by and sustainability. social media influencers Ola Al Fares and Bin Baz. We supported Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST), Department of The campaign was launched to increase awareness of the devastating effects of

Tourism and Commerce Marketing © Huma Qureshi / Emirates Nature-WWF (DTCM) in the development of its plastic pollution; more than 8 million ‘Hospitality Industry Board Game’ for tons of plastic enter our oceans each all staff members. This gamified year, causing the death of over 100,000 platform will help employees to marine animals and 1 million measure their consumption baseline, marine birds. understand which areas of the hotel The campaign also saw the consume the most water and electricity, announcement of Yas Mall’s and develop ways to save money while sponsorship of two turtles as part of our reducing their consumption of water, Green Turtle Conservation Project, energy and other resources. which collects ecological and spatial data to help protect these marine reptiles by mapping their movements through satellite tagging.

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OUR PRIORITITES IN 2019 Our key priorities in 2019 will include continuing to collaborate with new and existing partners in the retail industry, including individual shops, malls and online stores, to reduce their use and distribution of plastics such as packaging, bags, bottles and cutlery.

Similarly, in the tourism sector, we will expand our collaboration with the hospitality industry to encourage partners to incorporate sustainable practices in their operations to reduce water and energy consumption. We will also further implement our Sustainable Giving program, through which retailers, both online and offline stores, employees and consumers can make online donations or purchase products that provide percentage of the sales of those products, to fund and support our initiatives. Furthermore, we aim to initiate a new transformational partnership in 2019 – one that witnesses a dramatic operational change in an organisation with the help of our conservation team – and to continue delivering support to businesses that incorporate sustainability mechanisms and green initiatives.

EMIRATES NATURE–WWF ANNUAL REPORT 2018 56 A CONSERVATION DIARY 57 © Oliver Wheeldon / Emirates Nature-WWF INTRODUCTION Reflecting the broad ethnic and cultural OPERATIONS diversity of the UAE, the staff of Emirates Nature-WWF represent 18 countries and bring WE ARE PROUD OF OUR DIVERSITY to our work an equally diverse range of expertise and views on conserving the natural AND BELIEVE THAT IT SERVES TO heritage of the emirates. As an organisation, “ we are proud of this diversity and believe that PROMOTE OPEN AND HONEST it serves to promote open and honest DISCUSSION OF THE PRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL discussion of the pressing environmental issues facing the UAE and the region. This ISSUES FACING THE UAE AND THE REGION. THIS facilitates high-quality decision-making and leads to unique creative solutions to the FACILITATES HIGH-QUALITY DECISION-MAKING challenges we confront. AND LEADS TO UNIQUE CREATIVE SOLUTIONS TO The recent expansion of our initiatives has been accompanied by corresponding growth in our THE CHALLENGES WE CONFRONT. workforce during 2018 to ensure the efficiency and MANAL BAHMAN, quality of our conservation and education OPERATIONS DIRECTOR programmes. Our staff increased by nearly 20% – an ” increase made possible by the support provided by our generous partners – allowing for the establishment of new programmes including Connect with Nature. We have therefore concentrated on updating our policies and processes, including monitoring and evaluation, financial planning and management and human resources to better support our growing workforce, and will continue to do so throughout 2019. © David Thompson / Emirates Nature-WWF © David

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2018

EMIRATES NATURE-WWF MID-TERM REVIEW DEPARTMENT RESTRUCTURING During 2018, the entire organisation Also during 2018, we re-structured the undertook a mid-term review of our department to broaden its capacities 5-Year Strategy (2015–2020). As part and skillsets, adding new staff to ensure of the review, our conservation teams effective long-term support for the identified areas of achievement and organisation and its programmes. The revised their strategic goals and process included complimentary cost associated objectives. These reduction measures based around conservation updates were shared with pro-bono agreements, internships and the Board of Directors and key volunteers in legal and IT. We also stakeholders for their feedback. All continued to pursue our organisation- other units updated their strategic goals wide digitisation and the development and objectives toward the end of the of our IT infrastructure, incorporating year. These revisions will guide our additional digital platforms in work until the next strategy the field of finance, HR and development review in 2020. Project Management. OUR PRIORITIES IN 2019

Our guiding priority in 2019 is to and will continue to revise conservation ensure all staff have access to the dashboards, KPIs and reporting necessary internal policies, tools, processes to better identify our software and support to facilitate achievements and enable more Emirates Nature-WWF’s conservation efficient decision-making during initiatives. From finance and human quarterly updates. resources to IT and monitoring and evaluation, the operations team will adapt relevant processes as required to enable our work. We will also provide our Board of Directors, management team and stakeholders with concise information to illustrate our conservation and education impacts,

EMIRATES NATURE–WWF ANNUAL REPORT 2018 60 A CONSERVATION DIARY 61 © Oliver Wheeldon / Emirates Nature-WWF THANKS TO OUR VALUED PARTNERS THANKS TO OUR We wish to express our sincere appreciation to all our partners for their enduring support. As long-term advocates of Emirates Nature-WWF and PROGRAMME SUPPORTERS its activities, these businesses have made a valuable contribution to our We also extend heartfelt appreciation to organisations who have efforts to serve the environment and have been instrumental in our provided support for specific conservation programmes or projects, success. Throughout 2018, our partners have helped to raise awareness helping us deliver impactful and relevant work. of pressing environmental issues and inspire the adoption of sustainable business practices, whilst also supporting our activities and streamlining CLIMATE AND ENERGY PROGRAMME PARTNERS the efficiency of our organisation. Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi Khidmah LLC OUR PARTNERS The Sustainable City UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Innovation Amlak Finance PJSC Esteemed UAE Ministry of Energy and Industry Al Dahra Holding Innovation Big Fish Consult DMCC Esteemed Diamond Developers Innovation Canadian Business Council of Dubai Esteemed EDUCATION PROGRAMME PARTNERS and Northern Emirates Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi Innovation German Imaging Technologies (GIT) Esteemed International Fund for Houbara Conservation ITP Media Group Visionary Globe Express Services Esteemed TERRESTRIAL PROGRAMME PARTNERS Al Ain Zoo Empowerment Kakaw Manufacturing Co LLC Esteemed Environment and Protected Areas Authority – Sharjah (Mirzam Chocolates) Fujairah Municipality Al Naboodah Group Empowerment Khidmah LLC Esteemed Ministry of Climate Change & Environment - UAE Crescent Enterprises Limited Empowerment Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics LLC Esteemed The Coca-Cola Foundation Deliveroo Empowerment Media One Hotel Esteemed The Mohammed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund Emaar Hospitality Group Empowerment Noukhada Adventure Company Esteemed The Water Project Emirates NBD Empowerment Paws Trail Explorers Esteemed Fine Fare Food Market LLC Empowerment Sea Hawk Water Sports Esteemed MARINE PROGRAMME PARTNERS First Abu Dhabi Bank Empowerment Dentons & Co. Platinum 5 Oceans Environmental Services LLC Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative Gulf Capital Empowerment Emirates Green Building Council Platinum Ajman Municipality Gulf Greetings General Trading LLC Empowerment Grant Thornton UAE Platinum Al Khaja Real Estate (RM Retail) Distant Imagery Gulftainer Company Limited Empowerment Hadef & Partners Platinum Emirates Marine Environmental Group Jashanmal National Company Empowerment Majid Al Futtaim Platinum Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi Linklaters LLP Empowerment Oliver Wyman Platinum Environment Society of Oman Momentum Logistics Empowerment Cloud Concept Gold Environment and Protected Areas Authority – Sharjah National Bank of Fujairah PJSC Empowerment GCC Services Gold Environmental Protection and Development Authority – Ras Al Khaimah Plantshop.ae Empowerment Goumbook Gold Farnek Pico International LLC Empowerment Gulf Craft Gold Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics LLC SAPIN Empowerment Royal Ritz Silver Marine Research Foundation Six Construct Ltd. Co. Empowerment Ministry of Environment & Climate Affairs Sultanate of Oman The Body Shop Empowerment UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment Yas Mall Empowerment Umm Al Quwain Municipality Various UAE Schools Yas Mall

EMIRATES NATURE–WWF ANNUAL REPORT 2018 62 A CONSERVATION DIARY 63 EARTH HOUR PARTNERS MARINE PROGRAMME COLLABORATORS Strategic partner: Ajman Co-operative Society for Fishermen OTHER SUPPORTERS Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Ajman Palace Hotel We are grateful to a generous network of Media partner: American School of Dubai ITP Media Group Apple volunteers, grantors and other contributors, Arabian Sea Whale Network who relentlessly lent their time, expertise and CLIMATE AND ENERGY PROGRAMME COLLABORATORS Dubai Municipality other assistance for our work. Baringa Consulting Ltd GEMS Founders School Abzal Assembekov Salam Al Faisal EDUCATION PROGRAMME COLLABORATORS Media One Hotel New York University of Abu Dhabi Alyazia Said Sabra Sandra George Adventurati Outdoor Sharjah Fishing Co-operative Analyn Torres Sara Barkat Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Time Hotels Management Annam Raza Sarah Mohammed Husaak United Arab Emirates University Buthaina Al hajeri Sawsan halawa IQ Data WWF Pakistan Carolina Salgado Duarte Shaikha Alhmoudi Ministry of Community Development Charlotte Kate Philpin Shama AlBraiki Noukhada Adventure Company COMMUNICATION COLLABORATORS Connie Thurlow Shaman Salam Paws Trail Explorers &storm Diana Artemis Srinivas Rao Pico International LLC Fox & Hound Eoin Collier Tanya Mathur Prototype Global Invisions Consulting Esmeralda Cabanero Tracy Audencial The Gamifiers Maria Gasan Farheen Naik Vasanth G. Benjamin The Hanging House Penso Fely Javier Victoria Dael The Ripe Market Warehouse Four Henna Rafeeque Yash Talati Umm Al Emarat Park Weber Shandwick Hind Salih Iravi Cabuhay TERRESTRIAL PROGRAMME COLLABORATORS EARTH HOUR COLLABORATORS Joana Benavidez Ibia Ajman Sewage KKDD Film Production LLC JoyceAnne Arriesgado Canon Middle East Walla Ismaeel Kate Peacock Danone Laila Al Khaidi Denis Landenbergue GENERAL DONORS Marco Gabriel HSBC Bank Middle East Limited Department of Tourism and Commerce Mariam Mohamed Ramsar secretariat Marketing (DTCM) Gohar Standard Chartered Fairgreen School Mary Rose Veolia (Fujairah) HSBC Bank Middle East Limited Merlin Jacob Lloyd’s Limited Merlvic Cabuhay L’Occitane Mohammed al Nuhasi Office of H.H. Sheikha Shamma bint Paola Hamilton Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Pooja Balaji Shawati’ Radeeyah Karodia The Boston Consulting Group Rahab Billeh Visa Middle East Ralph Unidad Randa Mohamad Rawan Aldeethi Ritika Chopra Roxana Bucica

EMIRATES NATURE–WWF ANNUAL REPORT 2018 64 A CONSERVATION DIARY 65 FINANCIAL DATA EMIRATES NATURE-WWF TEAM IN 2018

2018 2017 2016 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERS STAFF CONSULTANTS CHAIRMAN H.E. Majid Al Mansouri Ida Tillisch TOTAL INCOME * 18,770,087 13,390,553 12,790,389 15,702,098 H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Managing Director of Tammy James TOTAL EXPENDITURE 16,272,338 11,797,503 13,790,389 14,126,128 Al Bowardi International Fund for Dayana Palermo *Includes rollover of funds Minister of State for Houbara Conservation Vishal Kumar Defense, UAE (IFHC) Oliver Wheeldon WHAT IS THE BREAKDOWN PERCENTAGE OF THAT AMOUNT? DEPUTY CHAIRMAN H.E. Hana Saif Al Suwaidi STAFF LIST H.E. Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh Chairwoman of Abdelaziz Almulla Minister of State, UAE and Environment and Abduaziz Ali Chairman of Abu Dhabi Protected Areas Authority 0.37% DONATIONS FROM OTHERS Alison Flaherty Global Markets (ADGM) H.E. Engineer Mohamed Alissa Craddock 25.12% DONATIONS FROM CORPORATES MANAGING Saif Al Afkham Altaf Habib DIRECTOR AND Director General of Daniel Mateos TOTAL INCOME: 0.51% DONATIONS FROM FOUNDATIONS AND AGENCIES TREASURER OF Fujairah Municipality David Thompson THE BOARD Dr. Jacky Judas 18,770,087 H.E. Helal Al Marri H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Dr. Jimena Rodriguez 74.00% DONATIONS FROM GOVERNMENT Director General, Dubai Mubarak Elle Runton Dept. of Tourism and Managing Director, Elma Costales Supan Commerce Marketing Environment Agency – Ghada Nabil Abu Dhabi Dr. Faraj A. Ahnish Huma Qureshi Managing Partner, Hadef Jennifer Croes SECRETARY OF & Partners Khalid Mahmoud WHAT IS THE PERCENTAGE ALLOCATED TO EACH PROGRAMME? THE BOARD Lyndall Jucker Major Ali Saqr Sultan Al Muna Easa Al Gurg Magdalena Tayoun Suweidi Director of Retail, Easa 0.44% WWF NETWORK Maitha Darwish President Emirates Saleh Al Gurg Group L.L.C Mehr Amin Marine Environmental Dr. Shaikha Salem Al 30.93% FUNDRAISING Mona Moller Group Dhaheri Monica Cooney Acting Secretary General, TOTAL EXPENDITURE: Nour Mezher 56.89% CONSERVATION PROGRAMMES Environment Agency – 16,272,338 Oliver De Ocampo Abu Dhabi Olivia Medel MANAGEMENT TEAM Passant Selim 11.75% OPERATIONS Ralph Unidad Laila Mostafa Abdullatif Rasha Al Saleh Helena Carless Reem Lari Manal Bahman Remy Duverney Marina Antonopoulou Rhea Onero SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME Dr. Deepti Mittal Sara Al Dakhtar Abdulla Al Nuaimi INNOVATION VISIONARY EMPOWERMENT ESTEEMED Sultan Mollov 350,000 AED 200,000 AED 100,000 AED 20,000 + AED Tamara Withers

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BUILDING A FUTURE IN WHICH PEOPLE LIVE IN HARMONY WITH NATURE EMIRATES NATURE-WWF

Emirates Nature-WWF is a non-profit organisation established to drive positive change in the nited Arab Emirates to conserve the nations natural heritage. Established in under the generous patronage of H.H. heikh Hamdan bin ayed Al Nahyan, the Rulers Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, we work with partners to devise policies, educate communities and implement conservation solutions to ensure the future health of the Earth, its ecosystems and inhabitants. We are part of the global WWF network, which has a -year legacy of environmental conservation and is supported by more than five million people worldwide.

For more information about Emirates Nature-WWF, please visit emiratesnaturewwf.ae