SDG 15 in the UAE: Life on Land
UAE Government’s Initiatives for Protecting Biodiversity and Preventing Desertification
The UAE’s approach to SDG 15, "Life on Land," addresses both desertification and biodiversity conservation. With a largely arid landscape, the UAE faces unique environmental challenges, particularly in combating desertification. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) leads several initiatives, including reforestation and soil conservation programs that aim to protect native flora and reduce land degradation. The UAE has planted millions of trees, including date palms and mangroves, which help stabilize soil, combat desert encroachment, and provide habitats for wildlife.
To safeguard biodiversity, the UAE has designated protected areas covering terrestrial and marine environments. For example, the Jebel Hafeet National Park preserves endangered species like the Arabian tahr and supports diverse ecosystems. Additionally, MOCCAE has implemented regulations to protect endangered species and has partnered with organizations like the Emirates Wildlife Society to restore critical habitats and conduct conservation research.
Al Ain University (AAU) and SDG 15: Promoting Environmental Responsibility
Al Ain University (AAU) supports SDG 15 through educational initiatives and campus-based sustainability programs that emphasize land and biodiversity conservation. The university incorporates topics related to desert ecology, land conservation, and biodiversity protection into its environmental science courses, raising awareness among students about the UAE’s unique ecosystem challenges and the importance of conservation.
AAU also collaborates with local environmental organizations to engage students in tree-planting campaigns and habitat restoration projects. These hands-on activities provide students with practical conservation experience and underscore the importance of preserving natural ecosystems. Through research initiatives and community outreach programs, AAU contributes to the UAE’s broader environmental goals, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship aligned with SDG 15.
Together, the UAE government and Al Ain University exemplify a holistic approach to protecting land and biodiversity. While the government enacts policies and manages national conservation projects, AAU educates and empowers the next generation to support and sustain these efforts.
The College of Law Organizes the First Annual Exhibition on Law and the Environment
The College of Law at Al Ain University (Al Ain Campus), in collaboration with the Administrative Unit, organized the first annual exhibition under the theme 'Law and the Environment,' in conjunction with (COP 28). The exhibition was inaugurated by Prof. Ghaleb Al Refae- the AAU President, in the presence of Prof. Ibtehal Abu Rezq, the Vice President for Development and follow-up, and Prof. Mustafa Qandeel, the Dean of the College of Law, along with deans of other colleges and faculty members from the College of Law and other faculties.
The exhibition featured various models and student works that illustrate the role of law in environmental protection. Additionally, it included scientific posters highlighting the wise leadership's concern in the country for climate issues and environmental protection. The exhibition provided information about the UAE's efforts in combating climate change and the UAE legislator's focus on environmental protection."
Afforestation Campaign Entitled “For UAE, we plant”
The Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University (Abu Dhabi Campus) participated in the afforestation campaign "Planting for Our Emirates," organized by the UAE Environmental Work Group. The campaign coincides with the Year of Sustainability and aims to increase sustainable green areas nationwide, supporting the United Arab Emirates in its 2050 National Climate Neutrality and 2031 Biodiversity strategies.
It is worth mentioning that such events foster a spirit of volunteering and participation among students, contributing to climate action and the development of sustainable local cities and communities.
The Deanship of Student Affairs participates in a Cleaning Campaign in Al Ain
The Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University/ Al Ain Campus participated in a cleaning campaign in Al Ain organized by the Friends of the Environment Association in Al Nabagh City, titled "Sustainability - Environmentally Friendly Energy."
A number of students and faculty members volunteered for this campaign with the aim of educating university students about the importance of the environment and preserving it. Each volunteer was provided with complete cleaning tools, including bags for collecting waste, gloves, sticks, and sunglasses. They were also given comprehensive guidance and instructions regarding the campaign and waste collection.
The goal of the campaign was to promote social responsibility and volunteer work, increase environmental awareness, encourage positive behavior towards preserving the environment, and foster cooperation between partners to maintain a clean and civilized appearance of the emirate.
The Initiative "Towards a sustainable environment" on the occasion of Afforestation Week
Within the initiatives of the Red Crescent Student Club (Aoun Community Service Team) in the Deanship of Student Affairs, the club organized an initiative on the occasion of the National Afforestation Week under the title "Towards a sustainable green environment", in which Prof. Ibtehal Abu Rezeq- Vice President for Development and Follow-up Affairs, Dr. Alia Ali from the College of Law, and students of Determination and members of the Red Crescent Student Club participated by planting trees in the university campus.
An MOU between Al Ain University and the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Al Ain University (AAU) and the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at boosting collaboration in areas of shared interest in research and development. The signing of the agreement was overseen by Her Excellency Dr. Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, the Secretary General of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, and Prof. Ghaleb Al Rifai, AAU President.
The MoU aims to promote collaboration in multiple environmental disciplines, benefiting both parties involved. It also mandates that faculty members possess the expertise, unique research resources, and innovative ideas to bridge any scientific gaps, as well as support the efforts of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi and Al Ain University to safeguard the environment and preserve biological diversity. This will enhance the reputation and function of both institutions as centers of scientific excellence, ultimately aiding Abu Dhabi in achieving its sustainability and environmental objectives.
Prof. Ghaleb Al-Refai, President of the University, said this memorandum will strengthen collaboration in the areas of research, service, and development while highlighting the interdependence of environmental, social, and economic systems in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development. The University is committed to utilizing its academic programs and scientific research to serve all sectors, particularly the environmental sector. Al Ain University is dedicated to preserving the environmental balance and climate and achieving the objectives of sustainable development. The university is making every effort to provide its expertise and resources to achieve these goals.
Ahmed Baharoon, the Executive Director of the Environmental Information, Science and Awareness Management Sector at the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, stated that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the agency and Al Ain University demonstrates their shared dedication to actively promoting sustainable development through scientific research activities that focus on utilizing modern technologies. He added that this collaboration is one of the essential elements for meeting the developmental needs in environmental conservation and resource management.
By signing the MoUs, the universities' significant research capabilities will be utilized to meet the emirate's environmental research requirements, while also providing the universities with an abundance of meaningful research questions. The strategic priorities of EAD, such as climate change, habitat conservation, ground and marine water, fisheries, and air quality, present exciting research opportunities. Additionally, policy formulation and balancing social, economic, and environmental factors offer valuable areas for research. The results of the collaborative research will be disseminated through various mediums, such as scientific literature, reports, and journals.
Together for a Green Earth
AAU Ranked 2nd in (UAE) and 168 (worldwide) in the “2022 UI Greenmetric Ranking”
Al Ain University (AAU) is ranked, 2nd in UAE, 11th in the Arab region, and 168th worldwide among the 1050 listed institutions, by the “2022 UI Greenmetric World University Ranking”.
The criteria and indicators used by this ranking to rate the universities include a collection of basic information on the size of the university and its zoning (urban, suburban, or rural) profile, degree of green space, electricity consumption to link with carbon footprint, transportation, water usage, waste management, setting & infrastructure, energy & climate change, education & Research and how the university is responding to or dealing with the issues of sustainability through policies, actions, and communication.
Prof. Ghaleb El Refae (AAU President), thanked the “UI Greenmetric World University Ranking” for honoring AAU with the recognition. He emphasized that, achieving better in ranking platforms are one of the strategic priorities of AAU and securing a university rank exclusively for the concept of green is noteworthy.
Dr. Nazih Khaddaj Mallat (Vice President for Accreditation and Quality Assurance), stated that these results have benchmarked AAU from fellow competitors, and he thanked the “UI Greenmetric World University Ranking” for their acknowledgment”. He stressed that this achievement reminds the direction of the focused vision of the nation towards sustainability.
AAU is participating and performing consistently in the Greenmetric Ranking and securing better ranks from the past years reminds of the commitment AAU has towards a sustainable society.
“Sustainable Universities Initiative” at Al Ain University
The College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences at Al Ain University, Al Ain campus, hosted Ms. Amani Bin Humaid, Ms. Aisha Al Mazroui, Coordinators of the Sustainable Universities Initiative at Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, and Mr. Ahmad Al Rmaithi, Representative of Borouge, to present an awareness lecture on sustainable universities initiative implemented by the EAD in cooperation with Borouge, in the presence of the faculty members and students.
This initiative aims to increase sustainable practices in Abu Dhabi's universities through a range of elements, first; Green audit, includes five species land, climate change, biodiversity, water and waste. The agency provides intensive training for university students by forming teams of interdisciplinary students. Second: Sustainability Measures Project (SAP): the agency establishes a student club at each university to undertake an environmental project that benefits the community. Third: The Green Youth Council: Students from different universities and scientific disciplines meet periodically to discuss ideas for building sustainable communities. The Council is recognized by various international organizations, including the World Summit in Japan, a forum where youth can discuss innovative ideas and projects that can promote sustainable societies for our future generations.
The aim of this lecture is to contribute positively in developing a sustainable environment and climate change issues which attract the attention of all countries, including the United Arab Emirates.
In addition, Al Ain University is keen to strengthen partnership with government, private and environmental institutions to raise environmental awareness and sustainable development.
AAU Organizes Environmental Awareness Seminar
In cooperation with the Friends of the Environment Society, Al Ain University, held an awareness seminar in the AAU’s campus in Abu Dhabi. The seminar is on the occasion of the UAE’s celebration of the 17th Environment Day under the slogan “Green Economy: Innovation and Sustainability”.
Dr. Emad Saad, environmental consultant for the Friends of the Environment Society, discussed three basic areas; power saving, water and waste as which are a priority in environmental work in Abu Dhabi and the UAE as they are directly connected with the individual practices contributing to the protection of the environment.
He warned against what is referred to as “Environmental Credit Crunch” where we are using up natural resources faster than they are generated.
He also added that in the UAE we may not be only facing an environmental credit crunch, but also contributing to climate change due to the amount of fuel burnt which may greatly affect marine and coastal life.
Further, Saeed called on people to take a stand in order to cease the movement towards the depletion of natural resources. It is every child’s right to live in an environmentally safe country. Buildings and homes are responsible for over 57 percent of the carbon print generated by the UAE; therefore, Individuals need to adopt more responsible practices and behavior as well as promote the idea of sustainability in the community. Schools, universities and all relevant parties in the community need to become aware of green practices that would lead to sustainability.
A Workshop about ‘planting’ at AAU
In cooperation with the General Women’s Union, the Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi Campus, organized a workshop entitled “Planting is my way to be self-sufficient”, which aims to encourage household agriculture and promote theoretical knowledge and practical skills of agriculture.
The workshop included an explanation of the basics and skills of household agriculture, where the agricultural engineers who presented the workshop provided the audience with basic theoretical knowledge about the importance of agriculture, its environmental impact and its positive impact on global warming. The workshop also included a practical aspect on how to prepare the soil for agriculture.
The workshop was attended by academic and administrative staff and AAU students, who expressed their impression with the workshop. At the end, Dr. Hani Al Jarrah, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs honored the presenters in recognition of their efforts.
AAU Students Visit Zayed Agricultural Center for Development and Rehabilitation
Students from Al Ain University- Abu Dhabi Campus, supervised by Dr. Seham Qoura, Science and Life instructor, visited Zayed Agricultural Center for Development and Rehabilitation. The delegation of thirty-seven students was received by Eng. Mohamed Saif Al Arifi, Director of Zayed Agricultural Center for Development and Rehabilitation.
Eng. Mohamed Saif Al Arifi briefed the students on the Center, its objectives, and services. Zayed Agricultural Center for Development and Rehabilitation was founded in 1994 by order of the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The center aims to integrate students with special needs into the productive and social life by rehabilitating them, exploiting their potentials and capabilities, and creating a sense of health and social awareness in order to enhance their professional abilities. Eng. Al Arifi accompanied the students on a tour of the center’s projects which include various divisions; Mechanical Workshops division, General Maintenance division, Agricultural Production division, Aquaponics division, Landscaping division, Animal Production division, and Canning division.
At the end of the tour, the AAU students expressed their appreciation and pleasure for this informative visit hoping to take part in more field visits in the future which will give them the opportunity to interact with real life situations.
The Initiative "Towards a sustainable environment" on the occasion of Afforestation Week
Within the initiatives of the Red Crescent Student Club (Aoun Community Service Team) in the Deanship of Student Affairs, the club organized an initiative on the occasion of the National Afforestation Week under the title "Towards a sustainable green environment", in which Prof. Ibtehal Abu Rezeq- Vice President for Development and Follow-up Affairs, Dr. Alia Ali from the College of Law, and students of Determination and members of the Red Crescent Student Club participated by planting trees in the university campus.
Various activities on the Fifth Annual Environmental Day at AAU
The College of Business at Al Ain University organized the Fifth Annual Environmental Day (Virtual) under the theme Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Insights from SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) under the supervision of Dr. Mosab I. Tabash, Dr. Shorouq Eletter, Dr. Tahira Yasmin, and in the presence of Prof. Ghaleb El Refae, AAU President, academic and administrative staffs, and students.
The main objective of this day is to raise awareness about United Nations Sustainable Development goals, particularly SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). The day was enriched by different views from the governmental sector, academia, industry, and research regarding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr. Zafar Husain, Dean, College of Business, welcomed the audience. He emphasized the importance of sustainability and natural resources and sustained them for future generations.
Eng. Nawal Alhanaee from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Dubai, delivered a speech on The UAE's journey towards the fulfillment of SDG 7. She explained various initiatives and projects the UAE government took to meet this goal.
Dr. Shorouq Eletter from Al Ain University, UAE, spoke about affordable and clean energy goals in global and local contexts. She explained the history of energy use and how to achieve sustainability via renewable energy projects.
From a research perspective, Mr. Umar Farooq from Xi'an Jiaotong University, China, presented a research paper entitled Tackling the Ecological Footprints of Foreign Direct Investment and Energy Dependency Through Governance: Empirical Evidence from GCC region.
From an industrial perspective, Mr. Ghulam Ashraf delivered an exciting talk about how Lootah Biofuels company, Dubai, meets SDGs, especially SDG7. He gave more insights on: The Renewable Energy Lootah Bio-fuel Initiative.
The day also witnessed announcing the winner’s names for a competition held previously between students for the Best Poster/video addressing the SDG7.
Moreover, a plantation drive, planting some Ghaf trees in the university premises sponsored by Barari Natural Resources, took place, where Prof. Ghaleb El Refae, AAU President, and Faculty members participated in the drive, taking into account all precautionary measures related to the COVID19 pandemic.
It is worth to mention that; Al University pays more attention year after year to address urgent environmental issues. Where, the university is also a part of the Sustainable Campus initiative under the supervision of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Agency and we are ranked the 2nd in the UAE, 12th in the Arab World, and 169 Worldwide for 2021 by "UI GreenMetric World University Ranking".