Razan Al Mubarak Advocates for Mangrove Conservation on International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem

International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem

In observance of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 and President of the IUCN, has released a video highlighting the importance of mangrove ecosystems. The video emphasizes the alarming findings of a recent IUCN study, which predicts that over half of all mangrove ecosystems may collapse by 2050 if current trends continue.

In her address, Ms. Al Mubarak outlines the critical environmental and socioeconomic roles mangroves play. These ecosystems are not only significant carbon sinks but also protect coastlines and support the livelihoods of coastal communities. The Mangrove Alliance for Climate, launched at COP28, has brought together forty-nine governments and numerous non-state actors committed to reversing the decline of these ecosystems by 2030.

The video message calls for continued global effort and higher ambitions to protect mangroves, emphasizing the necessity of meeting both biodiversity and climate targets. This concerted action is vital as we approach global gatherings like CBD COP16 and UNFCCC COP29, which will further define our path forward.Watch Razan Al Mubarak’s full address on the importance of mangrove ecosystems here.

Ms. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak Advocates for Inclusive Conservation Efforts at Africa Conservation Forum

Africa Conservation Forum

Ms. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), delivered a powerful keynote speech at the Africa Conservation Forum in Nairobi, Kenya. Addressing over 500 representatives, including government officials, civil society members, and indigenous peoples’ organizations, Ms. Al Mubarak emphasized the essential role of inclusive conservation and the integration of indigenous knowledge in tackling biodiversity loss and climate change.

Highlighting the interconnectedness of global environmental challenges, Ms. Al Mubarak referred to the recent 'UAE consensus' reached at COP28, which for the first time, positioned nature at the core of national climate plans. This strategic shift underscores the urgent need for a holistic approach to environmental issues, integrating biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development goals.

Ms. Al Mubarak praised the efforts of the IUCN and its diverse members, who bring a wealth of perspectives and expertise to the table. “Our strength comes from this diversity, allowing us to develop and share unique knowledge products and policies that lead global conservation thinking,” she stated. The forum also served as a critical preparatory step for the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress to be held in Abu Dhabi in 2025, aiming to further shape public policy toward nature conservation.

In her speech, Ms. Al Mubarak also acknowledged the significant contributions of local communities and indigenous practices to sustainable outcomes, advocating for more profound engagement and co-design of conservation solutions. “In Africa, we see how indigenous practices and local stewardship lead to sustainable results,” she remarked, highlighting the continent's leadership in fostering just and equitable solutions.

As the world looks towards more integrated and inclusive conservation strategies, Ms. Al Mubarak’s leadership at the IUCN and her advocacy at international forums like the Africa Conservation Forum play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future that respects and utilizes the wisdom of those closest to the land.

Watch Razan’s Al Mubarak speech at IUCN’s Africa Conservation Forum in Nairobi, Kenya.

Razan Al Mubarak Receives Honorary Doctorate from University of Glasgow

Honorary Doctorate from University of Glasgow

Razan Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was honored with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Glasgow. This honorary degree recognizes her significant contributions to environmental conservation and the humanities. The ceremony was held at the university’s Dumfries campus during the graduation of the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability.

During her acceptance speech, Ms. Al Mubarak addressed the intertwined challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, urging new graduates to rethink humanity's relationship with nature. She highlighted the urgency of these issues, stating, "We live in a warming world that is losing its biodiversity at unprecedented rates," and called for scalable solutions and innovative approaches to resource management, city planning, and business practices to repair our relationship with nature.

Professor Bethan Wood, Deputy Head of the School of Social and Environmental Sustainability, praised Ms. Al Mubarak for her dedication to inclusivity in conservation efforts, particularly with respect to Indigenous communities. Her leadership at COP28 was noted as a key moment in advancing global conservation efforts.

This honorary degree from the University of Glasgow celebrates Ms. Al Mubarak's achievements and underscores her ongoing role in advocating for sustainable practices and policies that address the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.