- The UAE allocates USD 10 million for the Community Resilience to Natural Disasters Programme in Asia-Pacific
- Led by WWF and IFRC, it focuses on nature restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and disaster preparedness
- First phase targets Philippines, Indonesia, Fiji, and Solomon Islands, aiming for long-term impact and partnership
The UAE, according to President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's directives, has pledged USD 10 million to strengthen community resilience in Asia and the Pacific against the calamitous forces of nature. The UAE has committed funding to enhance disaster resilience and provide community support and humanitarian aid across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on climate aid and response to natural disasters.
The project, initiated by the UAE Aid Agency, will aid Emirates Nature-WWF working alongside the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to carry out the "Community Resilience to Natural Disasters Programme." This unveiling was synchronous with the fourth day of the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress held in Abu Dhabi.
The project is a partnership involving WWF and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and aims at applying nature for community resilience against natural hazards, and also at developing disaster preparedness and good practices in community livelihoods.
"This initiative embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to invest in preventive action and enhance the adaptive capacities of local communities in facing natural disasters. The strategic partnership between Emirates Nature and WWF reflects the UAE's commitment to moving from crisis response to readiness and resilience, empowering communities to adapt and recover effectively", stated Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency.
"This commitment reflects the UAE's belief that resilience begins within communities. For 25 years, Emirates Nature-WWF has worked hand in hand with the nation's leadership and local partners to empower people and protect nature. Extending this ethos, by leading this programme across Asia-Pacific allows us to collaborate with communities in strengthening their natural defences, securing livelihoods, and shaping resilient, thriving futures together", added Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF.
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The main source of the first phase of the programme, which is of total cost, the UAE's USD 10 million contribution will be joined by public and private partners' co-financing hence providing long-term sustainability and larger regional impact.
"Nature is one of humanity's strongest allies in reducing disaster risk. Through this initiative, partners will support communities leading the restoration and stewardship of the ecosystems that protect them - from mangroves to mountains - while laying the foundation for safer, more resilient societies. This is a collective investment in both environmental integrity and human security", noted Kirsten Schuijt, Director-General of WWF International.
The initiative is built around three major pillars: firstly, rehabilitating the natural defense systems comprising mangroves and coral reefs; secondly, supporting farmers, fishermen, and small businesses with eco-tourism and income diversification as sustainable livelihoods; and, thirdly, improving the community's readiness through early warning systems and risk reduction frameworks.
"The frequency and intensity of natural hazards are increasing, and the best way to protect and save lives is to build resilience before they strike. This initiative focuses on preparedness, adaptation and the mitigation of disaster risk - ensuring that hazards do not become disasters. By working with nature as our first line of defence, together with WWF, we can strengthen communities, safeguard lives and livelihoods, and reduce the human and economic cost of future crises", said Nena Stoiljkovic, IFRC Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalisation.
The first phase will take place in the Philippines, Indonesia, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands, thus making a model that can be easily adapted for the future expansion of the region. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri pointed out the UAE's dedication to the global partnership which is of mutual benefit to people and nature.