Meet Emirati conservationist committed to making positive impact on biodiversity

Meet Emirati conservationist committed to making positive impact on biodiversity

As the UAE prepares to host the COP28, National Experts Programme (NEP) participant Maitha Al Hameli believes climate change and biodiversity loss should be tackled together to help build a more sustainable future.

Al Hameli, section manager of marine assessment and conservation, terrestrial and marine biodiversity at Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), is the specialist representing NEP 3.0’s environment and climate change sector. She is one of 15 UAE-based participants in the programme, which was developed under the direction of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to foster the development of sector leaders who will help shape the country’s future. The programme aims to equip them with the skills to have a transformative impact on key social and economic sectors aligned with the UAE’s national priorities.

Ecosystem conservation

Al Hameli is undertaking the rigorous eight-month programme at a crucial time when nations are working together to address and mitigate a range of pressing environmental challenges. While COP28 will focus on tackling climate change and generating solutions for critical international issues, she hopes to see progress on agreements that will help protect biodiversity.

Today, nearly a third of all species are currently endangered due to human activities such as logging, farming,