Advancing Regional Collaboration on Mangrove Conservation at the ADSW
As part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the MENA Oceans Initiative by Goumbook, in
The MENA Oceans Initiative
forges strategic regional collaborations, that bring diverse stakeholder groups out of their silos to accelerate the pace of ocean action.
Our Approach: Addressing Regional Priorities
The MENA Oceans Initiative by Goumbook, brings regional ocean priorities to the forefront, to drive tangible outcomes for SDG 14, ensuring sustainable management of our seas while fostering a sustainable blue economy.
By bridging the gap between academia, the private and public sectors, youth and civil society; our collaborative frameworks are aimed at prioritising science-based decision making, facilitating knowledge exchange and catalysing resources.
Our four collaborative frameworks include:
Summit
Convening leading cross-sectoral ocean stakeholders from across the region annually, to drive dialogues bridging science, policy, industry and financing.
Network
A multi-stakeholder collaborative platform to catalyse resources and ocean solutions towards critical regional priorities. Learn more about the Network and how to join
Global Programmes
Integrate regional priorities into global frameworks and initiatives, through strategic outreach and evidence based research.
Research & Science
Bridging the gap between scientific research and industry applications, to enable knowledge sharing and best practice benchmarking.
H.E. Ms. Razan Al Mubarak
UN Climate Change High-Level Champion, COP28
As the planet’s greatest carbon sink, a healthy ocean is absolutely crucial to our survival. It can protect against the worst impacts of climate change, ensures the survival of rich marine biodiversity and is vital to the livelihoods for billions of people. The MENA Oceans initiative offers a valuable and regional framework with science-based actions that work towards a healthier ocean and limiting global warming. 
Advisory Board
H.E. Sheikh Fahim Sultan Al Qasimi
Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Seafood Souq
Tatiana Antonelli Abella
Founder & MD, Goumbook Chair, MO Initiative
Ashok Adicéam
Chief Executive of Mission Neptune; Deputy Special Envoy for UNOC3, Government of France
Thomas Sberna
Ocean Lead
UN Climate High Level Champions
Abdul Rahim Sultan Al Qassimi
Director General,
World Green Economy Organisation
Ignace Beguin Billecocq
Executive Director Mangrove Breakthrough, Ambition Loop
Katherine Lester
Head of Office UN UAE
Carlos Duarte
Executive Director, G20 CORDAP Distinguished Professor, KAUST
John A. Burt
Associate Professor, Head of Environmental Studies, NYUAD Co-Director Mubadala ACCESS Center
Prof. Ameer Eweida
Executive Committee, IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas Fellow, AEON Collective Chief Scientific Advisor, MO Initiative
Rumaitha Al Busaidi
Vice President
Environment Society Oman
Suaad Al Harthi
Executive Director
Environment Society Oman
Dr. Sergey Dobretsov
UNESCO Chair Director, Center of Excellence - Marine Biotechnology, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
Dr. Radhouan ben Hamadou
Director - Research & Policy Development Earthna, Qatar Foundation
Rym Benzina
President La Saison Bleue
Jamila El Mir
Advisor, Dubai Environment & Climate Change Authority; Insights & Activations Lead WAVE Global
Ibrahim Al Zu'bi
Co-founder, Emirates Diving Association Chair, Global Council SDG13
Knowledge Partners
Insights & News
Partner Impact Spotlight: Chalhoub Group – Coral Reef Restoration
Through Sea Through, a campaign by Goumbook focused on marine conservation, we work with committed
Blue Economies for Coastal Resilience (BEFCR) Programme Launches at Regional Workshop in Doha, Qatar
Launched at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) Monaco, a Special Event preceding the
