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Forging multi-stakeholder strategic partnerships to prioritise regional oceans
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Photography by: Francis Uy
MENA Oceans is an initiative by Goumbook to bring regional ocean priorities to the forefront by forging strategic partnerships between diverse stakeholder groups. Collaboration and cross sectoral partnerships, play a crucial role within the Initiative, driving sustained long-term impact for our oceans, allowing us to establish both regional and sectoral pathways of action aligned with global goals.
Our mission is to be a driving force for healthy ocean ecosystems and sustainable blue economies, that enable a thriving planet and its people. By fostering cross-sectoral collaborations, this multilateral Initiative breaks stakeholder groups out of silos and provides avenues for translating science into policy, awareness and resource mobilization efforts in the MENA region.
Our four key pillars include: Summit | Network | Science | Education
Launched in 2023 on the occasion of World Oceans Day, under the patronage of UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the MENA Oceans Summit is the first dedicated forum in the MENA region focused on accelerating the pace of comprehensive clean ocean action, to conserve and restore ocean ecosystems, tackle climate change and ensure development of blue economies within sustainable frameworks.
The 2nd annual MENA Oceans Summit 2024 fosters discussions under four key streams – Blue Economy | Blue Governance | Blue Research | Blue Collective, the Summit brings together a diverse range of stakeholders to address ocean health and is a key milestone event in the lead up to the UN Oceans Conference 2025 in Nice, France.
Launched on Day 1 of COP28 UAE at the Ocean Pavilion, Blue Zone, the MENA Oceans Network is a regional hub fostering multilateral collaborations and yearlong engagement amongst stakeholders.
DATA SHARING | Collation of research on key indicators to serve as a reference and tool for informed decision making, hosted on a central digital platform. |
ADVOCACY & ACTION | Convene working groups to engage stakeholders in outcome led discussions through the year, aimed at enabling solutions and driving policy shifts. |
OUTREACH & CAPACITY BUILDING | Connecting thought leaders and experts, globally and regionally, to share best practices and build capacity, with webinars and satellite events in member countries. |
Aimed at advancing sharing of data and scientific research under the key thematic areas of policy, biodiversity, pollution, research and innovation, blue economy and community; a central digital platform will be an important reference point and aide to make informed decisions for researchers, policy makers, private sector, investors and the community.
Activating youth and community: Encouraging ocean citizenship by engaging them to contribute with articles and photo-essays
Experiential learning opportunities: Developing hands-on learning opportunities including; visits to mangrove nurseries, fish farms, the Red Sea, the latest technology sites.
Brand activations: Working with relevant ocean focused consumer brands to drive awareness and action through event activations.
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H.E. Ms. Razan Al Mubarak
UN Climate Change High-Level Champion, COP28
Advisory Board
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Tatiana Abella
Founder, Goumbook
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Ibrahim Al Zu'bi
Co-founder, Emirates Diving Association
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Dr. Reem Al Mealla
Founder, NUWAT Research Bahrain
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Ignace Beguin Billecocq
Nature Head, Ocean and Coastal Zones Lead, UN Climate Change High Level Champion's Team
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John A. Burt
Associate Professor, Head of Environmental Studies, NYUAD; Co-director, Mubadala ACCESS Center
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Carlos Duarte
Executive Director, G20 CORDAP; Distinguished Professor, KAUST
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Dr. Ameer Eweida
CEO’s Senior Advisor, Saudi Red Sea Authority; Deputy Vice-Chair, West Asia, IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas
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Jamila El Mir
Senior Advisor to HE Razan Al Mubarak - COP28 High Level Climate Champion, UN Climate Change High Level Champion's Team
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