The ongoing Covid-19 global pandemic has exposed our fragility on a number of levels from supply chains, healthcare, financial and everything in between. But past spillovers from other major epidemics (i.e Ebola and Sars) from wildlife to human beings also served as important reminders that when we destroy biodiversity, we're destroying the ecosystems that support human life.
Conserving and restoring biodiversity – the variety and variability of life on Earth, from ecosystems to species – is not only essential for sustainable development but for the fabric of life.
From the swarms of locusts threatening food security for millions across the Middle East, East Africa and South Asia, to the Covid-19 pandemic – the interrelationship between the environment, species, habitats, ecosystems and human health is clear.
Our societies are fundamentally interlinked with, and depend on, biodiversity. And biodiversity is not only essential for the provision of food, clean water and medicines but also against the protection of extreme weather events.
Before we reach an irreversible tipping point, now is the time to act.
Having said that, the onus shouldn’t only be on governments as businesses must also act to help offset biodiversity loss.
With the world calling for a greener recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses too must address environmental issues such as biodiversity.
A report published last year by the World Economic Forum highlighted that several economic gains are made when moving towards a "nature-positive economy".
The business case for investing in nature to offset biodiversity loss and put it at the top of the post pandemic agenda is also strong.
A case in point is Nestlé, which is using nature-based solutions to help restore ecosystems and preserve water resources. Throughout its supply chain, the company plants trees under its reforestation programme, which not only contributes to boosting biodiversity but also provides water and nutrients to the crops around them.
In using this technique, farmers therefore use less water, achieve greater crop yields and are more resilient to extreme weather events. This not only benefits the company's bottom line but has a wider environmental impact. Corporates in the region should take note of this approach given the rise in water insecurity in the region.
Another example is Unilever, which has implemented several programmes across Indonesia and Malaysia to help achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 15 – life on land. The company is working to stop deforestation and help restore and expand forested areas to "prevent the worst impacts of climate change and safeguard the world's biodiversity" in the Malaysian state of Sabah. It has already lost half of its tropical forest mainly due to the industrial agriculture of oil palms.
Global financial institutions are also weighing up the idea.
Just as the Paris Agreement led to an international awareness and commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, due to take place later this year, will likely lay the groundwork for similar efforts with a focus on biodiversity. A global call for businesses and financial institutions to also participate in these efforts will likely follow.
We've seen some evidence already last month when 37 financial firms signed up to the Finance for Biodiversity pledge, the first global financial industry effort of its kind. The signatories pledged to set targets and report on the impact their investments have on biodiversity.
Although biodiversity loss is inextricably linked with climate change, it’s a distinct environmental issue requiring specific solutions. The coronavirus could be a catalyst for key transformations needed in the region to better design climate solutions to deal with the looming biodiversity crisis.
Earlier this week at the One Planet Summit, world leaders convened over videoconference to discuss ways in which to better protect the world's biodiversity. And as governments renew their interests and commit to taking steps to offset biodiversity loss, they won't be able to deliver alone.
Biodiversity should also be a top environmental concern for businesses at the moment. Restoring and preserving nature can help tackle both the issue of biodiversity loss and climate change.
Further, addressing these issues simultaneously offers a number of benefits. In addition to improving water and food security, doing so would enhance resilience in the face of environmental, economic, health and social shocks. Over half of the world's GDP is moderately or highly dependent on nature so ignoring biodiversity could prove to be a risky business.
Maram Ahmed is a Senior Fellow at Soas, University of London.
Racecard
5pm: Al Maha Stables – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,600m
6pm: Emirates Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m
6.30pm: Emirates Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m
7pm: The President’s Cup – Group 1 (PA) Dh2,500,000 (T) 2,200m
7.30pm: The President’s Cup – Listed (TB) Dh380,000 (T) 1,400m
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Tips for taking the metro
- set out well ahead of time
- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines
- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on
- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
What you as a drone operator need to know
A permit and licence is required to fly a drone legally in Dubai.
Sanad Academy is the United Arab Emirate’s first RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) training and certification specialists endorsed by the Dubai Civil Aviation authority.
It is responsible to train, test and certify drone operators and drones in UAE with DCAA Endorsement.
“We are teaching people how to fly in accordance with the laws of the UAE,” said Ahmad Al Hamadi, a trainer at Sanad.
“We can show how the aircraft work and how they are operated. They are relatively easy to use, but they need responsible pilots.
“Pilots have to be mature. They are given a map of where they can and can’t fly in the UAE and we make these points clear in the lectures we give.
“You cannot fly a drone without registration under any circumstances.”
Larger drones are harder to fly, and have a different response to location control. There are no brakes in the air, so the larger drones have more power.
The Sanad Academy has a designated area to fly off the Al Ain Road near Skydive Dubai to show pilots how to fly responsibly.
“As UAS technology becomes mainstream, it is important to build wider awareness on how to integrate it into commerce and our personal lives,” said Major General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief, Dubai Police.
“Operators must undergo proper training and certification to ensure safety and compliance.
“Dubai’s airspace will undoubtedly experience increased traffic as UAS innovations become commonplace, the Forum allows commercial users to learn of best practice applications to implement UAS safely and legally, while benefitting a whole range of industries.”
Playing records of the top 10 in 2017
How many games the top 10 have undertaken in the 2017 ATP season
1. Rafael Nadal 58 (49-9)
2. Andy Murray 35 (25-10)
3. Roger Federer 38 (35-3)
4. Stan Wawrinka 37 (26-11)
5. Novak Djokovic 40 (32-8)
6. Alexander Zverev 60 (46-14)
7. Marin Cilic 43 (29-14)
8. Dominic Thiem 60 (41-19)
9. Grigor Dimitrov 48 (34-14)
10. Kei Nishikori 43 (30-13)
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
ACL Elite (West) - fixtures
Monday, Sept 30
Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)
Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)
Asia Cup 2018 Qualifier
Sunday's results:
- UAE beat Malaysia by eight wickets
- Nepal beat Singapore by four wickets
- Oman v Hong Kong, no result
Tuesday fixtures:
- Malaysia v Singapore
- UAE v Oman
- Nepal v Hong Kong
21 Lessons for the 21st Century
Yuval Noah Harari, Jonathan Cape
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
If you go
The flights
The closest international airport for those travelling from the UAE is Denver, Colorado. British Airways (www.ba.com) flies from the UAE via London from Dh3,700 return, including taxes. From there, transfers can be arranged to the ranch or it’s a seven-hour drive. Alternatively, take an internal flight to the counties of Cody, Casper, or Billings
The stay
Red Reflet offers a series of packages, with prices varying depending on season. All meals and activities are included, with prices starting from US$2,218 (Dh7,150) per person for a minimum stay of three nights, including taxes. For more information, visit red-reflet-ranch.net.
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Company%20profile
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Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450
Price, base / as tested Dh525,000 / Dh559,000
Engine: 3.0L V6 biturbo
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 369hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm at 1,800rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.0L / 100km
UAE%20SQUAD
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Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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