Emirates Nature-WWF recognizes Roland Berger for pioneering biodiversity project
Roland Berger has been lauded by the leadership of Emirates Nature-WWF for its contribution to a pioneering climate change initiative, with the recognition celebrated at the ‘Citizen Science for Climate & Nature: Leaders of Change’ event during COP28.
The recognition for the global strategy consulting firm is based on its pivotal role in developing the concept and economic case for the conservation of one of the last pristine coastal lagoons in the Northern Emirates of the UAE.
The project is described by Emirates Nature-WWF as a landmark in assessing the economic value of biodiversity and the myriad ecosystem services provided by the lagoons’ unique environment, setting a precedent for nature-based solutions with a focus on sustainable and regenerative tourism.
The project, which has been a collaborative effort with Natureza Urbana (a renowned Brazilian eco-architecture firm), brings together global experts in environmental economics, conservation, and nature-based tourism. It underscores the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services as critical tools in combating climate change and preventing ecological collapse.
The project comes at a time of an alarming decline of wildlife, according to the WWF. In its latest ‘Living Planet Report’, the global nature-focused organisation warned that the world has witnessed a staggering 70% decline in wildlife since 1970, primarily due to unchecked economic development.
“Unfortunately, the current economic models, heavily driven by growth and profits, often overlook the real impacts on the natural world,” said WWF’s research report.
“To counter the biodiversity crisis, comprehensive changes across economic sectors are imperative. Governments and businesses must integrate the valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services into their decision-making frameworks,” said Hani Tohme, Managing Partner of Roland Berger in the Middle East. “This approach not only assesses the risks posed by business activities and projects on biodiversity but also quantifies the intrinsic value of biodiversity, revealing the true cost of these ventures.”
The lens on biodiversity conservation
The world’s largest gathering on sustainability topics, COP28 presents a crucial platform to emphasize the vital role of biodiversity and ecosystem services in the global battle against climate change.
At the Emirates Nature-WWF led event, consensus was reached that on the notion that protecting and valuing the planet’s diverse ecosystems is not just an environmental issue, but a necessary strategy for climate resilience.
World leaders, environmental experts, and stakeholders are urged to understand that the health of the planet’s ecosystems directly impacts climate stability, human well-being, and the sustainability of life in general. Key is to ensure that all parties in the ecosystem work together to ensure that nature-based solutions are fully integrated within policy and economic frameworks.
“To reverse the biodiversity crisis, innovative financial strategies like biodiversity bonds, debt-for-nature swaps, and spatial financing, should integrate biodiversity valuation and ensure a balance between economic development and nature conservation,” said Karim Haggar, Principal at Roland Berger.
To this end, “financial institutions play a pivotal role in this endeavour, innovative funding mechanisms are crucial for promoting sustainable economic growth.”
Commenting on the project and recognition, Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF, said: “Roland Berger’s significant contribution to this multi-partner project represents a beacon of hope in our efforts to combat climate change and preserve biodiversity. Their approach to valuing ecosystem services and biodiversity helps set a new standard for sustainable development.”
“As the nature-climate crisis continues to grow more severe, innovative models are essential to showcase to businesses and governments worldwide that economic growth and environmental conservation can indeed coexist harmoniously.”