Emirates Nature-WWF to advance UAE's sustainable blue economy

05 February 2024 Consultancy-me.com

Emirates Nature-WWF has brought in Accenture to help the non-profit organization develop a strategy for the further adoption of Sustainable Blue Economy principles across the United Arab Emirates.

The ‘blue economy’ is a concept that captures the economic value of the world’s oceans and its life. The importance of the blue economy is underrated by many, with its economic value estimated to be around $2.5 trillion in annual value – equivalent in size to the world’s seventh largest economy (in comparison: more than double the GDP of Saudi Arabia).

However, if oceans are not protected by environmental measures, the blue economy will face major risks, threatening the ocean’s resources and more. To counter the tide, the concept of ‘Sustainable Blue Economy’ principles has emerged, putting sustainability and circularity at the core of the exploitation of maritime and marine resources.

Emirates Nature-WWF to advance UAE's sustainable blue economy

Launched in 2001, Emirates Nature-WWF is an environmental charity established to conserve the UAE’s natural capital. The organization’s collaboration with Accenture is geared at advancing the implementation of Sustainable Blue Economy principles.

The consultants have been tasked with conducting an extensive study highlighting opportunities to attract funding while also protecting vital marine ecosystems. The research is dedicated to identifying the enabling factors, opportunities as well as challenges in accelerating the Sustainable Blue Economy in the UAE.

“This collaboration emphasizes the immediate need to boost nature finance, including in our oceans, recognizing the significant opportunities and inherent challenges presented by the blue economy,” said Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General at Emirates Nature-WWF. “Leveraging Emirates Nature-WWF’s vast experience, along with our conservation efforts and community work, we are uniquely equipped to lead this vital initiative.”

Alongside a strategic roadmap for further action, the Accenture study will provide Emirates Nature-WWF with insights into how blue economy financing can be enhanced, including through blended financing approaches.

Nadya Abdulla Kamali, Managing Director at Accenture, said the firm is proud to be supporting Emirates Nature-WWF’s mission. “At Accenture, we are committed to embedding sustainability into everything we do and everyone we work with, which includes safeguarding biodiversity in our oceans and around the globe.”

“The Sustainable Blue Economy initiative offers an invaluable opportunity to integrate ecological conservation with economic development. By leveraging Accenture’s deep industry and sustainability expertise, together with Emirates Nature-WWF’s 23 years of environmental impact on the ground in the UAE, we will develop solutions that protect critical habitats while encouraging sustainable growth without trade-offs.”

In previous associations with consultancies, Nature-WWF worked with Roland Berger on a biodiversity project, with GI Consulting on boosting its online presence, and with Boston Consulting Group on a number of net zero initiatives.

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