On Emirati Women’s Day, we asked Saud Fahad, a curious 14-year-old Emirati boy in Grade 9 to interview his aunt Azhar Mubarak, a communications and media relations specialist at the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund.  An Emirati woman with a deep love for nature and her cultural heritage, and a proud guardian of her mother tongue. A passionate reader and award-winning writer since childhood, she has expressed herself through poetry and short stories, and carries a curiosity for travel, discovery, and new experiences.

In her final year at university, an unexpected journey introduced her to the fragile beauty of living creatures and inspired her lifelong commitment to conservation. Bedouin at heart, a daughter of Sheikh Zayed and of the Emirates, she now contributes to species conservation, sharing their stories and inviting others to discover this vital world.

Read more…

Hey, I’m the coms intern.

For International Youth Day, I was asked to write a little message for the fellow youth to which my only thought was: ‘Are you sure? Are you really sure?’ but I was given the green light to dispense my not-so-wise-words of wisdom so here it goes: you’re allowed chase that bubbling feeling in your chest. 

Absurd notion to live by, I’m aware, but hear me out. Coming out of university, feeling overwhelmed by the future, ignoring illogical passions and joining the corporate world feels like a safe step forward to financial independence. It’s easy to forget that this is corporate; where success, not effort, is rewarded – the scramble and sacrifice will not be compensated. All it really takes is a month for life to taste like plain oatmeal, but all it takes is one cool experience to remember it’s actually a treat. 

Read more…

In a world where biodiversity is increasingly under threat, the rediscovery of species once believed to be extinct serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to nature’s resilience. Each rediscovery not only reignites our fascination with the natural world but also highlights the vital importance of conservation efforts. These remarkable moments remind us that hidden treasures still exist within our ecosystems, waiting to be found. At the Fund, we’ve had the privilege of supporting and co-funding numerous rediscoveries among the 3,000 projects we’ve backed over the years.

Read more…

Born by the sea in Alexandria, Abdulaziz Ali has a deep connection to the ocean. As a child, he spent his days playing in the waves and relaxing on the beach, often visiting the docks to see his father, a marine vessel engineer. This early exposure not only sparked his curiosity about the mysteries beneath the surface but also created a bond with nature that ignited his conservation journey.

Read more…

During 2024, Dolphin Energy partnered with the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund to enhance the Chairman’s Award within our Small Grants Programme, focusing on supporting endangered flora and fauna.

The projects chosen by our Advisory Board are selected based on their impact, scalability, contributions to species programs, and career development opportunities. We place a strong emphasis on essential conservation skills, such as community engagement and stakeholder collaboration.

Read more…

Zoos play a vital role as sanctuaries and research hubs, dedicated to protecting endangered species, restoring habitats, and inspiring the next generation of conservationists, though often the public are unaware of their broader contributions to conservation. Did you know that global zoo populations contribute to the survival of over 1,000 endangered species through captive breeding and reintroduction programs?
Read more…

The significance of women in conservation cannot be overstated. Often viewed as guardians of nature, women are not only mothers, sisters, and daughters but also key decision-makers in areas such as food security, land use, and resource management. By embracing these roles, women not only enhance conservation efforts but also lay the foundation for a more sustainable future for everyone.

This International Women’s Day, we proudly celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in conservation, with our founding Managing Director, H.E. Razan Al Mubarak, at the forefront. For over 20 years, Razan has been instrumental in guiding the United Arab Emirates toward a sustainable future, spearheading progressive initiatives in environmental protection, species conservation, and climate action on a global scale.  Razan is passionate about nurturing the next generation of female conservationists, believing they play an essential role in enhancing our understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Read more…

Indigenous Peoples are key agents of change for climate action and for ensuring a just transition for all. Growing evidence shows that Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, practices, and ways of living are instrumental across mitigation efforts, environmental conservation, maintaining biodiversity, furthering green jobs, enhancing resilience, and addressing climate change.

However, there is a lack of Indigenous data on the climate environment^[1], meaning that Indigenous Peoples’ Climate Contributions are not accurately captured or reflected in international climate discourse and decision making.
Read more…

Last year, the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZ Fund) proudly launched the Global Field Grants, a key initiative under the Fonseca Leadership Program, with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Through the funding of $500,000 per year, this partnership aims to empower young conservationists worldwide, providing essential financial support for both current and future researchers and practitioners in the field.

Read more…

The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZ Fund) reaffirms its commitment to bird conservation, recognising the pivotal role they play in ecological balance and the overall well-being of ecosystems. Birds, as indicators of environmental health, are vital pollinators, nutrient recyclers, and natural pest controllers, contributing to a sustainable and thriving planet.

Read more…