The CEDARE – Centre for Environment & Development for the Arab Region & Europe and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen regional cooperation in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, the sustainable management of natural resources, and the advancement of sustainable development across the Arab region.
The MoU was signed by H.E. Dr Khaled Fahmy, Executive Director of CEDARE, and Dr Hany El Shaer, Regional Director of the IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA), reaffirming the two organisations’ shared commitment to addressing regional environmental challenges through strategic collaboration.
The agreement establishes a broad framework for cooperation to develop and implement joint programmes and initiatives in areas of mutual interest. Priority areas include Nature-based Solutions, the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, food security, capacity development, and the sustainable management of natural resources.
Under the partnership, CEDARE and IUCN will collaborate on technical cooperation, knowledge exchange, and institutional capacity development to support evidence-based environmental policies and strengthen regional action on environmental and climate challenges.
The Parties will also work together to expand the implementation of the IUCN Green List through joint capacity-building programmes and technical assistance, while promoting the application of Nature-based Solutions in line with IUCN standards and adapted to regional priorities, including water scarcity and the conservation of arid ecosystems.
In addition, the partnership will support food security through the promotion of regenerative and agroecological practices, soil conservation, water harvesting techniques, integrated pest management, and the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture, fostering integrated approaches that deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits.
This partnership reflects the shared vision of CEDARE and IUCN to strengthen regional cooperation, conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable natural resource management, and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
