Emirates Environmental Group conducted its 3rd Panel Discussion of 2023 on 23rd August in association with Arabia CSR Network and supported by EmiratesGBC, Clean Energy Business Council and the Swiss Business Council. The discussion was graciously sponsored by Labotel.
The discussion aimed to seize the opportunity to rope in key industry experts and help direct the conversation that drives sustainable change to tackle the biodiversity crisis.
Mrs Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-founder and Chairperson of EEG commenced the discussion by reflecting on EEG’s journey in the first 7 months of 2023 and introduced the heated topic for the session.
She stated: “We are gathered here today, both virtually and physically, to discuss an important issue and amass the relevant knowledge. This world, as we know it, has changed. In the past 50 years, the land, the oceans, the atmosphere, and all other hidden aspects of this biosphere have transformed.
“While natural shifts can induce such a transformation, it is often gradual, which ideally would not be seen in a human being’s lifetime. Yet here we are watching every day the environmental changes and all the species that thrive on this planet struggling to adapt to the ecological shifts. These are due to human mistakes and irresponsible behaviour.”
“Today, people drive jaguars, mustangs, vipers, impalas, beetles, etc. The question is, has our empathy towards animals and nature dwindled down to just naming inanimate objects, the names of animals, perhaps due to our current way of life? In the name of growth, modernism, expansionism, and capitalism, we have blatantly taken out resources without any regard for wildlife.”
The CEO of Labotel Workers Village stated that: “Our continuous assessment of broader sustainability trends and developments has profoundly motivated us as a business to recognise the urgent need for collective action in response to these crises.
“We are committed to playing an active role in transitioning towards a net-zero, nature-positive economy, working alongside strategic partners who share our goal of achieving a balanced ecosystem and harmonious co-existence with nature. We firmly believe in the power of change rooted in biodiversity conservation.”
“There are key benefits that can be gained when a balance is achieved in the environment: 1. Biodiversity balance can sustain a diverse range of plant species, leading to a greater variety of crops that can supply abundant food resources, pharmaceutical drugs and medical resources. 2. It assists in the breakdown of pollutants, ensuring that resources remain useful and untainted. 3. Biodiversity maintenance helps maintain climate stability, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable planet. 4. It safeguards freshwater resources and promotes the development and protection of soil. 5. The conservation of biodiversity benefits the tourism industry by offering opportunities for engaging in recreational environmental activities.”
To discuss the impact on human population on biodiversity, the discussion brought to the stage key subject matter experts.