Dubai, 4 November 2026: Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) held the fifth and final panel discussion of its 2026 series under the theme “Protecting Ecosystems in Rapidly Growing Economies: Biodiversity Restoration and Land Stewardship.”
Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of EEG, opened the session by stressing the need to balance economic growth with the protection and restoration of the UAE’s desert landscapes, mangroves, wetlands and coastal habitats. She called for nature-positive approaches in development planning so that progress also preserves biodiversity for future generations.
The programme began with an inter-school debate on the motion “Biodiversity Restoration: A National Priority or an Unrealistic Ambition?” Students from New Indian Model School, Dubai, who argued in favour, defeated Raffles World Academy, Dubai.
The panel featured Lorenzo Tacchella (World Food Programme), Prof. Ali El-Keblawy (University of Sharjah and Sharjah Seed Bank and Herbarium), Enzo Ploder (ReFarm Global) and Dr. Philip Sanders (Ecocoast). Discussions covered pressures on fragile ecosystems, the role of technology such as satellite monitoring and AI in restoration, integrated land-use planning, and the importance of public-private partnerships.
McDonald’s UAE was the main contributor. The event was hosted at Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park and supported by partners including the Emirates Green Building Council, Clean Energy Business Council, Swiss Business Council, Capital Club Dubai and Arabia CSR Network.
The session marked EEG’s 225th panel discussion and closed the organisation’s 2026 series, reinforcing the message that economic progress and environmental protection must advance together.
