Introduction
During September 2026, a number of important developments in biodiversity conservation across the Arab region occurred, ranging from strengthening global governance of marine biodiversity and developing monitoring and protection systems to ecosystem restoration and enhanced regional cooperation in fisheries and marine habitat management. There was also growing attention to linking nature conservation with climate action, the blue economy, and local community engagement.
Global Biodiversity Governance
100 Countries Ratify the High Seas Biodiversity Agreement
On 23 September, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) welcomed the achievement of 100 ratifications of the BBNJ Agreement, concerning the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
This represents an important step toward moving from negotiation and adoption to institutional and scientific implementation, including the establishment of the Agreement’s mechanisms, activation of scientific and technical bodies, and development of information-sharing and financing mechanisms (IUCN)[1].
Why does this matter for the Arab region?
Most Arab coastal countries are connected through extensive regional marine systems. Developments in the governance of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction may therefore have implications for the management of migratory species, fisheries, and regional marine cooperation.
Kunming Dialogue Supports the Global Review of Progress on Biodiversity
The Kunming Dialogue on Collective Progress in Implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was held from 7–9 September 2026 as part of preparations for the first global review of progress in implementing the Framework ahead of COP17.
The dialogue concluded with a call to accelerate action on biodiversity targets, as preparations continued for the global biodiversity conference scheduled to take place in Yerevan in October (CBD)[2].
Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Toward a Second Phase of Sustainable Fisheries Development in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
At the end of September, the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA) met with a World Bank mission from 28–30 September to review the first phase of the Sustainable Fisheries Development (SFISH) Program and prepare for its second phase for 2027–2031.
The meetings discussed lessons learned and progress in developing regional cooperation for fisheries management and aquaculture, including the regional protocol for cooperation on fisheries and marine aquaculture management under the Jeddah Convention (PERSGA)[3].
This represents an important development because fisheries management in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden inherently requires cooperation across national borders, particularly for migratory species, shared fisheries, and sensitive marine habitats.
Coastal Biodiversity and the Blue Economy in the Red Sea
Hurghada hosted the 14th Coastal Environment Conference from 22–25 September 2026, bringing together approximately 150 young participants from 15 Arab and African countries. The conference focused on the conservation and sustainable use of coastal and marine environments, with particular attention to blue carbon, coastal ecosystems, mangroves, and the blue economy. Discussions highlighted the role of coastal ecosystems in climate-change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable economic development. The programme also included practical mangrove planting activities, linking the technical discussions on coastal ecosystem conservation with on-the-ground restoration actions. Overall, the conference reflected growing regional interest in connecting coastal ecosystem protection, climate action, restoration, and blue-economy development, while strengthening youth participation and regional cooperation on coastal environmental issues (Watani)[4].
The month also witnessed the launch of the REEFS Business Incubator to support projects and businesses involved in coral reef protection and restoration, providing scientific support, mentoring, and funding to selected projects. It is the first business incubator in Egypt dedicated to startups and small and medium-sized enterprises whose activities contribute to protecting or restoring Red Sea coral reefs (UNDP)[5].
The incubator was launched under the Egyptian Red Sea Initiative (ERSI), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Local Development and Environment and supported by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR), while Acasia Group is responsible for implementing the incubator.
Mediterranean Sea: Strengthening Monitoring and Protection
Tunisia Strengthens Cooperation on Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Conservation
On 4 September, Tunisia witnessed the signing of agreements to strengthen cooperation on marine and coastal biodiversity conservation, monitoring and follow-up, and the provision of scientific data. The agreements were signed during a national training camp on marine and coastal biodiversity and the IMAP Programme, under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment and in partnership with the Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (SPA/RAC), WWF North Africa, and Notre Grand Bleu Association.
The initiative aims to strengthen cooperation in marine and coastal biodiversity conservation and support monitoring, follow-up, and scientific data provision. It falls under the SEMPA project and supports implementation of the Ecosystem Approach (EcAp) within the framework of the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea (National Radio)[6] .
Continued Regional Work on Marine Protected Areas and Monitoring
September also witnessed a number of technical meetings under the UNEP/MAP–Barcelona Convention framework, including the meeting of experts on marine protected areas on 17 September, the working group meeting on marine spatial planning on 24 September, and the Coastal and Hydrography Monitoring meeting from 30 September to 1 October.
These meetings reflect the continued development of monitoring systems, the Ecosystem Approach, and the management of marine and coastal areas in the Mediterranean. The SEMPA project also operates in seven southern Mediterranean countries—Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia—with the aim of supporting the achievement of Good Environmental Status in the Mediterranean (UNEP)[7].
Nature Restoration and Climate Resilience
Jordan Concludes the TA’ZIZ Ecosystem Restoration Project
In September, IUCN concluded the TA’ZIZ project in Jordan after three years of work in Petra and Shobak. The project focused on ecosystem restoration, protection of local plant diversity, restoration of juniper sites, support for native plant nurseries, and the application of nature-based solutions to strengthen the resilience of ecosystems and local communities to climate change.
Women and youth also participated in restoration activities and community nurseries, reflecting the integration of community engagement into biodiversity conservation efforts (IUCN)[8].
Wildlife and Protected Areas
Saudi Arabia Adds 26 National Parks to the Protected Areas Database
On 9 September, Saudi Arabia announced the registration of 26 national parks in the National Register of Protected Areas, covering more than 5,000 km², while the country’s information was also updated in the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA).
The move aims to strengthen the protected-area network, improve environmental planning and data-driven decision-making, and support the objectives of the National Environment Strategy and the Saudi Green Initiative, including the target of protecting 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030 (Arab News)[9].
Abu Dhabi Strengthens Scientific Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation
On 4 September, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in natural heritage conservation and supporting scientific knowledge, education, and awareness programmes related to biodiversity and wildlife.
The partnership also includes strengthening the role of museums and cultural programmes in raising awareness of natural heritage. In parallel, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi announced an agreement in September to strengthen scientific and technical cooperation and develop practical solutions for wildlife and biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources (Abu Dhabi Media Office)[10].
Marine Pollution and Plastic Waste
Marine Litter Remains a Major Pressure on Coastal Biodiversity
On the occasion of International Coastal Cleanup Day on 19 September, the United Nations Regional Seas Programme highlighted regional efforts to address plastic pollution and marine litter. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), more than 11 million tonnes of plastic enter the sea every year, and plastics account for at least 85% of marine litter.
The initiative highlighted the importance of community-based clean-up activities, regional action plans, legal protocols, and monitoring frameworks as interconnected tools for addressing the problem (UNEP)[11].
Data and Science to Support Biodiversity Decision-Making
Morocco Hosts International Workshop to Improve Forest Data
Casablanca hosted an international workshop from 14–18 September, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), to train experts in improving the accuracy and consistency of global forest-change data using remote sensing techniques.
The workshop forms part of the Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) and aims to ensure that estimates of forest change are more reliable and representative of different regions, thereby supporting decision-makers in addressing climate and biodiversity challenges (FAO)[12].
Youth and Biodiversity
Launching an Arab Youth Pathway Linking Climate, Biodiversity and Desertification
On 10 September, the League of Arab States in Cairo hosted a forum under the Road to COP31 series, during which a roadmap for Arab youth was presented linking climate change, biodiversity, and desertification.
The forum brought together representatives of civil society organizations, academia, experts, policymakers, and diplomats, and presented a cross-border youth agenda with participation from representatives of several Arab countries (Egypt Today)[13].
The importance of the event lies in its reflection of a growing trend toward addressing climate change, biodiversity, and desertification as interconnected issues rather than managing them as separate agendas.
References
Abu Dhabi Media Office. International Fund for Houbara Conservation and Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi Partner to Advance Natural Heritage Conservation. September 2026. http://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/arts-culture/in-the-presence-of-theyab-bin-mohamed-bin-zayed-international-fund-for-houbara-conservation-and-department-of-culture-and-tourism-abu-dhabi-partner-to-advance-natural-heritage-conservation/
Arab News. 26 Saudi national parks added to global protected areas database. September 2026. https://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/26-saudi-national-parks-added-to-global-protected-areas-database-3001078
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Kunming Dialogue on Collective Progress in Implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. September 2026. http://www.cbd.int/doc/press/2026/pr-2026-09-10-kunming-en.pdf
Egypt Today. YLE Foundation Links Agendas for Climate, Biodiversity and Desertification. September 2026. http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/149426/YLE-Foundation-links-agendas-for-climate-biodiversity-and-desertification-launching
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). FAO advances global forest data validation at international remote sensing workshop. September 2026. http://www.fao.org/maroc/news/detail/fao-advances-global-forest-data-validation-at-international-remote-sensing-workshop/en
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). IUCN celebrates 100 ratifications and growing momentum for BBNJ implementation. September 2026. http://iucn.org/news/202609/iucn-celebrates-100-ratifications-and-growing-momentum-bbnj-implementation
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). IUCN concludes TA’ZIZ project, advancing biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. September 2026. http://iucn.org/news/202609/iucn-concludes-taziz-project-advancing-biodiversity-conservation-and-climate-resilience
National Radio of Tunisia. Closing of the National Training Camp on Marine and Coastal Biodiversity in Monastir. September 2026. http://www.radionationale.tn/article/6a9bd60e07af205440b2e237/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%85-%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%AA%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%81%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AE%D9%8A%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%88%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%84%D9%88%D8%AC%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%B1/
Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA). World Bank Technical Mission to Follow Up on the Implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Development Program. September 2026. http://persga.org/ar/news/%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AB%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D9%83-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%81%D9%8A/
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). “REEFS Business Incubator launches to back the ventures that protect the Red Sea’s coral reefs.” 30 September 2026. http://www.undp.org/arab-states/press-releases/reefs-business-incubator-launches-back-ventures-protect-red-seas-coral-reefs
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Spotlight on Nature and Biodiversity. September 2026. http://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/news/spotlight-nature-and-biodiversity
United Nations Environment Programme / Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP). Marine and Coastal Monitoring and Protection Activities. September 2026. http://www.unep.org/unepmap/node/7631
Watani. Youth Continue Participation in the Coastal Environment Conference. September 2026. http://www.wataninet.com/2026/09/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%84-%D9%85%D8%A4%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A6%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9/
[1] https://iucn.org/news/202609/iucn-celebrates-100-ratifications-and-growing-momentum-bbnj-implementation
[2] http://www.cbd.int/doc/press/2026/pr-2026-09-10-kunming-en.pdf
[3] http://persga.org/ar/news/%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AB%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D9%83-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%81%D9%8A/
[4] http://www.wataninet.com/2026/09/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%84-%D9%85%D8%A4%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A6%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9/
[5] برنامج الأمم المتحدة الإنمائي
[6] http://www.radionationale.tn/article/6a9bd60e07af205440b2e237/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%85-%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%AA%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%81%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AE%D9%8A%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%88%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%84%D9%88%D8%AC%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%AD%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%84%D9%8A-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%B1
[7] http://www.unep.org/unepmap/node/7631
[8] http://iucn.org/news/202609/iucn-concludes-taziz-project-advancing-biodiversity-conservation-and-climate-resilience
[9] https://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/26-saudi-national-parks-added-to-global-protected-areas-database-3001078
[10] http://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/arts-culture/in-the-presence-of-theyab-bin-mohamed-bin-zayed-international-fund-for-houbara-conservation-and-department-of-culture-and-tourism-abu-dhabi-partner-to-advance-natural-heritage-conservation/
[11] http://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/news/spotlight-nature-and-biodiversity
[12] http://www.fao.org/maroc/news/detail/fao-advances-global-forest-data-validation-at-international-remote-sensing-workshop/en
[13] http://www.egypttoday.com/Article/1/149426/YLE-Foundation-links-agendas-for-climate-biodiversity-and-desertification-launching
