Over the last 14 years the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund has always been able to provide grants to support the conservation of threatened species that are usually overlooked – the less charismatic species.

This included grants for fungus conservation, and invertebrates of many different types, as well as the small mammals, frogs and reptiles that do not usually receive conservation consideration.  To expand the support to wider demographic of species the MBZ Fund will be experimenting with funding for soil biota and threatened soil species as they play a key role to ensuring a healthy ecosystem.

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Following the recent review meeting, and for the first grants round of 2023, the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund has awarded half a million dollars to support species conservation globally.

The latest round of funding supports 52 projects, reaching an additional 24 species and sub-species, increasing the total number of species rediscovered, reintroduced and protected from extinction to 1649.  Since its inception, the Fund has now provided around $24,689,700 across 160 countries.

No project is more important than the next, but we are extra curious to monitor the progress of the following initiatives –

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Today, the United Arab Emirates announced that Razan Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the MBZ Fund, will join the leadership team for United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), to be held in Dubai in November, 2023, as the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion.

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Without Biodiversity, There is No Net Zero

London. Nature is under grave threat. We estimate one million species are at risk of extinction by 2030 and populations of wildlife have declined 70 percent in 50 years. Global action has never been more urgent, as world leaders prepare for the COP15 UN biodiversity summit in Montreal this December. The summit goal is to agree targets to protect natural habitats and species, and their success will help determine whether we continue to destroy our natural heritage or start to reverse the destruction.

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COP26 leaders urged to increase grassroots conservation funding by 14 leading global wildlife conservation donors. Open letter highlights benefits of locally led nature conservation for mitigating climate change and reversing global biodiversity loss.

Today,[Wednesday 27th October], 14 leading global wildlife conservation donors and supporters are calling upon the UK Prime Minister and COP26 leaders, corporations and philanthropists to increase funding for locally led grassroots conservation projects, which play a vital role in mitigating climate change and reversing biodiversity loss around the world.

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In line with Earth Day, Mubadala Partners with Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund to Protect Endangered Species Around the World. US $1.5 million annual commitment will support conservation projects for endangered flora and fauna. This will be the first agreement of its kind in the region where corporate and conservation donor entities are collaborating to invest in preventing biodiversity loss.

Abu Dhabi, UAE, April 21, 2021: In line with Earth Day, Mubadala Investment Company, the Abu Dhabi-based sovereign investor, has announced a three-year partnership with the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZ Fund) to support conservation initiatives around the world.

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Abu Dhabi, UAE. Aiming to ensure the survival of grassroots conservation organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZ Fund) today announced it will expand its grant-making criteria to help grantees meet core emergency operating needs precipitated by the crisis.

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The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns have severely disrupted species conservation activities worldwide according to a survey of more than 300 conservationists in 85 countries. The survey was conducted by The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, (MBZ Conservation Fund) where Razan Al Mubarak serves as founding managing director.

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JOY AND CHARITY. Central to the religious and cultural life of the United Arab Emirates, Eid Al Fitr is a joyful time with special food, dances and traditions. Eid Al Fitr is one of the two most important religious holidays in the United Arab Emirates. The other being Eid Al Adha. Both of these holidays n the UAE reflect Islam’s central role in Emirati life and the important place the Eid holiday plays in reinforcing family and community ties. Common to both EId Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha is the focus on visiting family to offer eid greetings, the importance of providing charity to the poor and needy, and the joyful festive spirit. The MBZ Fund wishes all Eid Mubarak!

Three times a year, every year, even during the Covid-19 crisis, the MBZ Fund gives $500,000 to species conservation projects. The total now exceeds $20m. This support has gone to more than 2,150 projects across 160 countries targeting more than 1,350 species and subspeices. More importantly, these grants go to species conservationists who engage in get-your-hands-dirty conservation – in the fields, cave systems, mountains, and steams of the world. Browse our case study section to learn more.