USD 3 Million Conservation Drive to Protect Endangered Dugongs

A USD 3 million global conservation initiative has been launched by the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund in partnership with Mubadala, aimed at protecting dugongs in the UAE and supporting conservation of threatened species internationally. The programme pairs new UAE-focused funding with continued support for projects in Asia, while also introducing the UAE Conservation Leaders programme for early-career conservationists. Priority will be given to field-based projects.
Applications will be reviewed by a joint board from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund and the Mubadala Foundation, with between six and ten grants expected to be awarded each year.
The dugong, a marine mammal found in more than 30 countries including the UAE, is listed as vulnerable and was declared functionally extinct in China in 2022 following long-term population decline linked to fishing, ship strikes and habitat loss. Abu Dhabi hosts one of the world’s largest remaining dugong populations, and the species has been protected under UAE law since 1999.
Beyond the UAE, the funding will extend support to conservation projects in Indonesia and Thailand. In Indonesia, efforts will continue to protect the Sumatran tiger and small wildcat species through monitoring and anti-poaching measures. In Thailand, the programme will support conservation of the Siamese crocodile and two otter species along the Petchaburi River in Kaeng Krachan National Park.