UAE Helps Stop Crimes That Harm Nature in the Amazon

Photo: WAM

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a big step in the global fight against environmental crimes. It led an international operation in the Amazon Basin that resulted in the arrest of 94 people. Authorities also shut down 350 illegal operations and seized assets worth more than $64 million. The goal was to stop activities that harm protected natural areas in the Amazon.

The operation was named "Operation Green Shield" and lasted for 14 days. It was organized by the UAE in cooperation with Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru. These countries worked together to take action against people destroying forests, polluting rivers, and stealing resources from nature.

What Was Operation Green Shield?

Operation Green Shield was a joint investigation between five countries. It focused on catching people and criminal groups who were damaging the Amazon’s environment. These groups were involved in illegal logging, mining, and other harmful activities that destroy ecosystems.

The UAE played a leading role in organizing the effort. By working together with South American countries, the team was able to discover 350 criminal activities and recover large amounts of illegal money and property. The seized assets totaled more than $64 million, showing the size and seriousness of the problem.

UAE’s Climate Law Enforcement Programme

This operation was part of the UAE’s larger program called Law Enforcement for Climate. It was launched during COP28, which took place in Dubai in late 2023. The program is a partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. It aims to train police and other law officers to deal with crimes that hurt the environment.

Through this program, officers learn how to investigate illegal actions like deforestation and wildlife trafficking. The goal is to support global climate goals by making sure the law is used to protect nature and stop those who harm it.

UAE Interior Minister Highlights the Effort

Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, praised the operation’s success. He said it was a strong step toward saving protected natural areas in the Amazon. He explained that the mission focused on groups that were breaking the law and damaging important ecosystems.

He added that the results of the operation showed the importance of teamwork between countries. By working together, nations can stop large networks that are destroying the environment.

UAE Expands Its Climate Leadership Role

This operation is part of the UAE’s larger push to become a global leader in climate action. In May 2024, the UAE passed a new climate law. This law created a clear legal system to manage climate change and cut greenhouse gas emissions. It also focuses on making the country more resilient to the effects of climate change.

By passing this law, the UAE has shown that it is serious about turning climate promises into real actions. The law also supports the country’s efforts to be a responsible leader in the international fight against climate change.

Preparations for COP30 and the Global Challenge

In June 2024, the UAE hosted a gathering of international climate leaders to prepare for the next big climate meeting, called COP30. This event will take place in Brazil in November 2025. It will be another major step in the world’s efforts to reduce pollution and protect the planet.

At the meeting, Majid Al Suwaidi, who leads a climate investment group in the UAE, said the world is moving too slowly. He pointed out that only 15 countries had submitted updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These are climate plans that each country must send in to show what they will do to help.

Although the first deadline to submit NDCs was in February, the final deadline is now September 2025. Both Brazil and the UAE submitted their plans early, showing leadership and commitment to climate action.

Historic Agreement at COP28 in Dubai

In November and December 2023, the UAE hosted COP28, a major climate summit. At the end of the summit, world leaders agreed on something called the UAE Consensus. This was a major global agreement that called for all countries to begin moving away from fossil fuels.

The agreement says that countries must shift toward cleaner energy in a fair and well-planned way. The goal is to reach net-zero emissions by the year 2050. This means that the amount of greenhouse gases released into the air must be equal to the amount removed from it.

Praise from UAE Leaders

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that COP28 brought important results and showed the world that the UAE is committed to a sustainable future. He said the country will continue working hard to fight climate change.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also praised COP28. He said the conference helped set new global standards for climate action and proved that the UAE is playing a key role in protecting the planet.

A Clear Message from the COP28 President

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, who served as the president of COP28, called the UAE Consensus a historic agreement. But he also gave a clear message: promises alone are not enough. What matters most is turning those promises into real action.

He said, “We are what we do, not what we say.” This reminds countries around the world that climate change requires more than words. It requires steps that can be measured, tracked, and seen by everyone.

Teamwork for the Planet’s Future

The UAE’s leadership in both climate diplomacy and international operations like Green Shield shows the importance of global cooperation. Protecting the environment is not a job that any one country can do alone. It takes teamwork across borders.

By helping catch criminals in the Amazon, passing its own climate laws, and guiding international agreements, the UAE is proving that it takes the climate crisis seriously. It is working to set an example for others to follow.

Real Results, Real Leadership

From leading an operation in the Amazon to hosting world leaders at climate conferences, the UAE has shown that it is ready to act. Its efforts are helping protect nature, support international law, and strengthen trust with other countries.

As the world looks ahead to COP30 in Brazil, the UAE has already done its part by showing what strong leadership looks like. By focusing on both enforcement and cooperation, it is helping to build a cleaner and more secure future for everyone.