GOAL 15: Life on Land

Research & Institutional Infrastructure for Ecosystem-Focused Land Research 

UAEU recently established the Desert Environment Research Centre (DERC) - a specialized research hub dedicated to studying desert and arid-land ecosystems, biodiversity, soil-water relationships, climate change, land-degradation prevention, and sustainable land-use solutions. This centre strengthens UAEU’s capacity to conduct interdisciplinary research on native flora and fauna, land rehabilitation, groundwater and soil conservation, and sustainable agriculture in arid environments. Through DERC, UAEU is helping to generate data, knowledge and strategies that protect and restore fragile ecosystems, which is central to SDG 15’s aim of halting biodiversity loss and promoting sustainable land management. 

Education, Outreach & Student Engagement in Sustainability 

Through its institutional sustainability initiatives — including the “Plant the Emirates” SDG-Research Programme- UAEU engages students in environmental, biodiversity, and ecosystem-oriented research and outreach activities. These programmes encourage undergraduates and graduate students to contribute to projects focused on sustainable land use, soil and water conservation, desert ecosystem resilience and environmental stewardship. By embedding ecosystem-conscious education into its academic and extracurricular programs, UAEU fosters awareness among youth about the importance of conserving land biodiversity and practicing sustainable environmental management. 

Biodiversity Protection, Habitat Conservation & Collaboration 

UAEU has demonstrated its commitment to biodiversity conservation and habitat protection through active partnerships with environmental authorities. For instance, the university recently formalized a strategic collaboration with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), launching a joint research programme aligned with national SDGs — including projects on biodiversity protection, habitat conservation, and land- and nature-based sustainability solutions. Moreover, UAEU’s participation in the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 showcased its national role in environmental and conservation science, further underlining its commitment to protecting ecosystems under threat. These efforts highlight UAEU’s active role in safeguarding biodiversity, supporting conservation policies, and contributing to national and global environmental goals. 

Land-Sensitive Waste Disposal  

The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is strongly committed to land-sensitive waste disposal practices that protect soil health, prevent land degradation, and safeguard terrestrial ecosystems in alignment with SDG 15: Life on Land. Through strategic collaborations with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), UAEU contributes to national research and policy development on sustainable waste management-supporting best practices for the safe disposal of agricultural, chemical, biological, and plastic materials to avoid soil contamination and ecosystem harm. At the institutional level, UAEU integrates responsible waste-handling measures into its environmental policies, ensuring proper treatment and disposal of laboratory hazardous waste, reducing single-use plastics on campus, and promoting recycling and circular-economy solutions. UAEU researchers further advance national capacity through projects on smart waste-sorting technologies, sustainable wastewater treatment, and conservation strategies that minimize harmful land impacts. Together, UAEU, ADAFSA, and EAD reinforce the UAE’s commitment to protecting biodiversity, restoring healthy terrestrial environments, and promoting sustainable land management across the country. 

Sustainable Land-Use, Agriculture & Long-Term Ecosystem Resilience 

Given the UAE’s arid climate and fragile natural landscapes, sustainable land management and agriculture are essential for ecological resilience. Through DERC and other research centers, UAEU studies sustainable land-use practices, soil health, water-efficient agriculture, and environmentally adapted farming systems suitable for arid and semi-arid ecosystems. By combining scientific research with educational outreach and collaboration with governmental agencies such as EAD, UAEU contributes to long-term strategies for land conservation, combating desertification, restoring degraded lands, and promoting sustainable agriculture- all in alignment with SDG 15. 

UAEU Implementation of the UAE Single-Use Plastic Policy 

The United Arab Emirates has adopted a comprehensive national policy to phase out single-use plastics, aiming to reduce environmental pollution, protect terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and promote responsible consumption. As a federal entity, the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) fully aligns with and implements this national policy across its campuses. UAEU supports the UAE’s single-use plastic ban by reducing plastic consumption in campus dining areas, limiting plastic packaging, promoting reusable and biodegradable alternatives, and conducting awareness campaigns for students and staff. In addition, the university integrates sustainability guidelines into its procurement and waste-management processes to ensure that single-use plastics are minimized at the source. Through collaboration with national partners such as EAD (Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi) and UAE National SDG Committee, UAEU reinforces national efforts to eliminate plastic waste, protect biodiversity, and prevent soil and land pollution. These initiatives illustrate UAEU’s institutional commitment to supporting the UAE’s environmental vision and advancing SDG 15: Life on Land through responsible waste reduction and sustainable resource management.