The UAE's aid program. ARCHIVE

The UAE has announced a $10 million funding initiative to strengthen disaster resilience across Asia and the Pacific, with an initial focus on the Philippines, Indonesia, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands. The initiative, titled “Building Community Resilience to Natural Disasters” (BCRND), was launched under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and implemented through the UAE International Aid Agency in collaboration with Emirates Nature–WWF. The funding, announced during the World Conservation Congress 2025 hosted in Abu Dhabi, aims to restore natural ecosystems, enhance sustainable livelihoods, and build community preparedness for natural disasters. Projects will include mangrove and coral reef restoration, support for farmers and small businesses, and the development of early warning systems and risk reduction frameworks. Officials said the program is a direct response to the increasing frequency of deadly earthquakes in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in the Philippines, which continues to recover from the 6.9-magnitude quake that killed 74 people in Cebu on September 30. “The UAE remains committed to helping vulnerable communities build resilience and adapt to climate challenges,” the agency said. ICA/Expat Media
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