Latest news with #SustainableDevelopmentGoal14
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
RHB Islamic inks 3-year MoU with MIDE organiser to champion marine conservation
KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Islamic Bank Bhd today signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AsiaEvents Exsic Sdn Bhd, the organiser of the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE). The MoU formalises the bank's role as the event's exclusive banking partner until 2027. The signing, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) during MIDE 2025, marks the bank's continued involvement in marine conservation efforts under its Ocean Harmoni programme. RHB Islamic Bank Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Adissadikin Ali said the collaboration reflects the bank's long-term focus on supporting environmental sustainability under the environmental, social and governance agenda. 'We're not trying to be everything to everyone, and as a bank with limited resources, we chose to focus on one aspect of the environment – the ocean. 'We are not here to promote diving, but diving allows us to understand and tell the story of what's happening beneath the surface, which is what Ocean Harmoni is about,' he said during his remarks at the event. Launched in 2019, Ocean Harmoni is a value-based intermediation initiative that supports awareness, research and conservation efforts related to Malaysia's marine ecosystem, while also aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. As part of its efforts, RHB Islamic Bank has partnered with six local organisations and institutions in 2025, including Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Ocean Ranger, One Heart Environment and University Malaya Medical Centre. During MIDE 2025, the bank also unveiled the Limited Edition RHB Visa Ocean Harmoni Multi-Currency Debit Card-i, aimed at simplifying international transactions for travellers. 'Many travellers face the same issues, such as dealing with leftover coins and finding a place to exchange currency, and this card helps eliminate those pain points by removing the need to carry physical cash while offering access to 34 currencies at competitive rates,' said Adissadikin. In a separate engagement during the event, RHB Islamic Bank hosted two public forums with its Ocean Harmoni partners – one focused on coral conservation titled 'Corals: So What?', and the other on inclusive diving under the Adaptive Scuba Forum. MIDE 2025 is taking place from June 13 to 15 at MITEC, bringing together over 200 exhibitors ranging from dive operators and equipment suppliers to tourism boards and non-governmental organisations.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
RHB Islamic Bank Backs Ocean Conservation at MIDE 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Islamic Bank Bhd today signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AsiaEvents Exsic Sdn Bhd, the organiser of the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE). The MoU formalises the bank's role as the event's exclusive banking partner until 2027. The signing, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) during MIDE 2025, marks the bank's continued involvement in marine conservation efforts under its Ocean Harmoni programme. RHB Islamic Bank Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Adissadikin Ali said the collaboration reflects the bank's long-term focus on supporting environmental sustainability under the environmental, social and governance agenda. 'We're not trying to be everything to everyone, and as a bank with limited resources, we chose to focus on one aspect of the environment – the ocean. 'We are not here to promote diving, but diving allows us to understand and tell the story of what's happening beneath the surface, which is what Ocean Harmoni is about,' he said during his remarks at the event. Launched in 2019, Ocean Harmoni is a value-based intermediation initiative that supports awareness, research and conservation efforts related to Malaysia's marine ecosystem, while also aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. As part of its efforts, RHB Islamic Bank has partnered with six local organisations and institutions in 2025, including Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Ocean Ranger, One Heart Environment and University Malaya Medical Centre. During MIDE 2025, the bank also unveiled the Limited Edition RHB Visa Ocean Harmoni Multi-Currency Debit Card-i, aimed at simplifying international transactions for travellers. 'Many travellers face the same issues, such as dealing with leftover coins and finding a place to exchange currency, and this card helps eliminate those pain points by removing the need to carry physical cash while offering access to 34 currencies at competitive rates,' said Adissadikin. In a separate engagement during the event, RHB Islamic Bank hosted two public forums with its Ocean Harmoni partners – one focused on coral conservation titled 'Corals: So What?', and the other on inclusive diving under the Adaptive Scuba Forum. MIDE 2025 is taking place from June 13 to 15 at MITEC, bringing together over 200 exhibitors ranging from dive operators and equipment suppliers to tourism boards and non-governmental organisations.
Muscat Daily
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Oman reaffirms ocean protection pledge at UN Ocean Conference
Muscat – Reaffirming its steadfast commitment to ocean conservation and marine sustainability, Oman is taking part in the third United Nations Ocean Conference, currently underway in Nice, France. Delegated by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, is representing Oman at the high-level event, which runs until Friday. The conclave brings together world leaders, policymakers, and environmental experts to accelerate global efforts to protect the world's oceans under the Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water). The five-day conference features 10 parallel Ocean Action Panels (OAPs) and plenary sessions focusing on key themes including marine and coastal ecosystems, ocean science and capacity building, finance and climate action, alongside exhibitions, side events, and cultural, educational and scientific activities. In his address to the conference, Amri spotlighted Oman's pioneering efforts to safeguard marine biodiversity and ecosystems. He recalled that Oman was among the first countries to legislate protection of the marine environment, having enacted its first such law 53 years ago. 'Oman has declared marine nature reserves spanning more than 90,000sqkm to protect endangered species such as humpback whales, sea turtles and coral reefs,' he said. He also noted the nationwide ban on plastic shopping bags and the country's ambitious target of achieving net-zero pollution by 2050. Among Oman's flagship initiatives, Amri highlighted the 'Oman Blue Carbon' project, which aims to plant 100mn mangrove trees to boost carbon sequestration and enhance coastal resilience. These sustained efforts, he said, have positioned Oman among the world's leading nations in marine protection stringency and biodiversity conservation. He also underlined Oman's growing leadership on the global environmental stage, citing its recent election as President of the United Nations Environment Assembly during its seventh session. Amri reiterated Oman's unwavering support for SDG 14 and international marine agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ). He emphasised the role of oceans as a major regulator of the global carbon cycle and called for renewed international cooperation to preserve ocean health and marine life for future generations. The sultanate also delivered a national statement during the opening session of the conference, reaffirming its support for the Nice Plan of Action and shared global commitments to protect 'Life Below Water'.
Straits Times
11-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Overfishing threatens a third of global fish stocks, FAO says
Shrinking fish stocks destabilise marine ecosystems, while challenging people's ability to nourish themselves and earn a living, especially in coastal communities. PHOTO: AFP More than a third of global fish stocks are being depleted at a pace that is driving down populations, marking a trend that has been getting worse in recent years, according to a study by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The Rome-based United Nations agency found that 35.5 per cent of marine stocks are subject to overfishing, based on the most recent catch data, which uses an improved methodology to assess stocks in 2021. The findings, unveiled on June 11 at the UN Oceans Conference in Nice, make clear that continuing current levels of fishing would have dire consequences, FAO said. 'The proportion of overfished stocks continues to increase at a rate of approximately 1 per cent per year in recent times, which is a significant concern,' the study's authors wrote. 'This underscores the urgent need to strengthen effective management across all fisheries.' The 500-page document, described as the 'most comprehensive, evidence-based, and community-built assessment' of the status of global fish stocks, spotlights unsustainable human activity at sea, with species such as sharks and rays at risk. The oceans conference, which ends on June 13 , also addresses how rising sea levels further threaten biodiversity. Shrinking fish stocks destabilise marine ecosystems, while challenging people's ability to nourish themselves and earn a living, especially in coastal communities. A 2022 FAO report found that 600 million people rely – at least partially – on fisheries and aquaculture, for their livelihoods. Improved marine management systems and data are helping to make fishing more sustainable in some places. Areas with strong systems, such as the North-east Pacific and the South-west Pacific, had sustainability rates of 92.7 per cent and 85.5 per cent, respectively, FAO found. In contrast, only 35.1 per cent of fishing done in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea can be considered sustainable, according to the report. Funding is also key to replenishing stocks, the authors wrote. The UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 of 'conserving and sustainably using the oceans, sea and marine resources' is one of the least-funded. Under its fourth target, overfishing should have stopped five years ago, according to the UN. BLOOMBERG Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Qatar Tribune
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar supports int'l efforts to protect water bodies: Subaie
QNA Paris Minister of Environment and Climate Change HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie has affirmed the State of Qatar's commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at protecting water bodies and ensuring the sustainability of their resources. The minister highlighted the importance of international cooperation to address the growing challenges threatening the health of marine ecosystems. In a speech delivered at the third edition of the United Nations Ocean Conference, hosted by the French city of Nice over five days, the minister explained that water bodies are the lifeblood of the planet and play a fundamental role in regulating the climate, providing food, and ensuring environmental and economic security. However, they face unprecedented pressures that require an urgent global response. He noted that the State of Qatar strongly supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14, which concerns the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources, emphasizing that the health of these water bodies represents a fundamental pillar in supporting countries' ability to achieve long-term economic and social development. Al Subaie reviewed the most prominent environmental initiatives adopted by the State of Qatar, including treating and recycling 100 percent of wastewater to at least the third level, preventing the discharge of treated wastewater into the sea, and reusing it for irrigation of green spaces, cooling, and industrial purposes. He also highlighted the launch of the Third National Development Strategy (2024), which aims to protect 30 percent of marine areas and restore 30 percent of degraded natural habitats by 2030. He also highlighted the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change's 2024-2030 Strategy, announced last November, which includes ambitious goals, most notably protecting 30 percent of island and coastal areas, ensuring the restoration of degraded habitats, and protecting endemic and endangered species. He also highlighted the implementation of more than 100 environmental projects that promote green development and the circular economy, enhance the use of recycled resources, and consolidate environmental sustainability practices in the areas of infrastructure, energy, and land use. Concluding his speech, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change affirmed that the State of Qatar continues to support innovation in combating climate change and is working to develop adaptation measures in cooperation with relevant authorities. He emphasized that global environmental challenges require concerted international efforts to protect oceans and seas, considering them a shared resource and a collective responsibility.
