life on land

SDG 15: Life on land

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi plays a vital role in advancing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, which focuses on life on land, through its commitment to environmental education, research, and community engagement. The university emphasises the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation in its curricula, fostering awareness among students about the challenges facing terrestrial ecosystems. Additionally, it engages in research initiatives that explore sustainable land management practices and restoration efforts in the region. By partnering with local organisations and participating in conservation projects, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi not only contributes to the protection of natural habitats but also encourages a culture of sustainability among its students and the broader community, helping to ensure the preservation of land ecosystems for future generations.

Students Contribution

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Plants 65 Mangrove Seedlings in Abu Dhabi

As part of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s Go Green 2023 initiative, which aimed to raise awareness and promote initiatives addressing climate change challenges with the goal of advancing towards a more sustainable future, the university organised a mangrove planting activity. This initiative focused on planting 65 mangrove trees on Al Reem Island, thereby contributing to the Go Green 2023 environmental objectives.

The activity, conducted in partnership with Nature for Environmental and Agricultural Solutions L.L.C., provided an opportunity for the university community to actively engage in offsetting the environmental impact of logging and paper consumption. It involved 40 participants, including students, faculty, and staff.

Through this collaborative effort, the university planted a number of trees equivalent to the amount of paper it consumes annually—a symbolic and practical step towards greater sustainability and the creation of a better world for all.

Conferences and Events

Plant Your Tree Gift!

SERCO, the facility management company at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, encourages all staff members to plant and track their own forest tree, contributing to efforts to minimise environmental impact and promoting community action towards sustainability.

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi recognises the importance of protecting the environment and supporting communities as part of its responsibility as a corporate citizen. Every tree planted represents a step towards a healthier and more sustainable future—not only for today, but for generations to come.

Trees provide countless benefits, from purifying the air we breathe to reducing our carbon footprint and supporting biodiversity. By planting trees, the university is taking purposeful action to address the impacts of climate change and contribute to a better world for all.

Conference: Preservation of the Primary Forests in Papua New Guinea and Creative Arts

The presentation/conference highlights the importance of forest conservation, traditional knowledge, and visual arts in Papua New Guinea. Protecting the primary rainforests is crucial for the preservation of the planet

Conference: How to Compensate Damages to Nature?

The conference formed part of one of COP28’s core themes, focusing on environmental damage. A central issue explored was the legal representation of nature and how to compensate for harm caused to it. As nature does not possess legal personality, alternative means of representation were examined. Examples included the involvement of environmental protection associations and the possibility of granting legal status to nature parks. This prompted the broader question of whether such measures are sufficient, or if legal personality should be extended to other elements of nature, such as bird populations or forests. The conference also examined how environmental damage can be assessed and repaired, including the viability of in-kind reparation. Both public and private international law were considered, given that such damage often transcends national borders. Discussions addressed legal representation, preventative measures, and compensation mechanisms, with a particular focus on how legal professionals in the UAE interpret and respond to these challenges within the existing legislative framework.

Conference: A Sustainable Tomorrow Through the Eyes of The Green Sheikh

Organised by the SUAD Library, Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi

The talk, organised by the Library at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, highlighted and explored the philosophy and actions of the Green Sheikh, who advocates for a sustainable future rooted in respect for the planet, its people, and its resources. The message served as a call to action, encouraging individuals to make sustainable choices and to work collectively towards building a better world. The ultimate goal is a future in which everyone can thrive and live fulfilling lives without compromising the needs of future generations.

Research Project: Human Occupation and Landscape Evolution During the Holocene Climatic Variation in the UAE Desert (HOLE): Case Study of a Gravel Plain in The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR)

Dr. Stéphane Desruelles, Associate Professor of Geography & Head of Department Geography & Planning, SUAD

Dr. Caroline Autret, Assistant Professor of History of Art & Head of Department History of Art & Archaeology, SUAD

This multidisciplinary project aimed to understand the context of the paleo-environmental evolution in the arid environment and the interplay between human occupation and climatic variability during the last 11560 years. It focused on Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve following a series of collaborative efforts between the reserve conservation team and SUAD. The reserve, being “undisturbed”, allows the evaluation of the archaeological and environmental analogues of the past to better understand both the ancient and future desert environments considering a changing climate.

Research and Publications on Life on Land

“Large-scale forest protection: The successful case of the Kayapo people in the Brazilian Amazon,” currently under review. – Dr. Beatriz Garcia (https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-024-02304-6)
“Right Target, Wrong Arrow: Assessing the EU Regulatory and Market Approaches to Building Deforestation-free Supply Chains.” – Dr. Beatriz Garcia
Book chapter currently being drafted, “Mitigating Environmental Degradation and Health Contamination from Illegal Mining: Regulatory Strategies for Indigenous Populations in the Amazon,” to be published in the Edward Elgar Research Handbook on Climate Justice (forthcoming). – Dr. Beatriz Garcia
“When geoscience meets generative AI and large language models: Foundations, trends, and future challenges” – Dr. Hadid Abdenour and Dr. Tanujit Chakraborty (https://doi.org/10.1111/exsy.13654)
“Recent Advances in Grey Wolf Optimizer, its Versions and Applications: Review” Dr. Raed Abu Zitar (https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3304889)
“Transfer learning for genotype–phenotype prediction using deep learning models” Dr. Samuel Feng (https://doi.org/10.1186/s12859-022-05036-8)
BOOK CHAPTER “The BRIC and Climate Change Mitigation” – Mariam Al Zarkani, Lina Jbara, Marianna Margaritidou & Ruqaya Mohamed Mubwana (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-14068-6_6)