The International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) is a global leader in agricultural research for development.
Environmental sustainability is at the heart of everything ICBA does.
As they constantly strive to contribute to more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems in the face of climate change.
Enhancing Sustainability Concepts in the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates places great importance on promoting sustainability concepts.
In addition to fostering them as a community culture with strong leadership support.
This aligns with the principles of Islam, which emphasize responsible resource management and preservation for future generations.
ICBA Solutions
ICBA has developed various solutions tailored to the local environment, including:
- Alternative Food Crops:
Such as quinoa which is a highly nutritious crop that thrives in the UAE. - Alternative Forages:
Examples include salt-tolerant shrubs like Sporobolus and Distichlis.
Which offer better yields compared to Rhodes grass, require less water, and contribute to reclaiming salt-affected soils. - Freshwater Conservation Techniques:
This is by developing methods for utilizing alternative water sources in agriculture.
ICBA’s Partnerships
The center collaborates with various entities.
Such as SIAL, a leading UAE agricultural technology company, to conduct the first commercial trials of quinoa in the country.
Projects by ICBA
ICBA executes numerous projects, including one funded by Expo 2020 Dubai’s Impactful Innovation Grant Program.
Mentioning that this project assisted eight farmers from Abu Dhabi in cultivating Salicornia and raising fish using the saline water discharged from desalination plants.
Coinciding with “#Zayed_Humanitarian_Day” and on the twentieth anniversary of the founder’s passing..#The_President_of_State orders the launch of the “Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Initiative” worth 20 billion dirhams. pic.twitter.com/sNwgTKVYiF
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) March 30, 2024
ICBA’s Achievements
The center has achieved positive results through its research and studies.
Some examples include:
- Developing five quinoa genotypes yielding 1.8 to 2.5 tons of seeds per hectare.
- Supporting Abu Dhabi farmers in Salicornia cultivation and fish farming using saline water.
The International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) is a prime example of an organization contributing to environmental sustainability through its research, studies, and innovative solutions.
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