Ras al khaimah: The Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD), the Global Carbon Council (GCC), and the Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA) of Ras Al Khaimah have entered into a strategic tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Ras Al Khaimah on Tuesday. The memorandum aims at accelerating climate action, fostering high-integrity carbon markets, enhancing biodiversity conservation, and advancing sustainable urban development across the region.
According to Qatar News Agency, by bridging the distinct institutional strengths of the three organizations, the partnership creates a powerful ecosystem capable of driving comprehensive environmental solutions. The agreement was signed by Founding Chairman of GORD and GCC, Dr. Yousef bin Mohammed Alhorr, and Director General of EPDA, Dr. Mohammed bin Yousif Al Madfaei.
The primary scope of the collaboration targets the development and refinement of robust climate action initiatives and carbon asset programs. As a premier research and consultancy hub, GORD will leverage its extensive expertise in scientific innovation, technical advisory, and the implementation of green building and infrastructure standards. Complementing these capabilities, EPDA will anchor the initiatives within the strategic regulatory landscape of the United Arab Emirates, deploying its governmental mandate as the primary authority for environmental legislation, natural resource conservation, and enforcement in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
Dr. Alhorr emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement, stating that true decarbonization requires more than localized emission reduction targets. It requires rigorous asset registries, robust greenhouse gas verification protocols, and structured frameworks aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Through this partnership, they aim to bridge the gap between national environmental governance and global market integrity, creating a blueprint where sustainable urban master-planning and nature-based solutions actively fuel a low-carbon, circular economy.
Dr. Mohammed bin Yousif Al Madfaei added that the collaboration with GORD and GCC is aligned with EPDA's vision of leading environmental protection and resource sustainability for future generations. The MoU outlines a deeply integrated approach to the built environment, climate resilience, and eco-conscious urban design, arriving at a critical juncture as Gulf region governments increasingly recognize the need for integrated approaches combining environmental stewardship, climate mitigation, technological innovation, and capacity development.