Standing for Marawah and Nature
Dugongs, gentle aquatic mammals similar to manatees, are symbols of peace and balance in nature. Our dugong, known as “Dippy” or “The Special Climate Envoy of the Dugongs,” has traveled from the warm waters of the Marawah UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the UAE to raise its voice.
Marawah, home to one of the world’s densest dugong populations and vibrant marine ecosystems, is under threat. A mega gas project led by the UAE’s national oil company, with support from European and foreign investors, is carving into this sanctuary to extract toxic “ultra-sour” gas.
This dugong stands for Marawah—and all protected areas—against fossil fuel destruction.
Discover the Marawah Biosphere Reserve and the Threats It Faces
Images by © Maxar Technologies
A Dugong’s Journey Through the COPs
This isn’t the dugong’s first time speaking out. At COP28 in Dubai, it grabbed headlines, highlighting the UAE’s plans to drill in Marawah. With flippers raised, it called out Sultan al-Jaber, the COP president and leader of the national oil company, for prioritizing fossil fuel profits over biodiversity.
At CBD COP16 in Cali, Colombia, the dugong led the first approved “blue zone” protest in the Convention’s history, declaring loud and clear: fossil fuels and biodiversity don’t mix.
Join the fight for protected areas
The dugong needs your help. Over 2,300 fossil fuel projects threaten protected areas worldwide—places that safeguard biodiversity and cultural heritage. Join the “Friends of the Dugong” coalition to support non-extraction policies and protect nature. Stay connected through the Protected Carbon mailing list, and if you see Dippy at COP29 or a future summit, stop for a selfie! Dugongs love meeting new friends 🙂