The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is rich in biodiversity, particularly in the Mediterranean Basin, which hosts some of the world’s highest endemism (20–30%). Yet MENA is among the most water-scarce regions globally; according to the World Economic Forum, 12 of the world’s 17 most water-stressed countries are located there. Despite limited freshwater, the region contains major biodiversity hotspots, including the Red Sea and Arabian Sea coastlines.
Climate change, water scarcity, rapid urbanisation, and weak environmental protection are pushing ecosystems toward collapse, threatening livelihoods and economic resilience. MENA is projected to be the first region to face extreme water depletion, with climate-related water scarcity expected to cost 6–14% of GDP by 2050. Safeguarding and sustainably managing biodiversity is therefore essential for the region’s long-term prosperity.
The goal of the MENA HUB is to help build a resilient, regional economy through nature-positive innovation. By connecting the most promising startups of the region with industry and business stakeholders, the MENA hub will play a central role in catalysing nature-positive action.
Innovate 4 Nature and Goumbook are partnering to launch a regional hub that accelerates nature-positive innovation by combining their expertise, methodologies, and local presence.
As a UAE-based social enterprise with deep regional roots, Goumbook brings over a decade of experience driving sustainability, climate action, and nature-based solutions across the MENA region.
The hub will support early-stage start-ups through a localised capacity-building and ecosystem development programme focused on the region’s most urgent environmental challenges.
The MENA Hub targets early-stage, nature-positive start-ups developing tech or science-based solutions with clear regional relevance. Eligible ventures must be under 10 years old, have fewer than 20 employees, generate €0–500k in revenue, have raised grant, pre-seed, or seed funding, and be at prototype or pilot stage (TRL 4–6), with demonstrated need for real-market validation.
