EAD Releases a Batch of Rescued and Rehabilitated Sea Turtles

Under the patronage and presence of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and EAD Chairman, a batch of sea turtles were released at Saadiyat Beach, one of the main sites for sea turtles in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The released group came from a batch of 250 turtles, rescued and rehabilitated by EAD. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed was accompanied by his children at the turtle release. The turtles were successfully rehabilitated after being discovered and rescued last year with the help of the public, sea-goers, fishermen, EAD rangers, and several other partners.

Abu Dhabi Retailers Single-Use Plastic Bags Ban Started on 1 June 2022

1 June 2022 was the start of the implementation of the single-use plastic bag ban in Abu Dhabi announced earlier this year in April. This development comes as part of the tools of an integrated and comprehensive single-use plastic policy developed by EAD in 2020 that will be implemented this year. Our Secretary General, HE Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri along with HE Mohammed Munif Al Mansouri, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Business Center and Ahmed Tarish Al Qubaisi, Director of the Monitoring and Inspection Department of the Department of Economic Development (DED), and HE Dr Maryam Hareb Al Suwaidi, Acting Deputy Director General for Operational Affairs of Abu Dhabi Authority for Agriculture and Food Safety (ADAFSA), toured the main retailers in Abu Dhabi to observe and encourage compliance of the single-use plastic bag ban.

EAD Visits Emirates Global Aluminium

EAD visited Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) recently to learn more about its strategic and operational commitments towards environmental protection and its efforts in reducing emissions. EAD was also briefed on EGA’s environmental management system, which has been developed in accordance with the environmental laws and regulations of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and international best practices. During the visit, the EAD Management Team, led by our Secretary General, HE Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, were briefed on the progress of EGA’s manufacturing operations, its sustainable environmental practices, and the measures it takes to reduce emissions and waste.

EAD Blue Carbon Project Selected Among 12 UpLink Ocean Top Innovations

EAD announced that its Blue Carbon Environmental and Social Responsibility Project, in collaboration with ENGIE and Distant Imagery, were selected among the 12 Uplink Ocean Top Innovations. The drone technology developed by Distant Imagery for EAD was one of the winners of the Blue Carbon Challenge launched by Friends of Ocean Action, Uplink and the Mangroves Working Group. Conservation International, Coastal Oceans Research and Development – Indian Ocean (CORDIO) East Africa, REV Ocean, and GIB Asset Management were also part of the effort as supporting partners. The Blue Carbon Challenge on UpLink recognises innovative solutions, projects, and enabling tools that can harness the potential of blue carbon markets to support environmental conservation, habitat restoration, and coastal management for people, nature, and help combat climate change. The selected 12 UpLink Ocean Top Innovators will receive technical support and valuable connections to implement their projects.

EAD wins a MENA Digital Award 2021

EAD won the Golden Category for ‘Best Use of Social Media – Small Budget (below US$ 20 000)’ at the MENA Digital Awards 2021. The Agency was awarded the prize for its creative content output across its social media channels, which were created to highlight EAD’s role and its work with leading Abu Dhabi community stakeholders and government entities. Its social platforms help increase awareness through engaging campaigns and activate communities via by highlighting key events in which the public can participate.

Policy for Protecting Soil from Degradation in Abu Dhabi Emirate

Environment Quality Sector (EQS) hold a meeting to present the method adopted to develop the draft policy for protecting soil from degradation in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This is a new method where twenty-two experts and specialists from nine governmental agencies in the emirate contributed to writing and developing the policy document. Representatives from governmental agencies in the emirate as well as representatives from EAD sectors and divisions attended the meeting. The team discussed main challenges faced during developing the policy document, and the advantages of engaging stakeholders at early stages. The method was well received by the audience. The policy aims to ensure the sustainability of soil quality and its optimal uses in support of sustainable development plans in the emirate.

The Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme’s Success Continues

The Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme (SZFRP) continues to enhance its contribution to nature conservation by releasing 71 falcons into the wilds of Kazakhstan, reinforcing its position as one of the largest wildlife conservation programmes in the world. It is also a key element in the environmental legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in maintaining natural balance with the best international practices under the patronage of HH Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and under the follow-up of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and Chairman of EAD.  

EAD invites social media influencers to celebrate the World Sea Turtle Day in the National Aquarium

In celebration of World Sea Turtle Day, PRC hosted five influential influencers on a guided tour around the National Aquarium. Maitha Al Hameli, our Marine Expert joined on the tour and highlighted our conservation efforts in collaboration with the National Aquarium as well as key marine species found in Abu Dhabi as a means of educating the public on Abu Dhabi’s marine biodiversity.

Coffee with a Leader

The Youth Council of EAD hosted HE Dr Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, in its initiative “A Cup of Coffee with a Leader ”, where she talked about her educational career in addition to various professional jobs about discovering how to change careers and the extent of development and innovation in the environmental field.