His Highness Recognises Winners in the First Edition of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Award

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) honoured winners of the first edition of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Award 2023 at a ceremony held at Al Nakheel Palace in Abu Dhabi. On this occasion, His Highness stated: “The emirate of Abu Dhabi is committed to following the approach by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the field of environmental protection.” He also asserted the importance of the award in enhancing the efforts made by the UAE to achieve sustainable development and support distinguished ideas and projects in the field of environment and sustainability. He also stressed on how the award stimulates interest in scientific research in various environmental fields to adopt innovative scientific and practical solutions that will address current and future environmental challenges and ensure a sustainable future for all.

His Highness congratulated all the winners in all categories of the award, and called on them to continue their distinguished achievements, success and leadership in the future. He also expressed his hopes that his award would witness more participation in its next edition and would stimulate society, institutions and facilities to enhance interest in environmental work and nature preservation in our beloved country. A total of 150 participants, comprising individuals and institutions from various environmental fields in Abu Dhabi, submitted applications to participate in the award, organized by EAD in cooperation with the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM). Participants competed in three main award categories, with a further 6 sub-categories in each. 86 applicants were qualified to participate in the award, while 68 participants completed the desk evaluation requirements, and 40 participants were shortlisted for final evaluation, which culminated in 18 winners.

EAD Celebrates Fruitful Cooperation with 64 Strategic Partners

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) hosted its annual stakeholder forum, celebrating its achievements in the field of environmental preservation while acknowledging its fruitful cooperation with key partners that helped strengthen Abu Dhabi’s global environmental conservation leadership. The forum was attended by Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, alongside a number of dignitaries, and heads of agencies and institutions from 64 government and private entities.

During the forum, the Agency launched the Green Partner Mark, a pioneering motivational programme to celebrate government agencies and private companies that support environmental initiatives and programmes. The programme includes the following categories: supporting, implementing and nurturing environmental programmes and initiatives, progressing environmental performance, and deploying innovative practices and investment in environmental research and studies. The EAD programme’s aim is to instill a culture of sustainability, achieve its strategic objectives, raise the rate of environmental commitment, and ensure the achievement of the country’s strategic objectives, including the Net Zero 2050 Strategy. The Agency will announce the names of the entities awarded the mark commencing next year.

EAD Recorded a Rare Green Turtle Nest for the First Time in Abu Dhabi

During its annual turtle survey and as part of the marine assessment and conservation programme, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) recorded the first nest of Green turtles at one of the core Hawksbill turtle nesting sites in Al Dhafra Region. Although Green turtles are found extensively in Abu Dhabi’s waters, nesting activity has never been reported before. There are seven marine turtle species found worldwide. Four species can be spotted in Abu Dhabi’s waters, with a total population of more 6,000 individuals – two of which, the Hawksbill and Green turtle – are predominantly found here, with two other species – the Loggerhead turtle and the Olive Ridley turtle – considered occasional visitors. In Abu Dhabi, most Hawksbill and Green turtles have been spotted in the waters of Al Dhafra region between the islands of Abu Al Abyadh and Bu Tinah, as well as in the waters bordering the islands of Al Yasat and Muhayimat. These areas offer extensive seagrass beds, marine algae and coral reef habitats.

Nesting takes place between mid-March to mid-June, and usually, more than 200 nests are reported during the nesting season. Hatching usually occurs between mid-June to early August. Females are quite selective when it comes to choosing their nest site and have often been spotted emerging onto a beach for several consecutive nights before finding an ideal spot with soft sand, secluded from human activity.

High-level UAE Delegation led by EAD Participates in the 4th Conference of the Parties Meeting (COP14)

The United Arab Emirates has sent a high-level delegation headed by Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) to the Fourteenth Conference of the Parties Meeting (COP14) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The delegation also includes representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and members from key government entities. The Convention’s 14th Meeting of the Parties is being held under the slogan “Nature Knows No Boundaries” to highlight the challenges faced by migratory species and the need to strengthen international cooperation to confront them. The conference theme is aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and addresses topics related to habitat conservation and threats such as overexploitation and the climate crisis. The conference, in which Ministers and Executive Directors from international organisations share their experiences in the field of migratory species conservation, emphasises the need for cross-border, global action to ensure the survival of these species.

EAD and Modon Properties Introduce Region’s First Smog-Free Tower for a Cleaner Future

As part of its efforts to maintain air quality and reduce the effects of climate change, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), in partnership with Modon Properties, inaugurated the region’s first smog-free tower at Hudayriat Island. The new air purification tower is an urban innovation designed to enhance air quality in the area and provide an inspirational experience of a clean and green future.

H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Al Bowardi, on the occasion, said: “The enhancement of air quality is one of our core strategic priorities and something we have worked on for decades. We always strive to implement innovative solutions to ensure that the Abu Dhabi community lives in a safe and healthy environment and this smog-free tower is a perfect example of what we are trying to achieve.”

EAD Launches an Odorous Gas Monitoring Network

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched the ‘Abu Dhabi Odorous Gases Monitoring Network’ as part of a drive to improve environmental protection, reduce nuisance and improve citizens’ and residents’ quality of life. The project is aligned with the UAE’s environmental vision of sustainable development and pollution prevention. Throughout the multi-phased five-year project EAD will ensure that the project encompasses a variety of activities across all potential sources to ensure that they do not adversely impact the environment and local communities. Additionally, it will serve as a valuable tool for early detection and response to odorous gas releases, which cause public annoyance.  During this project, EAD will focus on continuously monitoring the most important ambient air pollutants that cause odours, in order to enhance knowledge about their levels, and when pollutant levels are likely to cause nuisance to citizens and residents.