The Environmental Centennial 2071 which was recently launched by EAD is the emirate’s vision for the next fifty years aspiring that Abu Dhabi becomes the best in the world in environmental conservation. Watch the below video of our SG HE Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri speaking about the Environmental Centennial 2071.
As part of the EAD 2021–2025 Strategy, there are 12 key success measures to be achieved by the year 2025. In every issue of the Insider, we will be highlighting 2 success measures:
Biodiversity:
> 90 % of habitat baseline area retained
> 21 % of the land, 21 % of offshore waters in protected areas
> Improved status of all threatened species
Fisheries:
> 81 % Sustainable fisheries exploitation index
> 30 % Mean relative stock size
> 30 % Aquaculture versus wild catch
EAD launched the Abu Dhabi Environmental Centennial 2071, a shared, comprehensive environmental vision for the Emirate for the next 50 years, and its commitment to make Abu Dhabi the world’s best in environmental conservation. The Centennial is aligned with the UAE’s government’s dedication to be the best country in the world by the 100th anniversary of the union in 2071. The Environmental Centennial 2071 was developed with the aim of taking an active part in achieving the leadership’s vision for the next 50 years. It reinforces Abu Dhabi’s global position in environmental conservation by setting future visions, goals and plans that align with the future global megatrends and the UAE’s long-term visions, as well as future pressures, goals, and practices.
EAD announced that its ban on the use of single-use plastic bags will be effective from June 2022, based on its integrated single-use plastic policy that was introduced in 2020.
EAD plans to gradually reduce the amount of single-use plastic products consumed across Abu Dhabi and encourage the use of reusable products. In this context, EAD is planning to implement measures to reduce demand for about 16 single-use plastic products that include cups, stirrers, lids, and cutlery.
EAD announced its discovery of a new Eagle Ray species in Abu Dhabi waters. The new species (Aetomylaeus wafickii) was discovered from specimens collected in the Arabian Gulf during the Fisheries Resource Assessment (FRAS) which was carried out in 2016. The specimens were collected with other specimens of elasmobranchs and fish. During that time the Eagle Ray was identified as the Banded Eagle Ray (Aetomylaeus nichofii), which is very similar in appearance. However, it was then considered new after thorough examination and the publishing of a scientific paper highlighting its astute physical description.
EAD recently organised a tabletop exercise to discuss the red tide phenomenon and fish kill in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Center (ADCMC), and with the participation of 13 government agencies in Abu Dhabi. The exercise was designed to test the readiness of concerned authorities’ rapid and effective response to threats and emergencies, by measuring the speed of reaction, control and their approach to addressing red tide and fish kill in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
EAD highlighted the most significant achievements during 2021 in its annual report, which was issued on 16 April in digital format for the third consecutive year. The report focused on EAD’s efforts in achieving its strategic vision to ensure a sustainable future for all by preserving biodiversity, mitigating the effects of climate change, monitoring and controlling the quality of air, seawater and soil, and maintaining the sustainability and health of the terrestrial and marine environment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
EAD had a successful year in 2021 in environmental assessment and permitting operations. The purpose of the assessments is to identify the potential environmental impacts of project and facility activities during the early design stages, to ensure the implementation of best available practices and compliance with Abu Dhabi’s environmental laws and regulations.
The results of the environmental assessments in 2021 revealed that 60 square kilometres of marine critical habitats and 850 000 metres square of terrestrial critical habitats were protected. This is in addition to a reduction of more than 2 800 cubic metres of toxic waste from drilling operations, and a 99 % reduction in air pollutants emissions from the fluorine industry. EAD also completed permitting the commissioning of clean energy projects that save about 11 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, or the equivalent of the emissions of 2.4 million cars, had the energy been generated using fossil fuels.
Eid Al Fitr is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. This day marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
EAD is organising a session titled “Wild Hunting in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi” which targets hunters and aims to provide information and answer questions about the Law No. (22) of 2005 Regulating Wild Hunting in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The UAE dedicates this day to commemorate the charity and achievements of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan during his tenure as the Ruler of the UAE since the UAE was declared an independent sovereign state in 1971.
World Migratory Bird Day takes place annually. It is an annual awareness campaign that highlights the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. Light Pollution will be the focus of the World Migratory Bird Day 2022 campaign.
The Endangered Species Day is an annual occasion that highlights the plight of many threatened and critically endangered species and how we can change our behaviour to help protect and save animals.
Single-Use Plastic Policy session aims to provide information and answer questions about the policy and raise awareness.
EAD is organising a session about how to start the net zero journey. The session targets businesses and organisations and aims to provide information on how they can help UAE to achieve the goal in the UAE Net Zero 2050 initiative.
EAD is organising a virtual session to raise awareness on the new Marine Water Quality regulation issued by EAD and to highlight EAD’s efforts in monitoring Abu Dhabi waters.
EAD is organising the Clean Your Perimeter session which aims to teach industries how to organise a clean-up campaign near their premises.
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I think the best moment is receiving the Month of Ramadan, with its spiritual atmosphere (fasting, reciting Quran, night prayer…etc), which help us change our daily routine. Before Ramadan I used to feel that I act like a robot, repeating the same tasks every day. Ramdan is like a training course helping us realize that we can do many personal achievements in the same hours of the day. May Allah accept all our good deeds and grant us success in Ramadan and after.
Moustafa Mahmoud Arab Nemr
Lead Translator
PR & Communications
Did you know that the Single-Use Plastic Policy was developed as part of the Abu Dhabi Government’s efforts to organise the handling of single-use plastic products to limit their consumption and prevent them from entering the environment and causing harm.
If you have any suggestions, comments or want to share news please send an email to internal@ead.gov.ae
