Hamdan bin Zayed issues a resolution on the policy of protected areas in Abu Dhabi

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), has issued Resolution No. (3) of 2023 on the policy of protected areas in Abu Dhabi, in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and in alignment with 2023 being declared the UAE’s Year of Sustainability.

Abu Dhabi is a leader on the federal and regional levels in terms of establishing and managing natural reserves, which are the most effective tool for protecting biodiversity. The marine reserves in the emirate form 14 per cent of the total marine biome, while the terrestrial reserves make up 17 per cent of the total land area. The established protected natural reserves are forming the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network.

The resolution stipulates the issuance of a policy for protected areas in Abu Dhabi, provided that EAD, in coordination with relevant authorities, follows up and implements the policy mechanisms according to its timeline.

Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said: “The issuance of the protected areas’ policy in Abu Dhabi is a first in the UAE, and aims to strengthen and expand the network of protected areas in the emirate to keep pace with the rapid urbanisation and development efforts, climate change, and the increasing pressures and demand for natural resource and sustainable development.”

Her Excellency said that the issuance of the policy this year is an important step towards implementing the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for environmental sustainability and the protection of natural resources by ensuring the preservation of its biodiversity, important habitats and vital species, and through regulating the use of protected areas and ensure their integration in development plans.

EAD Completes Measurements of the City Biodiversity Index

As part of efforts to measure its success in preserving biodiversity, EAD has completed the measurement process for the City Biodiversity Index in Abu Dhabi City. The index is a self-assessment tool for cities around the world to measure and monitor conservation progress, and a valuable way to spread awareness among people on the importance of protecting biodiversity and ecosystems.

The index, also known as the Singapore Cities Biodiversity Index, aims to help cities achieve sustainable development, with biodiversity and people growing and thriving in harmony, while addressing the risks of biodiversity loss and the impacts of climate change, based on best scientific practices made available over the past decade.

The index also aims to help cities achieve sustainable environment, enhance biological capacity sufficiently to address any environmental violations, as well as help guide local, national and regional government agencies on measuring biodiversity, the health of the ecosystem, and the success of management practices.

Importance of the index for Abu Dhabi city :

1.Of the 39 cities participating in the City Biodiversity Index, Abu Dhabi is the first in the GCC and wider Middle East to take part.

2.Abu Dhabi’s score of 86 out of 100 ranks highly in comparison to other cities

3.The high score reflects Abu Dhabi’s efforts in preserving biodiversity and sustainable development approach.

EAD and Miral Sign MoU to enhance marine conservation and research through Yas SeaWorld® Research & Rescue Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

EAD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Miral to collaborate with Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue on marine conservation, research initiatives and marine wildlife rescue efforts in the region. The largest dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center in the region, Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue serves as an integrated and advanced marine science knowledge hub and a key contributor to marine life conservation in the UAE and the wider region.

Through this partnership, EAD and Miral, through Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue will collaborate across multiple areas including response to marine wildlife incidents and rescues and the rehabilitation of rescued marine animals and the safe return to their natural habitat. The two partners will also work closely to enhance education around marine life conservation through capacity building as well as outreach programs aimed at the general public. The center, located adjacent to the upcoming Marine-Life Theme Park SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, joins a network of three facilities established across the US and aims to build on SeaWorld’s legacy of almost 60 years of marine animal care, rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation with over 40,000 rescues to date.

Abu Dhabi First City in the Region to Complete Assessment of Ecosystems as per IUCN’s Standards

EAD has successfully completed its assessment of Abu Dhabi’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The Abu Dhabi Red List of Ecosystems, part of EAD’s Abu Dhabi Assessment Project, is the first such assessment of ecosystems in the region.

Commenting on the Abu Dhabi Red List of Ecosystems, Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD said: “Abu Dhabi’s diverse species and ecosystems are exposed to several threats, including development, pollution, and climate change. The Abu Dhabi Red List of Ecosystems will shape understanding around the risks facing each ecosystem, enabling the Agency to effectively establish a representative network of protected areas. The list is not only the first in the region, but is also the first of its kind to include desert ecosystems and apply the assessment criteria to human-made ecosystems.”

In Partnership with the EAD,

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals Hosts Three-Day Dugong Conservation Workshop, Attended by Regional Research Partners and International Experts

In partnership with EAD, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Office – Abu Dhabi has concluded a three-day workshop on dugong and science and management in the Arabian Gulf region.

The workshop brought together experts and stakeholders from across the region to discuss the current status of the Arabian Gulf dugong population, to develop strategies for regional collaboration and gain knowledge on new technology and research methodologies.

H.E. Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, SG of EAD opened the workshop with remarks highlighting the importance of dugong conservation in the region, She added: “The dugong population in the Arabian Gulf is the world’s second most important after Australia, with the UAE’s waters home to 3,000 dugongs. Our wise and visionary leadership have always recognised the importance of dugongs and that is why we are proud to have hosted the CMS Dugong Secretariat since 2007. We have also progressed over the years to using technology and innovative methods to help us study dugongs to get a better understanding of their characteristics and unique habits. We are now in the age of artificial intelligence and learning new methods for conducting aerial studies, tracking and monitoring dugongs.”

The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group Organised a Hiwar Session on the “Journey to Dubai – the Road to COP28”

The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group (ADSG), with the support of EAD held a knowledge sharing session on the ‘Journey to Dubai – the Road to COP28’.

The session was held in Abu Dhabi and saw members and stakeholders of the Group reconvene in person for the first time in three years, to share best practice and thought leadership on the latest innovations and practical toolkits to drive decarbonization efforts. The aim of the session was to define what are the practical and immediate actions that need to be taken to keep the goals of the Paris Agreement of delivering 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach.

Along with setting the scene in the run up to COP28 as well as the aims and vision of the Emirates, this event was headlined by a dynamic panel of experts who discussed how to harness nature-based solutions to solve the climate and biodiversity loss crisis as well as explore how the private sector and businesses can shift from being part of the problem into leading solutions and solving this global challenge.

EAD Experts participated in Interactive session in cooperation with “Majalis Abu Dhabi”

Under the title “Water Resources in Abu Dhabi – Challenges and the Future ”

EAD experts, Dr. Mohamed Dawoud and expert Khalid Al Hajeri joined an interactive session in cooperation with Majalis Abu Dhabi, under the title “Water Resources in Abu Dhabi – Challenges and the Future ” with an aim of raising awareness of the challenges facing groundwater in the emirate, in addition to highlighting EAD’s efforts made to reach net zero on our #PathwaytoCOP28