Latest news with #AbuDhabiClimateChangeStrategy
Mid East Info
23-07-2025
- Science
- Mid East Info
Abu Dhabi Delivers Landmark Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector, Cementing Its Global Position
In a major step toward climate resilience, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi EAD today launched the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector 2025–2050 – a comprehensive and science-based roadmap designed to protect the emirate's natural resources and systems from the increasing and inevitable impacts of climate change. This pioneering plan – the emirate's first – was created as part of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy 2023–2027The plan is also aligned with the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050 and the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience, established at COP28, which provides time-bound targets for adaptation planning across key sectors. Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said: 'The launch of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the environment sector marks a defining moment for the environmental future of the emirate. We are moving beyond foresight to decisive actions, preparing for climate realities with unwavering commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage. This plan is a science-backed, action-oriented roadmap that will enhance the resilience of our natural resources, safeguard biodiversity and thrives to ensure water and food security.' She added: 'This achievement reflects our commitment to foreseeing a future based on adaptation to current and future climate impacts. It strengthens our efforts to achieve the UAE's national climate objectives and Sustainable Development Goals by reducing environmental vulnerabilities, safeguarding ecosystems. This plan firmly places the emirate at the forefront of adaptation planning in the region.' The Environment Sector Adaptation Plan focuses on three highly vulnerable environmental systems: groundwater, soil and biodiversity. These are critical to Abu Dhabi's human health, long-term water security, agricultural productivity and overall ecosystem health. Through robust risk assessments the plan identifies a wide array of climate-induced threats and outlines 142 adaptation actions to be implemented by 2050, including 86 high-priority projects identified for implementation over the next five years. These actions span a range of technical, institutional and nature-based solutions. Over the long term, the plan supports Abu Dhabi's strategic ambition to preserve and enhance its natural capital. It contributes to national efforts to increase food self-sufficiency, effect a shift toward more sustainable land and water management systems and enhance the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. These efforts not only mitigate future environmental and economic risks but also contribute to the emirate's social and ecological stability. Sheikha Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector stated: 'This plan sets a new benchmark for environmental resilience in the region. It offers a clear, science-based pathway to safeguard Abu Dhabi's natural assets from the accelerating impacts of climate change. Designed to be adaptive and forward-looking, it integrates the latest data, evolving climate projections, and policy alignment to ensure our responses remain effective over time. As part of a broader national and emirate-wide strategy, it reinforces our long-term vision to protect ecosystems, sustain natural resources, and secure the well-being of future generations.' The development of the plan was a collaborative process, led by EAD and involved more than 40 government, semi-government, academic, civil society entities and youth. The plan is designed to be dynamic and forward-looking, with built-in mechanisms for periodic review, stakeholder engagement and integration of new scientific findings and climate projections. Alongside the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050, it also complements the National Biodiversity Strategy and other international commitments. The Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan – Environment Sector is one of four sectoral plans being rolled out under a broader emirate-wide adaptation strategy. Upcoming plans will address the energy, health and infrastructure sectors, together forming a unified framework that ensures the resilience of Abu Dhabi's critical systems and communities. About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi EAD: Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi EAD is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda.
Al Etihad
23-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi launches Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector 2025-2050
23 July 2025 11:18 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector (2025–2050) – a comprehensive and science-based roadmap designed to protect the emirate's natural resources and systems from the increasing and inevitable impacts of climate plan, the emirate's first, was created as part of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy 2023–2027, and is aligned with the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050 and the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience, established at COP28, which provides time-bound targets for adaptation planning across key General of EAD, Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, said, 'The launch of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the environment sector marks a defining moment for the environmental future of the emirate. We are moving beyond foresight to decisive actions, preparing for climate realities with an unwavering commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage. This plan is a science-backed, action-oriented roadmap that will enhance the resilience of our natural resources, safeguard biodiversity and thrives to ensure water and food security.''This achievement reflects our commitment to foreseeing a future based on adaptation to current and future climate impacts. It strengthens our efforts to achieve the UAE's national climate objectives and Sustainable Development Goals by reducing environmental vulnerabilities and safeguarding ecosystems. This plan firmly places the emirate at the forefront of adaptation planning in the region.'The Environment Sector Adaptation Plan focuses on three highly vulnerable environmental systems: groundwater, soil, and biodiversity. These are critical to Abu Dhabi's human health, long-term water security, agricultural productivity, and overall ecosystem robust risk assessments, the plan identifies a wide array of climate-induced threats and outlines 142 adaptation actions to be implemented by 2050, including 86 high-priority projects identified for implementation over the next five actions span a range of technical, institutional, and nature-based the long term, the plan supports Abu Dhabi's strategic ambition to preserve and enhance its natural resources. It contributes to national efforts to increase food self-sufficiency, effect a shift toward more sustainable land and water management systems, and enhance the conservation of biodiversity and efforts not only mitigate future environmental and economic risks, but also contribute to the emirate's social and ecological Director of the Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector at EAD, Sheikha Al Mazrouei, said, 'This plan sets a new benchmark for environmental resilience in the region. It offers a clear, science-based pathway to safeguard Abu Dhabi's natural assets from the accelerating impacts of climate change. Designed to be adaptive and forward-looking, it integrates the latest data, evolving climate projections, and policy alignment to ensure our responses remain effective over time. As part of a broader national and emirate-wide strategy, it reinforces our long-term vision to protect ecosystems, sustain natural resources, and secure the well-being of future generations.'The development of the plan was a collaborative process, led by EAD, and involved more than 40 government, semi-government, academic, and civil society and youth entities. The plan is designed to be dynamic and forward-looking, with built-in mechanisms for periodic review, stakeholder engagement, and integration of new scientific findings and climate projections. Alongside the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017-2050, it also complements the National Biodiversity Strategy and other international Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector (2025–2050) is one of four sectoral plans being rolled out under a broader emirate-wide adaptation strategy. Upcoming plans will address the energy, health, and infrastructure sectors, which together will form a unified framework that ensures the resilience of Abu Dhabi's critical systems and communities.
Mid East Info
22-04-2025
- Science
- Mid East Info
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi launches first-of-its-kind project in Gulf Region to survey, evaluate and restore traditional oyster habitats
As part of its efforts to preserve marine habitats and ecosystems and protect cultural heritage, and within the framework of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched a project to survey, evaluate, and restore traditional oyster habitats in the emirate. The project, which is the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf region, aims to reduce the effects of climate change and improve seawater quality by expanding the area of oyster habitats that help to absorb and store carbon dioxide from seawater during shell formation. The project also seeks to enhance the marine environment and biodiversity, as well as preserve the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi. EAD's database will be enhanced via a comprehensive survey and assessment of traditional oyster beds to create a modern interactive digital map. The project also aims to increase environmental awareness about the importance of protecting and restoring marine habitats by involving school students under the Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI) to assemble the artificial reefs. The new initiative represents a step toward strengthening the emirate's leadership related to studies and research regarding the restoration of oyster habitats and associated ecosystems. In the project's first phase, which focused on collecting data on traditional pearl diving sites, EAD was able to identify 335 diving sites using multiple scientific sources, including maps, historical books, and the agency's database, as well as consultations with traditional fishermen in the emirate. After completing the survey of the identified sites and assessing the status of their oysters, the EAD will begin formulating a plan to restore the degraded sites and design rigs using oyster shells produced at the Abu Dhabi Pearl Centre in the Mirfa area, while developing an updated digital map of the current oyster habitats in the emirate. In the second phase of the project, EAD completed evaluation of 150 traditional beds out of 335, discovered 200 new oyster habitats and developed a plan to restore affected beds. Among the assessed sites, the agency selected Umm Al Salsal, a degraded traditional diving site near the eastern side of Marawah Island, for oyster restoration efforts. As part of the oyster restoration plan, EAD designed, developed, and installed 64 differently shaped structures at Umm Al Salsal. Around 30 students from Al Marfa schools participating in the SSI helped assemble the structures made from sustainable materials, including oyster shells from the Abu Dhabi Pearl Centre. A monitoring plan is currently underway to assess the progress and success of the selected site for restoration. Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said: 'Before the advent of cultured pearls and the discovery of oil, the Arabian Gulf was a major centre for the pearl trade, famous for producing the finest, world-renowned pearls. Diving was not only a profession or a means of livelihood, but also an integrated social system that had a profound impact on the region's culture and traditions. However, this industry required the extraction of thousands of oysters to obtain a few precious gems. Today, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi seeks to revive this rich cultural heritage in a modern and sustainable way by supporting and adopting pearl farming practices. 'We are keen to expand aquaculture activities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and, through the pearl oyster restoration project, we seek to benefit from its great benefits, such as enhancing biodiversity, supporting various marine species, and improving the health of the ecosystem in general. In addition, pearl oysters have historical and cultural significance to Abu Dhabi and their restoration enhances this connection. Pearl oysters also contribute to water purification and help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems, which directly impacts environmental sustainability,' he added. The EAD's future plans for the Pearl Oyster Restoration Project include a wide range of environmental, and community initiatives and will see a gradual expansion of restoration sites as initial efforts demonstrate success – identifying additional suitable sites and increasing the number of oysters being cultured and rehabilitated. In the long term, these efforts may stimulate investment in scientific research to develop more efficient and effective restoration techniques, which may include genetic studies of pearl oysters, advanced breeding programmes, and innovative aquaculture techniques. About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda.
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Science
- Zawya
EAD launches first project in Gulf to survey, evaluate, restore traditional oyster habitats
As part of its efforts to preserve marine habitats and ecosystems and protect cultural heritage, and within the framework of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched a project to survey, evaluate, and restore traditional oyster habitats in the emirate. The project, which is the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf region, aims to reduce the effects of climate change and improve seawater quality by expanding the area of oyster habitats that help to absorb and store carbon dioxide from seawater during shell formation. The project also seeks to enhance the marine environment and biodiversity, as well as preserve the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi. EAD's database will be enhanced via a comprehensive survey and assessment of traditional oyster beds to create a modern interactive digital map. The project also aims to increase environmental awareness about the importance of protecting and restoring marine habitats by involving school students under the Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI) to assemble the artificial reefs. The new initiative represents a step toward strengthening the emirate's leadership related to studies and research regarding the restoration of oyster habitats and associated ecosystems. In the project's first phase, which focused on collecting data on traditional pearl diving sites, EAD was able to identify 335 diving sites using multiple scientific sources, including maps, historical books, and the agency's database, as well as consultations with traditional fishermen in the emirate. After completing the survey of the identified sites and assessing the status of their oysters, the EAD will begin formulating a plan to restore the degraded sites and design rigs using oyster shells produced at the Abu Dhabi Pearl Centre in the Mirfa area, while developing an updated digital map of the current oyster habitats in the emirate. In the second phase of the project, EAD completed evaluation of 150 traditional beds out of 335, discovered 200 new oyster habitats and developed a plan to restore affected beds. Among the assessed sites, the agency selected Umm Al Salsal, a degraded traditional diving site near the eastern side of Marawah Island, for oyster restoration efforts. As part of the oyster restoration plan, EAD designed, developed, and installed 64 differently shaped structures at Umm Al Salsal. Around 30 students from Al Marfa schools participating in the SSI helped assemble the structures made from sustainable materials, including oyster shells from the Abu Dhabi Pearl Centre. A monitoring plan is currently underway to assess the progress and success of the selected site for restoration. Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said, 'Before the advent of cultured pearls and the discovery of oil, the Arabian Gulf was a major centre for the pearl trade, famous for producing the finest, world-renowned pearls. Diving was not only a profession or a means of livelihood, but also an integrated social system that had a profound impact on the region's culture and traditions. However, this industry required the extraction of thousands of oysters to obtain a few precious gems. Today, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi seeks to revive this rich cultural heritage in a modern and sustainable way by supporting and adopting pearl farming practices. 'We are keen to expand aquaculture activities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and, through the pearl oyster restoration project, we seek to benefit from its great benefits, such as enhancing biodiversity, supporting various marine species, and improving the health of the ecosystem in general. In addition, pearl oysters have historical and cultural significance to Abu Dhabi and their restoration enhances this connection. Pearl oysters also contribute to water purification and help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems, which directly impacts environmental sustainability,' he added. The EAD's future plans for the Pearl Oyster Restoration Project include a wide range of environmental, and community initiatives and will see a gradual expansion of restoration sites as initial efforts demonstrate success – identifying additional suitable sites and increasing the number of oysters being cultured and rehabilitated. In the long term, these efforts may stimulate investment in scientific research to develop more efficient and effective restoration techniques, which may include genetic studies of pearl oysters, advanced breeding programmes, and innovative aquaculture techniques.
Al Etihad
22-04-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi launches first-of-its-kind project in region to survey, evaluate and restore traditional oyster habitats
22 Apr 2025 15:07 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)As part of its efforts to preserve marine habitats and ecosystems and protect cultural heritage, and within the framework of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched a project to survey, evaluate, and restore traditional oyster habitats in the emirate. The project, which is the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf region, aims to reduce the effects of climate change and improve seawater quality by expanding the area of oyster habitats that help to absorb and store carbon dioxide from seawater during shell formation. The project also seeks to enhance the marine environment and biodiversity, as well as preserve the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi. EAD's database will be enhanced via a comprehensive survey and assessment of traditional oyster beds to create a modern interactive digital map. The project also aims to increase environmental awareness about the importance of protecting and restoring marine habitats by involving school students under the Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI) to assemble the artificial new initiative represents a step toward strengthening the emirate's leadership related to studies and research regarding the restoration of oyster habitats and associated the project's first phase, which focused on collecting data on traditional pearl diving sites, EAD was able to identify 335 diving sites using multiple scientific sources, including maps, historical books, and the agency's database, as well as consultations with traditional fishermen in the emirate. After completing the survey of the identified sites and assessing the status of their oysters, the EAD will begin formulating a plan to restore the degraded sites and design rigs using oyster shells produced at the Abu Dhabi Pearl Centre in the Mirfa area, while developing an updated digital map of the current oyster habitats in the the second phase of the project, EAD completed evaluation of 150 traditional beds out of 335, discovered 200 new oyster habitats and developed a plan to restore the affected beds. Among the assessed sites, the agency selected Umm Al Salsal, a degraded traditional diving site near the eastern side of Marawah Island, for oyster restoration part of the oyster restoration plan, EAD designed, developed, and installed 64 differently shaped structures at Umm Al Salsal. Around 30 students from Al Marfa schools participating in the SSI helped assemble the structures made from sustainable materials, including oyster shells from the Abu Dhabi Pearl Centre. A monitoring plan is currently underway to assess the progress and success of the selected site for Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said: 'Before the advent of cultured pearls and the discovery of oil, the Arabian Gulf was a major centre for the pearl trade, famous for producing the finest, world-renowned pearls. Diving was not only a profession or a means of livelihood, but also an integrated social system that had a profound impact on the region's culture and traditions. However, this industry required the extraction of thousands of oysters to obtain a few precious gems. Today, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi seeks to revive this rich cultural heritage in a modern and sustainable way by supporting and adopting pearl farming practices.'We are keen to expand aquaculture activities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and, through the pearl oyster restoration project, we seek to benefit from its great benefits, such as enhancing biodiversity, supporting various marine species, and improving the health of the ecosystem in general. In addition, pearl oysters have historical and cultural significance to Abu Dhabi and their restoration enhances this connection. Pearl oysters also contribute to water purification and help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems, which directly impacts environmental sustainability,' he added. The EAD's future plans for the Pearl Oyster Restoration Project include a wide range of environmental, and community initiatives and will see a gradual expansion of restoration sites as initial efforts demonstrate success – identifying additional suitable sites and increasing the number of oysters being cultured and rehabilitated. In the long term, these efforts may stimulate investment in scientific research to develop more efficient and effective restoration techniques, which may include genetic studies of pearl oysters, advanced breeding programmes, and innovative aquaculture techniques.
