Latest news with #EnvironmentAgencyAbuDhabi
The National
12 hours ago
- Science
- The National
Abu Dhabi launches 25-year climate action plan in 'defining moment' for emirate
Abu Dhabi on Wednesday set out a 25-year action plan to address the growing threat of climate change and protect the emirate's precious natural resources for future generations. The comprehensive strategy, announced by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, will focus on bolstering the "highly vulnerable" environmental systems of groundwater, soil and biodiversity, which are viewed as critical to human health, water security and agricultural productivity. The Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector (2025–2050) assesses a wide variety of climate-related risks and outlines 142 strategies to be adapted by 2050, including 86 to be introduced in the next five years. '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," said Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary general of the agency. "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 road map that will enhance the resilience of our natural resources, safeguard biodiversity and thrives to ensure water and food security.' The green drive will seek to boost national efforts to improve food self-sufficiency, support a shift towards more sustainable land and water-management systems and enhance the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. 'This plan sets a new benchmark for environmental resilience in the region," said Sheikha Al Mazrouei, executive director of the Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector at the agency. "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." The climate road map was developed by the environment agency with the support of more than 40 government, semi-government, academic and civil society organisations as well as youth representatives. The long-term plan will be subject to regular review and incorporate new scientific findings when necessary. It is one of four projects being introduced under an emirate-wide adaptation strategy. Future plans will seek to address the energy, health and infrastructure sectors. Building a greener future Abu Dhabi has been at the heart of a national push to enhance climate resiliency and ensure nature is protected from the worst effects of climate change. In May, Abu Dhabi announced an ambitious plan to plant millions of coral colonies by 2030. The project aims to cover more than 900 hectares, making it the world's largest coral rehabilitation project, state news agency Wam reported. The environment agency also launched the Abu Dhabi Coral Garden in May, which involves the installation of 40,000 eco-friendly artificial corals of various designs and sizes. It aims to support the growth of marine organisms across 1,200 square kilometres of coastal and deep-sea areas. In May 2024, the agency issued directives to improve air quality, reduce noise pollution and hold industries to account for their impact on the environment. The resolution called for all businesses and establishments that need environmental licences to carry out operations to be required to commit to supporting efforts to provide cleaner air. The agency has pledged to monitor and evaluate ambient air quality through a comprehensive environmental monitoring network. It will periodically assess air pollutant levels to ensure they do not exceed maximum limits. Abu Dhabi introduced a single-use plastic ban on June 1, 2022, as part of a major push to protect the environment and reduce pollution in the sea. The campaign has generated significant dividends, with an estimated 360 million plastic bags taken out of circulation by the end of 2024.
Al Etihad
16-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi's marine conservation success: How EAD reversed overfishing trends, hit 97.4% sustainability score
17 June 2025 00:15 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi recently marked a key milestone in marine conservation, achieving a near-perfect fish stock score - a feat that demonstrated how strategic efforts and a deep respect for natural heritage can help secure a sustainable future for generations, the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi has said. Nearly all of the emirate's fish stocks are now being harvested at sustainable levels, according to the latest Sustainable Fisheries Index. The EAD managed to lift the emirate's score from just 8.9% in 2018 to a remarkable 97.4% in 2024. This milestone is not just about numbers - it "reflects healthier ecosystems, greater marine biodiversity, and a strong recovery from previous overfishing trends, ensuring that marine resources remain productive and resilient for future generations", the EAD said in a statement to Aletihad. "Abu Dhabi showcases how science-based policies, strong enforcement, and community engagement can achieve tangible conservation success," it a near-perfect Sustainable Fisheries Index score aligns with the emirate's broader strategy of balancing ecological preservation with economic resilience. It directly supports the goals of the UAE National Framework Statement for Sustainable Fisheries (2019–2030) and reinforces the emirate's commitment to becoming a global leader in sustainable development and marine innovation. Strategic StepsCentral to this achievement are EAD's science-backed management strategies, including: seasonal bans during fish spawning periods; imposing minimum size limits to protect juvenile fish; promoting the use of sustainable fishing gear; establishing marine protected areas; and using AI-driven systems for monitoring and data collection. These steps have reduced overfishing pressures, allowed fish populations to regenerate, and enhanced the resilience of marine regulatory updates have also been rolled out for both commercial and recreational fishing fishers now operate under seasonal closures for vulnerable species such as hamour, shaari, and farsh, along with strict gear and size regulations. Recreational fishers must comply with daily catch limits, licensing requirements, and species protection rules."These interventions ensure sustainability while allowing continued access to the resource," the EAD education campaigns have further encouraged responsible fishing practices, emphasising the shared responsibility of conserving the sea's the heart of Abu Dhabi's conservation strategy is the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network, comprising six marine reserves where human activity is either banned or tightly controlled. These reserves serve as critical refuges and nurseries for marine species, while also functioning as natural laboratories for long-term ecological research."By protecting key habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, the network helps restore balance to the wider marine environment," the EAD like the Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens project are also key contributors to fish stock recovery. Through coral culture and the deployment of artificial reefs, these efforts recreate vital underwater habitats for feeding, breeding, and sheltering marine life - supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health in the face of climate stressors, the authority discovery and registration of rare and previously undocumented species-such as the white-spotted grouper, Nuaimi, and Ghazala-indicate significant ecological improvement. These discoveries provide new data for researchers and validate the efficacy of ongoing conservation measures. Abu Dhabi's marine conservation journey offers a replicable model for other coastal cities facing similar environmental challenges. By setting measurable goals, integrating real-time data, and investing in restoration and enforcement, the emirate demonstrates how conservation and development can coexist, the EAD said. Source: AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI
The National
10-06-2025
- General
- The National
First recorded sighting of fish species in Abu Dhabi hailed as 'biodiversity milestone'
Abu Dhabi environment chiefs have hailed the first recorded sighting of a white-spotted grouper fish in the emirate's waters as a 'major biodiversity milestone'. The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi captured the species on camera in September. The fish is not considered critically endangered globally but its presence in Abu Dhabi waters is rare and was previously undocumented. It is now registered on the international FishBase database, a global biodiversity information system, with Abu Dhabi as a recorded location, marking a first for the region. 'The first recorded presence of the white-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus) is a major biodiversity milestone,' the EAD told The National on Tuesday. 'It indicates either improved habitat conditions or previously unrecorded distribution, both of which are valuable indicators of ecosystem resilience and monitoring effectiveness. 'This is the first confirmed record in the emirate, making it an important new addition to the UAE's marine species inventory.' Groupers are a diverse group of fish and often loosely referred to in the Middle East as hammour. The white-spotted grouper can be found across the Indo Pacific region. It is generally found in rocky areas, or near where coral is growing in chiefly shallow waters. It can grow up to more than 70cm. The sighting is not the only boost for Abu Dhabi's waters over the past few months. The EAD also said 55 nuaimi fish, a species rarely sighted in recent years, were also landed in the emirate's waters recently. Crucial discovery 'This is very significant as the landing of 55 nuaimi fish (Pinjalo Pinjalo) a species previously seen in very low numbers, suggests that fish populations are beginning to recover in healthier marine environments.' Additional sightings have also been made recently of rare species such as the large-scaled triggerfish and the spotted oceanic triggerfish. The sightings came as the EAD also reported an increase in the 'sustainable fisheries index', which measures how healthy fish populations are and how well fishing practices are helping them stay that way. It reached 97.4 per cent by the end of last year – up from just 8.9 per cent in 2018. The EAD said this means nearly all of the 'assessed fish stocks in Abu Dhabi are now being fished at sustainable levels'. 'In other words, they are no longer being overfished and have a good chance to recover naturally,' the EAD said. 'This is a major improvement from 2018, when only 8.9 per cent of stocks were within safe limits.' The development comes as Abu Dhabi continues its efforts to bolster sustainability of the emirate's seas and indicate healthier marine ecosystems as the world marked World Oceans Day on Sunday. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and chairman of the EAD, said the achievement in the fisheries index reflected Abu Dhabi's 'unwavering commitment and the diligent efforts of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi' to safeguard marine resources. 'It reinforces Abu Dhabi's ambitious vision to strike a harmonious balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, serving as a global model for confronting environmental challenges for a prosperous and resilient future,' he said. Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri, secretary general of the EAD, said the significant progress made in the index underlines Abu Dhabi's leadership in environmental conservation. 'We are committed to deploying best-in-class management practices and leveraging scientific capabilities to restore fish populations and protect marine ecosystems,' she said. 'This success affirms the importance of evidence-based policy and global best practices in conserving our natural heritage for future generations.' 'By combining policy enforcement, protected areas, habitat restoration, and community engagement, the emirate is positioning itself as a regional and global model for sustainable marine management,' the EAD said. The EAD also said the findings were a 'success story' and part of a broader long-term, science-driven strategy by the EAD to protect and restore marine life in Abu Dhabi. 'By combining policy enforcement, protected areas, habitat restoration, and community engagement, the emirate is positioning itself as a regional and global model for sustainable marine management.' The health of the world's seas are in sharp focus this week as nations meet in France at the UN Ocean Conference. The gathering seeks to build momentum and money for marine conservation despite the world's seas being affected by pollution, mining, overfishing and other issues. At home, authorities have made concerted efforts over the past few years to ensure the recovery of fish stocks and put the emirate on a path to sustainability. These measures include regulating commercial fishing activities through sustainable methods, as well as implementing new regulations for recreational fishing. There are six marine reserves in Abu Dhabi, for example. In 2019 gargoor, traditional metal dome-shaped traps used by fishermen, were banned in Abu Dhabi following a study that showed declines in hammour and farsh. These efforts have continued since. The EAD in May unveiled a plan to plant millions of coral colonies by 2030. The project builds on the success of restoring one million coral colonies since 2021. Fish numbers and species variety have increased by more than 50 per cent around these areas, the EAD said. The EAD also launched the ' Abu Dhabi Coral Garden ' initiative the same month. It plans to create 'gardens' by installing 40,000 eco-friendly artificial corals of various designs and sizes.
Al Etihad
28-05-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
UAE's dugong ambassador participates in vital marine research at SeaWorld
28 May 2025 23:42 AYSHA SHAAYA (ABU DHABI)On May 28, World Dugong Day, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi shone the spotlight on Malquot, a gentle but curious male dugong and an ambassador of his alone and in poor health in the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve in 2019 when he was just a week old and with no mother in sight, he was rescued and brought into the care of specialists; he was given the name Malquot, meaning "one who was lost and then found."Six years later, the marine mammal is in a healthy condition, thriving under the expert supervision and support received at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi."One of the main drivers for us to do the Abu Dhabi Ocean Realm here at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi was to highlight him and build a habitat that represented his natural environment so he could thrive," explained Rob Yordi, General Curator at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue now resides in the Abu Dhabi Ocean Realm at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, a habitat designed to mirror the warm, shallow waters of Abu Dhabi, which is home to the second largest concentration of dugongs in the world, with around 3000 dugongs in the enjoys the companionship of other sea creatures and is delighted by the many faces of visitors who come to greet him and share the unique experience of feeding one of a few dugongs in human care globally, Malquot has "volunteered" to be part of a groundbreaking research in partnership with the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD)."All of our animals in SeaWorld, we consider that they have choice and control. So, we always ask him if he would like to participate in his own research to study him. He's smart and intuitive. He loves his training sessions and always challenges his trainers," added contribution to the research could help ensure the future of his species, as dugongs face threats in the wild, from degradation and marine traffic to entanglement in the nets of the fishers. James Cook University of Australia is participating in a research programme, in collaboration with SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, in a bid to understand the creature's behaviour, habits and needs, and Malquot is only too ready and willing to join the team for this new study.
The National
28-05-2025
- Health
- The National
Inside the UAE's plant biobank: the green heart of conservation in the desert
Tucked away on the outskirts of Al Ain, scientists at the UAE's Plant Genetic Resource Centre – part seed vault, part futuristic lab – are working to safeguard the botanical future of a nation better known for its desert sands than its native flora. The centre, run by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, is not just a storehouse of seeds, but a living archive of the UAE's natural resilience. "We have more than 600 native species of plants in the UAE," said Salama Al Mansoori, a specialist in plant preservation at the facility. "What makes our work unique is the integration of traditional conservation methods with cutting-edge technologies preserving DNA, tissue, live plants and seeds under one roof." From the outside, the building is striking in its circular-design, inspired by the national Ghaf tree – with curved outer walls patterned to mimic the veins of a leaf. The structure is made using natural terracotta to maintain coolness, with solar panels integrated into infrastructure to generate a quarter of the centre's electricity. But it's inside that the UAE's most ambitious efforts to conserve plant life are quietly blooming. The centre, which opened in March 2024, is the first of its kind in the country, designed to biobank plant species from across the Emirates using a mix of traditional and state-of-the-art techniques. Freezing the future This facility plays a vital role in conserving the seeds and genetic material of native and cultivated plants, ensuring the UAE's agricultural resilience in the face of climate change, as researchers gather samples of local plants from different locations to understand how they are adapting to environmental factors. To archive and preserve findings – plant seeds and tissue samples are stored in optimal conditions. "Welcome to the Arctic," said Mohammed Khalaf Obaid Hayez, whose title is specialist in terrestrial protected areas management, as he opened the doors to the freezer section, where the temperature of -20°C can keep the specimens viable for up to 100 years. "Some plants don't produce seeds, or only reproduce through rhizomes (underground stems)," Ms Al Mansoori said. "So we also use tissue culturing, cryopreservation, and even 3D imaging to document and protect them." The centre's approach is holistic, bringing together scientific research, public education and global environmental commitments. It operates in line with the international conservation treaties and provides critical plant materials for researchers across the UAE and beyond. "It's not just about storage," Ms Al Mansoori said. "It's about understanding our local plant biodiversity." Decoding the blueprint of local plants The team at the centre have been working to map the genome sequencing of local plants. So far, 12 species have been mapped. This initiative aims to decode the genetic blueprints of the UAE's more ecologically significant plant species. The first phase of the project focused on six native species renowned for their adaptability to harsh environments, such as local mangroves vital for coastal protection, and the dwarf palm, which is heat resistant and water efficient. The project's second phase has just been completed, targeting species with high ecological value and potential for climate resilience and land restoration such as "Orchradenus arabicus" – a salt tolerant plant ideal for degraded land restoration and pollinator support and "Halophila stipulacea" a species of seagrass that stat stabilises sediment and supports marine life. "By decoding their genetic traits, we can identify the most resilient populations for future propagation, support reforestation and rehabilitation programmes, and enhance biodiversity monitoring," she said. A first for Fungai in the UAE Earlier this month the centre launched the UAE's first fungarium. Creating a repository to archive and assess local mushrooms and fungi. So far 10 mushroom species have been documented at the lab, with a new species being noted in the UAE for the first time. The new species of note is the Ganoderma colossus, usually found in Central and South America, and equatorial Africa. Ms Al Mansoori said understanding local mycelium networks could hold the key to understanding potential impacts on local crops, or even hold the key to new medical advancements. International reach, local roots The centre is looking to expand its academic footprint – with a one week "hands on" academic programme set to launch for students from the age of 15. "They will do two functions, mainly going to sort the seeds and the herbarium, and some work in the glass house," said Ms Al Mansoori. This, she hopes will help the next generation to form a connection with local plants and the environment.
