Latest news with #EnvironmentAgency–AbuDhabi
Mid East Info
4 hours ago
- 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
14 hours ago
- 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.
Al Etihad
a day ago
- General
- Al Etihad
EAD showcases Abu Dhabi's marine conservation leadership at UN sustainable development forum
22 July 2025 13:08 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has showcased Abu Dhabi's global leadership in marine conservation and sustainability at the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), as part of the UAE's official delegation. Held at the UN headquarters in New York from July 14-23, the HLPF is a central platform for reviewing the progress of the 2030 collaboration with the UAE Government Experience Exchange Office (GEEO), and the UAE SDG Secretariat, Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD and Vice Chair of the Global Council on SDG14, participated in a series of high-level sessions advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on SDG 14: Life Below Water. Her participation reflects the UAE's commitment in accelerating the 2030 SDGs and its role in building global consensus on sustainable development to enhance global stability and Excellency Dr Al Dhaheri attended the official opening of the UAE exhibition, which spotlighted the country's progress across priority SDGs. She presented Abu Dhabi's contributions in marine habitat restoration and environmental innovation, including its leadership in global platforms such as the Mangrove Alliance for Climate and the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress taking place in Abu Dhabi in October the official SDG14 plenary session, Her Excellency Dr Al Dhaheri delivered a keynote statement, outlining Abu Dhabi's transformative achievements in marine conservation, blue carbon innovation, and sustainable fisheries Excellency said: 'In the UAE, we have made SDG14 a national priority – a commitment grounded in science, backed by policy, and enabled by finance. Abu Dhabi serves as a prime example of what's possible. We are restoring critical blue carbon ecosystems, from mangroves to seagrass meadows, and we've launched the world's largest coral rehabilitation initiative, targeting over four million coral colonies by 2030.'Dr Al Dhaheri also highlighted Abu Dhabi's marine biodiversity efforts, including safeguarding the world's second-largest dugong population of 3,500 individuals, monitoring over 7,900 sea turtles, and deploying environmental DNA and AI-powered tools to map species health. She also highlighted the emirate's success in raising the Sustainable Exploitation Index from 8.9 per cent in 2018 to 97.4 per cent by the end of 2024 – a result of data-driven fisheries management and policy the UAE-led ministerial roundtable, Scaling What Works, she joined global leaders to showcase tested SDG interventions. During the session, His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah, Chairman of the UAE National Committee on SDGs and Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange, launched the 2025 edition of the SDGs 2045 Excellency said: 'The UAE is championing a forward-looking vision through the proposed SDGs 2045, reflecting our commitment to long-term sustainable development. Aligned with the UN's Pact for the Future, the framework highlights the UAE as a co-creator of innovative solutions to global challenges. "Through platforms like the HLPF and the World Government Summit's SDGs in Action Forum, the UAE continues to convene international thought leaders to shape inclusive, resilient, and adaptable development pathways.' During the Rapid-Fire Solutions Showcase roundtable, Her Excellency Dr Al Dhaheri expanded on Abu Dhabi's integrated approach to marine sustainability. She said: 'Restoring our oceans is about more than science or finance. It's about political will, and Abu Dhabi's experience demonstrates what can be achieved through local leadership, regulatory courage, and long-term investment. To truly scale what works, we must fund what works and replicate it through inclusive global partnerships that cross borders, sectors, and generations.'Her Excellency chaired the SDG14 Ministerial Roundtable during the GEEP Global Retreat, hosted at the UAE Mission to the UN. His Excellency Lootah delivered the keynote address, reinforcing the UAE's role in global session focused on the theme Sustainable Environment, bringing together high-level representatives from partner countries, UN agencies, and academic institutions. In her opening remarks, Her Excellency Dr Al Dhaheri stressed the need for international collaboration and inclusive marine governance to tackle the challenges facing the world's said: 'While SDG14 remains one of the most underachieved global goals, we've seen powerful examples that prove progress is possible when science, policy and partnerships align. She also presented key findings from Abu Dhabi's 2022 Jaywun Expedition, which mapped microplastic presence across 25 countries and eight marine ecosystems. She also highlighted data from EAD's Fisheries Resource Assessment Surveys and genomic research on key commercial Excellency concluded by citing success stories including the rehabilitation of 4 million coral colonies and the return of rare fish species like the white-spotted grouper, reinforcing the role of science and community engagement in building resilient marine said: 'Abu Dhabi's experience offers a blueprint, demonstrating that reversing decades of marine degradation is possible with evidence-based policies, inclusive regulation and shared accountability. Let us act with the urgency our oceans demand. Abu Dhabi is ready to lead, collaborate, and inspire a new era of ocean recovery – because when the ocean thrives, so does life.'Dr Al Dhaheri also participated in bilateral meetings, joining fellow delegates at the UAE Cultural Night, and engaging with representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to explore collaborative action on sustainable food systems and biodiversity, and with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to discuss urban environmental resilience and pollution HLPF 2025 concluded with a renewed commitment to accelerate SDGs before 2030, reaffirming EAD's role in global environmental leadership and continued commitment toward advancing SDG14 through knowledge exchange, sustainable finance and marine innovation. As the UAE prepares to host the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi later this year, EAD's presence at HLPF 2025 marks a critical milestone in positioning the emirate as a global hub for environmental leadership, nature-based solutions, and sustainability diplomacy.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Hamdan bin Zayed visits 21st Liwa Date Festival
19 July 2025 19:40 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), has visited the 21st Liwa Date Festival, organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and underway in Al Dhafra Region until July 27, 2025. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the festival affirms the UAE leadership's commitment to preserving national heritage and supporting related sectors. Read more: #AletihadNewsCenter #UAE #AbuDhabi @Turathuna_ae — Aletihad English (@AletihadEn) July 19, 2025 His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed highlighted the continued support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan toward efforts that safeguard Emirati culture and promote agricultural the visit, His Highness praised the festival's role in showcasing the cultural and agricultural significance of the palm tree as a symbol of national identity and in supporting local communities in Abu Dhabi, in line with the aspirations of the UAE Year of Highness underscored the festival's importance in empowering the local community, supporting farmers, and encouraging the cultivation of palm trees as a pillar of food security, and a key component of the UAE's heritage. He also commended the active participation of government and private entities, producers, manufacturers, and traditional craftswomen, highlighting Emirati traditions and promoting palm-related Highness toured the festival pavilions, reviewed entries in various competitions, met with judging committees for both the date and fruit competitions, and visited sections featuring heritage crafts, palm saplings, agricultural tools, a fresh dates market, the traditional souq, and displays from government and private sector organisations. His Highness was accompanied during the visit by His Excellency Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority; His Excellency Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ruler's Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region; His Excellency Abdullah Mubarak Al Muhairi, Acting Director General of the Authority; His Excellency Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Festivals and Events Sector at the authority; and a number of officials.
Al Etihad
13-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Hamdan bin Zayed visits Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi and praises its efforts to enhance Abu Dhabi's global leadership in fisheries sustainability
13 July 2025 13:17 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), commended the unwavering support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the Highness affirmed that this steadfast backing has enabled the agency to achieve remarkable progress through a diverse portfolio of strategic projects and initiatives, all aligned with its vision to conserve fish stocks and ensure their sustainability for future came during His Highness's visit to the headquarters of EAD, in the presence of Sheikh Hazza bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of EAD, His Excellency Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ruler's Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region and Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan commended the pioneering achievement of EAD in raising the sustainable fishing index from 8.9 percent in 2018 to 97.4 percent by the end of 2024. This places Abu Dhabi first globally in this index, as EAD has implemented comprehensive, globally informed measures and procedures for sustainable recovery of fish stocks. Key actions include regulating fishing activities through the adoption of sustainable gear, managing recreational fishing, and establishing six marine reserves within the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network to oversee and control fishing has also advanced the sustainable aquaculture sector in Abu Dhabi. To further enhance fish stocks, the agency has undertaken coral reef restoration and installed artificial structures as part of the Abu Dhabi Coral Gardens EAD team also presented the Dalma Fish Project to His Highness, an initiative that cultivates local fish in marine cages and stands as the first in the Middle East to integrate artificial intelligence into aquaculture practices. During the presentation, the team highlighted several of the agency's most innovative initiatives, including the use of AI in fisheries management, which is the first-of- its-kind globally. This technology enables the identification of fish species and the estimation of their size and weight, contributing to more effective data collection and the sustainable development of the fisheries Highness concluded the visit by praising EAD's ambitious developmental vision and its unwavering commitment to advancing environmental sustainability across the emirate. His Highness highlighted the agency's impactful policies, continuous pursuit of innovation, and strong engagement with partners, fishermen, and community members as key drivers in achieving the emirate's objectives, particularly the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.
