Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is turning heads at this year's Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) with a groundbreaking approach to environmental education, blending nature-based learning with artificial intelligence (AI).Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers' Club, the 21st edition of ADIHEX kicked off on Saturday at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi.
In an interview with Aletihad, Fayeza Alseirai, Section Head – Businesses and Organizations in the Department of Environmental Information, Science, and Outreach Management at EAD highlighted the main two themes featured in the Agency's booth at ADIHEX: nature-based learning and AI.
Central to this innovative approach is an interactive AI tool that creates personalised nature film trailers, offering visitors an engaging and educational experience about Abu Dhabi's rich biodiversity. This tool is part of EAD's broader vision to enhance its Naha platform, a comprehensive digital hub designed to promote sustainability and raise environmental awareness.
The Naha platform, named after the Arabic term for "natural habitat", is a central resource for EAD's environmental outreach programmes. The platform aims to integrate AI over the next three years, eventually becoming fully AI-operated. Features planned for the upgraded Naha platform include a live AI chatbot to answer questions about environmental issues and provide detailed information about EAD's programmes.
"We want to leverage technology to make learning about the environment as accessible and engaging as possible," said Alseirai. "Our goal is to lead in integrating AI into environmental education, making it easier for people to access information and participate in sustainability efforts."
At the exhibition, EAD is offering a sneak peek into these advancements. Visitors can interact with the AI tool for creating nature film trailers and use AI chatbots to explore various environmental topics.
In addition to technological innovations, EAD is highlighting Abu Dhabi's biodiversity through two key exhibits: the Abu Dhabi Nature app and the Abu Dhabi Gems display.
Visitors can explore the Abu Dhabi Nature app through an interactive touch screen, allowing them to dive into a comprehensive database on the emirate's flora and fauna, featuring information on over 4,000 species and their habitats.
Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Gems exhibit, set in a specially designed dark room, allows visitors to view live insects and reptiles, providing a hands-on learning experience about local wildlife.
An Environmental Hub Majlis is dedicated to engaging youth through discussions, presentations, and podcasts on environmental conservation and sustainability. This space encourages active participation and dialogue among younger audiences.
Through integrating innovative technology into outreach efforts, EAD aims to inspire a deeper connection with nature and promote sustainable practices, according to Alseirai.
"The inclusion of interactive and immersive elements is crucial for raising awareness about Abu Dhabi's unique biodiversity," she added. "Understanding and appreciating the natural environment fosters a sense of responsibility and commitment to its preservation."ADIHEX 2024 - Day 2
