Today's Edition
HALA AL KHAYYAT (ABU DHABI)
The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) aims to increase the area of both terrestrial and marine reserves in the emirate to 21%, said Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD Secretary-General.
The agency's biodiversity efforts involving fishing initiatives have led to an improvement in the deteriorated fish stock, and the Sustainable Exploitation Index (SEI) has risen for the fourth consecutive year, from 8.9% in 2018 to 69.1% at the end of 2022.
The EAD has also helped preserve the health of seagrass meadows, contributing to the stability of dugong populations and their natural habitats. Abu Dhabi Emirate is home to the second-largest gathering of dugongs in the world, with over 3,000 dugongs, and has the highest density of the marine creatures per square metre in the Arabian Gulf region, Al Dhaheri said. The results of studies on Abu Dhabi's marine life have shown an improvement in the number and stability of the emirate's estimated 5,000 turtles, including hawksbill, green, and loggerhead turtles.
The EAD aims to increase the area of both terrestrial and marine reserves in the emirate to 21%, as part of its strategy for the coming years and its efforts towards achieving the country’s 2030 biodiversity goals, revealed Dr. Dhaheri.
During her speech at the Emirates Biodiversity Symposium, hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in partnership with the EAD and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Al Dhaheri also shared that the EAD has set a target for offsetting emissions equivalent to 3% of the emirate’s emissions, or about 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
The EAD is also currently implementing 11 biodiversity initiatives using nature-based solutions over the next five years. These initiatives contribute to the adaptation and mitigation goals within EAD’s recently launched Abu Dhabi climate change strategy, the first of its kind in the region, Al Dhaheri said.
The Agency’s biodiversity efforts involving fishing initiatives have led to an improvement in the deteriorated fish stock, and the Sustainable Exploitation Index (SEI) has risen for the fourth consecutive year, from 8.9% in 2018 to 69.1% at the end of 2022.
The EAD has also helped preserve the health of seagrass meadows, contributing to the stability of dugong populations and their natural habitats. Abu Dhabi Emirate is home to the second-largest gathering of dugongs in the world, with over 3,000 dugongs, and has the highest density of the marine creatures per square metre in the Arabian Gulf region, Al Dhaheri said. The results of studies on Abu Dhabi’s marine life have shown an improvement in the number and stability of the emirate’s estimated 5,000 turtles, including hawksbill, green, and loggerhead turtles.
“The Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates are distinguished by a rich natural heritage. For example, our environments contain more than 500 types of wild plants and over 3,500 different species of animals, with more than 3 million migratory birds passing through annually during their migration. To protect this unique natural heritage, the EAD has been keen to develop and implement comprehensive plans and programmes that contributed to the creation of the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network, which includes 20 terrestrial and marine natural reserves. This integrated and comprehensive network houses the best and most important natural habitats rich in biodiversity,” Al Dhaheri added.
Currently, Abu Dhabi Emirate is home to 14 terrestrial reserves, representing 17% of the total land area, and 6 marine reserves, representing 14% of the total marine area. The Agency aims to increase the area of the reserves so that the percentage of both terrestrial and marine reserves reaches 21% by 2030.
Carbon Solutions
Musabbeh Al Kaabi, Executive Director of Low Carbon Solutions and International Growth at ADNOC, announced that a report will be prepared monitoring 52 biodiversity initiatives in the UAE, in cooperation between ADNOC and the EAD. The report reflects the UAE’s diligent and sincere efforts to achieve societal well-being and protect the environment. This important forum will provide an opportunity to learn more about the UAE’s efforts and initiatives in this field, Al Kaabi said.
ADNOC has continued its environmental protection and restoration initiatives, which include the company’s efforts to preserve natural habitats, marine environment conservation projects, and programmes to protect endangered species, he added.
Al Kaabi referred to ADNOC’s mangrove planting initiative, in which the company accelerated its programme to plant 10 million mangrove trees by 2030 to support the UAE’s goal to plant100 million mangrove trees by the end of this decade.
Using nature-based solutions to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, ADNOC is also investing in innovative drone technology to enable its efforts to plant more than 2.5 million mangrove trees in just three years. ADNOC is implementing this project in collaboration with the EAD in key areas, such as monitoring and surveillance to provide data on the project.
Heba Alshehhi, Director of Biodiversity Management at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said that since its establishment, the UAE has placed the protection of the environment, the sustainability of its natural resources, and its biodiversity at the core of its strategy. This has enabled the country to contribute a rich journey of achievements to address climate change, becoming a global model in environmental and climate action.
She affirmed that the UAE’s hosting of COP28 at the end of this month confirms the country’s commitment to supporting global efforts to combat climate change. The conference represents a vital opportunity to enhance international cooperation, reduce emissions, achieve the goals of international agreements, and exchange knowledge and experiences, she added.
