Abu Dhabi’s environmental programs are among the top 10 projects in the world

The programs of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi are designed to preserve coastal and marine ecosystems In the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, it was included in the list of “Top 10 Global Initiatives of the United Nations Environment Programme.” The announcement came on the sidelines of the high-level meetings of the “Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity” (CBD COP15), whose activities began on December 13 and will be held until December 17, 2022 in Montreal, Canada.

Choice of programs of the Agency for the Environment – Abu Dhabi Conserve coastal and marine ecosystems after carrying out assessments in accordance with the standards and requirements of the United Nations Environment Program, since the programs and initiatives implemented by the Directorate have managed to be among the most promising and ambitious initiatives, which are considered a pioneering model at the global level. More than 150 applicants from different countries around the world were selected, and 70 government agencies from different countries around the world supported the selection of the Authority’s program, as a result of the Authority’s outstanding efforts in restoring the unique biodiversity habitats that Abu Dhabi’s shores and waters provide for endangered species and marine animal communities. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, praised the achievements made by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and led by the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency in the field of marine biodiversity conservation, saying : “These efforts led by the Authority have strengthened to confirm its leadership in the field of marine biodiversity conservation in line with the environmental strategic goals of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which were inspired by the founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, and by wise guidelines that laid the foundations, the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, God willing. Al Nahyan, and the approach created by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the State, may God protect him. His Highness added: “Abu Dhabi has confirmed its leadership and managed to strengthen its global position in the field of environmental preservation and species protection, while implementing plans and programs for their restoration and reh habilitation.” Early on, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi wanted to conduct in-depth scientific studies that helped it assess the biodiversity, ecosystems and habitats protected by the emirate, enabling it to develop and implement plans and programs for their restoration and rehabilitation. Our sea of ​​environment We managed to restore our fish stock, improve our plans for planting and restoring mangroves, we launched the largest project in the region for the restoration of coral reefs, thus emphasizing the importance of the important role that the Emirate plays in the field of conservation of species and their ecosystems on a local and global level level. Work was also done on directing various efforts and resources in order to achieve the goals of sustainable development, preserve natural resources and ensure their sustainability for future generations.” Her Excellency Dr. Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said: “Our marine habitats are thriving despite the challenges they face due to high temperatures. The high temperature and increased salinity in the Emirate’s waters, which is unique in the world in which the effects of climate change are increasing In light of the pressures facing our natural habitats, due to rapid development in the region, coastal development activities and projects related to the housing, tourism and infrastructure sectors, which have left consequences on critical coastal and marine habitats, we have taken proactive measures to achieve a balance between the demands of economic and social development and the sustainable exploitation of resources and the development of initiatives for the rehabilitation and restoration of the ecosystem within the plans and strategies of the Emirate.

It is important to note that the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi She participated in a first-of-its-kind session for the United Nations Environment Program to select the top ten pioneering initiatives to prevent and reverse ecosystem degradation worldwide, by reviewing the program’s outstanding local and international efforts. levels in the area of ​​promoting and protecting the ecosystem, and assisting in international efforts and fulfilling its obligations stated in international conventions and treaties on environmental protection, which are among the priorities set by the Administration with its strategic plans and goals derived from the vision of wise leadership, which aspires to Abu To make Dubai the best in the world in preserving the environment. Abu Dhabi’s coastal and marine areas, located on the southern borders of the Arabian Gulf, are a meeting point for biodiversity, as they contain many important habitats that support a wide range of marine species and large fish. up to 85 percent, which was monitored through studies and surveys conducted by the competent authority. With the implementation of fisheries-related decisions and procedures undertaken by the Fisheries Management Authority, results and outcomes have shown that Abu Dhabi is on track to achieve its sustainable fisheries goal by 2030, as there has been an improvement in the “index sustainable fishing” for three consecutive years. The index increased from 8.9 percent in 2018 to 62.3 percent at the end of 2021. The Authority will continue to implement its plan to ensure the recovery of fisheries and achieve sustainable fishing. The efforts made by the Authority to establish and manages nature reserves through the Zayed Network of Nature Reserves, which includes six marine reserves representing 14 percent of the emirate’s marine environment, have also contributed to conserving elements of biodiversity in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, ensuring the sustainability of resources and promoting related social and economic development. These efforts have given positive results for numerous habitats and species, because they helped to stabilize important organisms and increase the number of j birds such as flamingos, and to stabilize environments such as coral reefs, for which the Administration launched a special rehabilitation initiative, since it is one of the most important marine habitats. The government has launched the largest coral reef rehabilitation project in the region with the aim of growing more than one million coral reef colonies in order to increase their area in the emirate and reduce the negative impact of natural pressures on coral reefs resulting from climate change and rising temperatures on the seabed.

Authorities have also focused their efforts on protecting mangroves. She wanted to intensify mangrove planting and restoration programs and the use of modern technologies in agriculture, such as drones, which the World Economic Forum recognized as one of the best innovative projects in the area of ​​blue carbon. Over the past 10 years, 15 million mangrove trees have been planted, contributing to an increase in mangrove area in Abu Dhabi at a rate of more than 35 percent. Today, the area of ​​mangroves in the emirate reaches 176 square kilometers, including natural and cultivated trees. Studies by the body revealed the ability of mangroves in Abu Dhabi to store carbon at 0.5 tonnes per hectare per year, equivalent to 8,750 tonnes at the Emirate level, equivalent to the energy consumption of 1,000 homes per year. The efforts of the competent authorities have also led to the preservation of the integrity of the sea flower meadows, which has contributed to the stability of the number of dugongs in their natural habitats in the emirate, which is home to the second largest gathering of dugongs, with more than 3 thousand manatees, which is the highest density per square meter in the Gulf region. The results of the survey also showed an improvement in the number of turtles and their stability in the emirate over the past years, with an estimated number of 5,000 hawksbill, green and loggerhead turtles. The authorities’ efforts have also provided protection for three species of dolphin and one species of porpoise, as Emirate waters are home to more than 700 dolphins, most of which live in marine protected areas, including the largest group of humpback dolphins in the Indian Ocean in the world.

Source: Media Office of the Government of Abu Dhabi