ABU DHABI- The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), highlighted its most significant achievements during 2021 in its annual reports, which were published today in digital format for a third year.
The report highlighted EADs efforts to realize its strategic vision of ensuring a sustainable future for all. It included monitoring and controlling the quality and quantity of air, water, and soil, as well as preserving biodiversity and mitigating the effects from climate change.
H.H. In the report’s foreword, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nayan, Ruler in Al Dhafra Region, and Chairman of the Board EAD, stated that “Fifty years ago, our Founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Alnahyan, united this great nation to form the United Arab Emirates. It has since been an illuminating beacon, of success, vision, and prosperity. His shrewd outlook helped the country grow and develop, and transform into a safe haven for all residents and citizens.
“He also paved a way, with compassionate perceptiveness, for a positive environment future, which is why Sheikh Zayed is considered the First Environmentalist.”
His Highness also stated, “In accordance with the vision of our wise leaders, we too at Abu Dhabi Environment Agency Abu Dhabi have a vision of the next 50 years. We will continue to work, as we develop, to find the perfect balance between the socioeconomic growth of Abu Dhabi, and conserving the environment and future generations.”
His Highness explained, “Furthermore and in line with our government directives, we celebrated in 2021 two major UAE announcements. The first was the Net to Zero by 2020 strategic initiative, which His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice President, Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai) announced. Abu Dhabi will host COP28, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It will take place in 2023. We are pleased to see the UAE taking a leadership role on Emirati soil in the climate change dialogue. EAD will play a pivotal part in helping to mitigate this global threat.
Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Bowardi (Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Vice Chairman of EAD) stated in the foreword that “Fifty years have passed since the union of Emirates which has resulted to the unprecedented growth of this prominent nation into a leading example that’s admired and respected worldwide.
The UAE has been synonymous with innovation and success. We all hope for a bright future, especially in the area of the environment, thanks to the wisdom and support of our great leaders. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi wants to be part of the bright future of the United Arab Emirates. This has created a clear path to achieve quality achievements in a variety critical sectors that will contribute long-term success for the country.
He said, “At Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, we aim to contribute to the UAEs dynamic future. The year 2021 was a very successful one for us at EAD because we are part the nations success. We will continue to support the vision of our government and make it a reality in Abu Dhabi. This will ensure that the future generations have a healthy and clean environment.
Razan Khalifa al Mubarak, Managing director and Member of EAD’s Board of Directors, stated in the foreword that “This year saw a mix of remote work due COVID-19, followed closely by normal operations in our EAD offices, which quickly picked up where we left off.” It was also a year filled with joy as we joined forces with everyone in the UAE for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee. It was also the year we started to implement our new strategy 2021-2025. This was a stepping stone on which to plan for the next 50-years, so that we can always see the future clearly.
She stated, “We are well prepared to face the decades ahead, and have built a solid foundation for all our environmental efforts ever since we were founded. We have learned from our mistakes and have created long-term conservation initiatives that will propel us forward.
“We understand that sustainability is at its core, and that we need to leave a better future for our children. We will achieve this by strategic thinking, research and innovation, scientific methodologies, creativity, and other methods that allow us to reach our goals of raising the standard in everything we do. We will continue to strive to be a force to reckon with locally, regionally, and internationally.
Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri Secretary General of EAD commented on the achievements of EAD in the past years. She stated, “The continued success of United Arab Emirates leads the success of Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.” We all enjoyed reflecting on the achievements of the UAE over the past 50 years and how far we have come as a nation this year. We also discussed what we can do to continue the same pace of development and progress for the next five years.
“We know that the UAE’s brilliance is due to its visionary and wise leadership. I would like to thank President His Highness Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as well as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces. They have been role models of loyalty, commitment, and patriotism. These traits are why the UAE is a world leader across many sectors and fields of which the environment can be one. They also won the bid for COP28 in 2023. I am confident that we will host a memorable event,” she stated.
Dr. Shaikha Salm Al Dhaheri expressed appreciation to His Highness, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zyed bin Nahyan the Rulers Representative for Al Dhafra Region. “He has supported us year after year to make sure that we have all the resources necessary to succeed,” she said.
The launch of the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan was a major achievement for EAD. This plan further defined EADs vision and mission to provide a clearer picture of the new strategy. This includes launching the integrated water resource management plan in Abu Dhabi, monitoring groundwater quality using cutting-edge satellite drones and artificial intelligence technology, creating a smart model for Makhazin Al Khayr to protect groundwater and achieve high water security, and releasing the Fourth Cycle GHG Emissions inventory in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed issued last year a resolution regarding the Abu Dhabi environmental violations list. The list included 99 violations ranging from AED1,000 to AED1,000,000. In addition, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed issued a resolution regarding the list of administrative penalties and fines for environmental violations in Abu Dhabi. It included 99 violations that range between AED1,000 and AED1,000,000.
In the field of biodiversity, EAD launched in 2021 the largest Coral Reef Rehabilitation Project in the region. This included the rehabilitation of 1 million pieces coral reefs in Abu Dhabi. H.H. participated in the largest turtle release in the region, releasing 150 animals. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the launch the Marine Conservation and Fisheries Research Vessel, which will study fish stocks and marine biodiversity. This vessel is one of the most advanced and well-developed vessels in the Middle East.
In addition, 4 new species have been discovered scientifically during the past 12 months. 8 additional types were also registered at both the UAE and Abu Dhabi Emirate levels.
For the third consecutive year, EAD saw a remarkable improvement in its fisheries Sustainable Exploitation Indicator. The index rose from 8.9% in 2018 up to 62.3% at 2021’s end.
Another important accomplishment was the successful translocations of 25 Scimitarhorned Oryxes and 25 Addax Oryx to Chad. 18 Scimitarhorned Oryx received satellite tracking and 15 calves were born in 2021. Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation also selected the Dugong and Seagrass Toolkit among the top 25 UAE government innovation.
These achievements included the detection of rare blue holes in Al Dhafra Region’s waters, and the registration of three new species of invertebrates. These included the Biting Midge, Dasyhelea patatae, and Crabronid Wasps(Oryttus conradschmidti), in Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, as well the Perilampid Wasps (Perilampus houbarensis), in Al Houbara Preserved Area. In Republic of Uzbekistan, 76 falcons were released as part of the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme. The total number of releases has surpassed 2,000 since 1995, when it was launched.
Other noteworthy achievements include the launch in partnership with Wetlands International a new online portal to the world’s waterbird population, as well the remarkable 29 percent increase in Sustainable Fishing Index. A 22 percent increase in the number Arabian Oryx was also recorded in Al Dhafra Region where the number has reached 946 head.
In celebration of the UAE’s 50th National Day last year, the EAD also launched 50 Oasis at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. This will be the first Abu Dhabi botanical garden to include 50 species of local plants. The Abu Dhabi Red List of Species, which includes assessments of 244 terrestrial or marine species of Abu Dhabi Emirate, was also launched by EAD.
Last year saw the launch the second phase of Mangrove Rehabilitation Projects, in partnership ENGIE. The drone planting technology was used to sow mangrove plants. It aims to plant more that 35,000 mangrove trees in Mirfa lagoon.
“Al Daleela”, a digital application that preserves historic Abu Dhabi island names, was also introduced. A new series of environmental podcasts was also launched, titled “Naturally Educated.”
EAD released Wild Abu Dhabi – Turtles of Al Dhafra document in 2021. EAD also participated in Expo 2020 Dubai, airing the documentaries Our Sea Our Future & Zayed’s Antarctic Lights.
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital also won the 2021 Travellers choice and the Middle Easts Responsible Tourist Awards.