EAD’S biodiversity policy gains power

ABU DHABI: The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) recently held a workshop in the presence of representative stakeholders from institutions and government agencies to consult on the Abu Dhabi Biodiversity Protection Policy.

The workshop aimed to present the proposed policy and help organise and promote the sustainable use of biodiversity resources. The longer-term goal is to preserve and develop Abu Dhabi’s natural and cultural heritage in line with the UAE’S General Environmental Policy issued in 2021.

During the virtual workshop, the policy’s objectives and key principles proposed for biodiversity protection were reviewed. Also discussed were the policy’s vision and its alignment with national and international goals, and ways to ensure continuity of the vital functions of terrestrial and marine ecosystems - one of the main precursors for human health and well-being.

Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director, Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said, “Biodiversity in Abu Dhabi is unique, with more than 3,700 species recorded. To meet the pressures faced by the natural environment, it was necessary to develop a policy in order to respond to the main threats facing local biodiversity and achieve our objectives across the entire Emirate of Abu Dhabi.”

He added that the policy focuses on protecting natural habitats, ensuring that new species do not become extinct, while aiming to increase the Urban Biodiversity Index, and the percentage of protected areas in the Emirate.

“By seting a policy for biodiversity in Abu Dhabi, we seek to update and develop the response plans set by the Agency in cooperation with its partners by creating an approved action plan to protect terrestrial and marine habitats.