The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has issued its 2023 annual report – a comprehensive review of its work in protecting the environment and enhancing the emirate’s air, groundwater, marine water, and soil quality, as well as its ongoing efforts to protect desert and marine ecosystem biodiversity.
The report also covers the Agency’s progress on the path to net zero, helping Abu Dhabi achieve a sustainable future, and how its wide range of achievements were supported by partnerships with government agencies, private sector institutions, non-governmental and global environmental organisations.
In the report foreword, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and Chairman of EAD, said: “EAD plays a pivotal role in supporting the emirate’s sustainable development goals via the implementation of ambitious projects and initiatives to preserve Abu Dhabi’s environment and biodiversity, while enhancing its environmental leadership on a local, regional and global level. This reflects the Abu Dhabi government’s vision and aspirations for the next fifty years, which is to become the world’s most effective climate action and environmental body by 2071.”
His Highness added: “During 2023, the Year of Sustainability, EAD doubled its environmental preservation efforts to keep pace with the rapid developments taking place in the emirate, the country, and the region. The Agency continued to conserve Abu Dhabi’s precious natural resources – from protecting freshwater and terrestrial and marine biodiversity, to setting air quality standards and providing a clean environment, helping to preserve it for future generations.”
He also stated: “Climate actions were intensified during 2023, with the Agency reaffirming its commitment to Abu Dhabi’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the UAE’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by the year 2050. To this end, the Agency launched and implemented the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy to accelerate climate action and enhance the Emirate’s ability to confront climate change. The strategy also enhances Abu Dhabi’s resilience and its readiness to embrace and adopt cutting-edge innovation, helping to attract investment and improve the quality of life for all residents of the Emirate.”
His Highness further stated: “The Agency’s participation in COP28, which was hosted by the UAE at Expo City Dubai, allowed us to highlight a wide range of innovations that we have pioneered to monitor and protect Abu Dhabi’s environment, and announce our participation in key initiatives to conserve and protect seagrass and mangroves in cooperation with local and international entities.”
His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Vice Chairman of EAD’s Board of Directors, said in the report foreword: “In 2023, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi continued the series of successes that began with its launch in 1996 – successes achieved in cooperation with its strategic partners that embody the vision of the wise leadership to protect the environment and sustain natural resources for present and future generations in light of the tremendous development transformation that Abu Dhabi is witnessing on all levels.”
He added: “Pioneering projects were launched throughout 2023, driven by the Agency’s commitment to implementing its corporate strategy 2021-2025 – a comprehensive framework that defines its strategic direction and expands the scope of its projects and initiatives as per the best international practices in the field of environmental work, contributing to holistic environmental protection efforts while ensuring the sustainability of natural resources and sustainable development.”
Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of EAD, said: “The year 2023 was a busy one for the UAE, with the entire country committed to hosting the remarkable COP28. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi played a major role in this leading global forum, participating in more than 170 events – marking a significant contribution by an Abu Dhabi government agency to this annual international climate forum. We have sustained our position as the primary stakeholder for climate action in Abu Dhabi, and asserted our commitment to achieving the UAE’s goals of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 by joining the global dialogue on climate change and sharing our expertise and experience in the field of sustainability.”
Her Excellency noted: “2023 has also been notable in terms of our efforts for the conservation of species. After nine years of directing our ambitious, globally recognized Scimitar-horned Oryx reintroduction programme in Chad, we have succeeded in improving the conservation status of this species. Having previously been classified as “Extinct in the Wild”, it was reclassified as “Endangered” in December 2023 by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.”
Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said: “EAD had a busy year full of achievements. In 2023, we launched and implemented several ambitious projects and initiatives that reaffirmed locally, regionally and globally Abu Dhabi’s important leadership role in preserving the environment. These projects were implemented in line with the UAE’s ongoing commitment to achieving sustainable development, and its endeavour to enhance its reputation as a key player in the field of environmental protection around the world.”
She added: “Abu Dhabi’s success in protecting the environment and its efforts in the field of sustainability and climate action – all driven by innovation – is an extension of the forward-thinking approach of the UAE, and is undoubtedly thanks to the guidance and support of our wise leadership, represented by the ambitious vision and insightful outlook of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
“The unlimited support of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Agency’s Board of Directors, has also enabled us to continue implementing our strategic initiatives and projects as we progress on our journey towards achieving our vision, mission and goals, and ensuring the sustainability of our natural resources and biodiversity, for current and future generations.”
Her Excellency continued: “As the UAE prepared to host COP28, the Agency took several varied and important steps to confront climate change, starting with the launch of a comprehensive climate change strategy for Abu Dhabi. This important framework aims to reduce emissions by 22% over the next five years, expand mangrove cultivation, and helped the nation achieve exceptional success during its participation in COP28. As part of our implementation of the single-use plastics policy, we succeeded in avoiding the use of 245 million plastic bags, collecting 1,000 tons of plastic bottles, and installing more than 70 bottle recovery machines and 26 smart containers in Abu Dhabi.”
She elaborated: “The year 2023 also witnessed the launch of the first edition of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Environmental Award, which generated great interest, demand and interaction, and helped instill a culture of sustainability. The award’s inaugural edition recognised and highlighted a group of individuals and institutions that displayed unwavering leadership and commitment in the field of environmental preservation and protection.”
She concluded: “For the fifth consecutive year, our efforts saw an increase in the sustainable fishing index, which rose from 8.9% in 2018 to 83.1% by the end of 2023. We also discovered 8 new species of invertebrates that were added for the first time to scientific lists, and two species of fish that were recorded for the first time in Abu Dhabi waters.”