EAD signs agreement with FAO

The projects aim to build capacity in the area of terrestrial environment protection. The following are just some of the projects EAD and FAO will collaborate on:

Sustainable Management of the Natural Vegetal Cover:

Capacity building of the Ministry of Environment and Water staff will take place so that they are better able to plan and develop a National Parks Network.

Improvement of Management of Irrigation Water:

Water management will be developed at the field level and at the level of water transport networks at farms through the use of modern technologies, administrative systems and operational practices that would ensure the availability of water. The focus will also be on the rights and eligibility to obtain water and the economic incentives associated thereto.

Monitoring of Salinization in Agricultural Lands:

The salinity status in soils and irrigation water will be studied. A monitoring and control system, particularly in arable lands, will also be established.

Capacity Building in Integrated Plant Health Management:

The UAE's most important pests will be identified and a detailed programme will be set for their biological control. Currently, Abu Dhabi's agriculture is heavily dependent on artificial additives, as the natural conditions are not favourable for growing many of the products cultivated here today.

Surveillance, Early Warning and Preparedness for the Control of Animal Diseases:

An Early Warning System will be established to detect trans-boundary animal plagues and diseases imported into the UAE. FAO will help the UAE's Animal Quarantine Division to reach international standards and train UAE national technicians working in this field.

Upgrading and Expansion of Veterinary Vaccine Production:

Vaccines will be produced to minimize possibilities of disease contraction to humans. Existing laboratories we be furnished with international scientific expertise for the production and evaluation of the effectiveness of produced vaccines.

Sustainable Development of Abu Dhabi Emirate's Man-made Forest Programmes:

This project will address how to maximize the potential of forests, trees and related resources to improve people's economic, social and environmental conditions while ensuring that the resource is conserved to meet the needs of future generations.

Provide Technical Advice:

On issues related to agriculture (both organic as well as Good Agricultural Practices), Forestry, Fisheries, Economic, social development and Sustainable development. Information will be continuously exchanged between FAO and EAD to ensure a sustainable and viable approach to environmental issues is adopted in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.