Environment Agency celebrates a decade of commitment to the environment

In his forward in the Report, H.E Mohammad Al Bowardi, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Managing Director of EAD, said:

"More than ten years ago, a long-term environmental vision for this country first saw the light of day. That vision, of H.H Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was that one day a crucially-important balance between development and the sustainable use of our natural resources would, and must, be achieved. And, in his thoughts and dreams that led to that vision, he was inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for whom the conservation of the environment was both a deep concern and an abiding passion. EAD was born out of that vision, with a dedication and a mandate to ensure that Abu Dhabi's environment was safely protected."

Today, the activities of the Agency extend far beyond the borders of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, reaching into three continents and covering most aspects of conservation. Its achievements on the local scale include the drawing up of a comprehensive environmental strategy for Abu Dhabi, this being done in partnership with other concerned organizations. The Agency has also lobbied hard, and effectively, for the issuing of the required laws and regulations at the local level and has transcended international borders by building strong partnerships and signing several cooperation agreements with other bodies. At the same time, local capacities have been built through the encouragement and training of a new generation of conservationists.

At the regional and international level, EAD has successfully faced the challenges of upholding and implementing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) of which the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a signatory. Through efficient co-ordination and the preparation and implementation of a comprehensive series of regulations, it was possible to secure, within a period of only one year, a temporary CITES ban on the UAE trading in flora and fauna. The UAE has also received recognition from the CITES authorities for its efficient system of documenting falcons and issuing 'falcon passports' for captive birds, to facilitate travel for hunting, a vitally-important part of the country's national cultural heritage. The Agency has also played an active role in other international agreements and conventions, including the Kyoto Protocol on climate change and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

When the UAE announced the Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative at the World Environment Summit in Johannesburg in 2002, it came as no surprise. The UAE has always been distinguished by its spirit of initiative and innovativeness. Moreover, Abu Dhabi's 1st State of the Environment Report has just been launched and is available at www.soe.ae

"At the national level, the Agency has spared no effort to make our environment cleaner and safer for future generations. This includes efforts to promote use of a clean development mechanism, sustainable use of natural resources, renewable energy and environmental management. Environmental awareness has been brought to almost every classroom and home," added Al Bowardi.

The Agency has also been active in protecting the UAE's precious marine and terrestrial environment as well as endangered species such as turtles, dugongs and key species of birds. The breeding of the endangered houbara has been a success over the years, the number of birds bred rising by over 300 % over the last two years.

"Looking another ten years ahead, it is my belief that priorities relating to Sustainable Development will have become an integral part of every local institution, just as DNA is a fundamental component of every living organism. There is, though, no doubt that the time for action is now. Only by acting now, with foresight and with determination, can we minimize the impact on our environment and natural resources, while, at the same time, ensuring that we do not disturb the essence of our way of life and the aspirations that we have for development," added Al Bowardi.


Key Achievements in 2006
Terrestrial Environment
•Launched an Emirate-wide Wells Inventory Project
•Issued the First Groundwater Monitoring Report
•Managed strategic emergency water supply projects
•Began field studies in the Emirate-wide soil survey
•Released Arabian oryx successfully back into the wild
•Controlled wildlife hunting and organized over-grazing
•Studied flamingo migration and monitored population of important seabirds
•Established an Animal Welfare Department
Marine Environment
•Monitored the nesting and foraging habitats of sea turtles
•Continued rearing and releasing sea turtles
•Continued to protect the dugong and strengthened partnership with TOTAL.
•Began mapping the Emirate's coastal wetlands
•Continued to investigate Abu Dhabi's coral reef
Environmental Protection
•Installed Stations to Monitor Air Quality
•Pushed for 20% of polluting cars to run on CNG by 2012.
•Set a plan to introduce Green Diesel into the UAE market by 2015.
•Continued to manage waste and pesticide use. The number of permitted pesticide companies reached 55 in the Emirate for the first time.
•Conducted 366 inspection visits to facilities to ensure practices for storage and transportation, of chemical and hazardous materials, were improving.
•Responded to 30 environmental complaints from the public and 7 environmental emergencies.
•Carried out 1,456 inspections of industrial facilities.
•Highlighted the importance of Environmental Management System (EMS) to Industry through awareness workshops.
•Submitted an Environment Health and Safety (EHS) plan to the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
•Issued 26 environmental permits for various Government development projects.
•Issued 90 environmental permits for various Private development projects.
•Evaluated and registered 33 environmental consultancies operating in the Emirate.
Asian Houbara Bustard and Falcon Conservation
•Enhanced Houbara production capacity.
•Bustard captive breeding results were in line with expectations.
•The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital received more than 2,487 patients at the end of the year. It also promoted awareness to 42 VIP delegations and over 500 students.
Protecting the UAE from Avian Influenza
•The Agency continued to implement the Avian Influenza National Action Plan to prevent the disease from entering the UAE, in its capacity as Secretariat of the National Committee for Emergency Response to Avian Influenza.
Emiritization
•By the end of 2006, UAE nationals made up 40% of the Agency's core staff.
eServices
•Launched the first phase of eServices to improve quality and efficiency.

Making Environmental Data Accessible to All
•Completed Abu Dhabi's 1st State of Environment Report and made it accessible to all online at www.soe.ae

Promoting Environmental Awareness
•Launched a regional water awareness project in UNESCO schools.
•Launched a pilot UAE-German initiative to promote solar awareness in a UAE school.
•EAD website attracted more than 45,000 visitors in 2006.
•Published 2 issues of Al Dhabi magazine, with one of the themes being Sustainable Cities.