Environment Agency Abu Dhabi’s achievements highlighted

The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi will employ drones to use in the conservation and monitoring of the flamingo population at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, which last year was added to the prestigious RamsShow more

The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi’s report for last year details an impressive series of achievements in conservation and sustainability.

The agency, or Ead, established a groundwater monitoring network, published the first-ever detailed greenhouse gas emissions inventory and received international recognition for wildlife reserves.

Ead’s report highlighted its efforts and commitment to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater and the biodiversity of Abu Dhabi’s desert and marine ecosystems.

“Ead successfully achieved significant milestones within the environment protection roadmap, which we put forth in our strategy,” said Razan Al Mubarak, the agency’s secretary general.

“They include government-wide environmental strategies and policies, elevating the understanding and execution of environmental activities on the national agenda.”

Ead last year added 440 groundwater wells to its monitoring network, giving a comprehensive picture of groundwater use in the emirate.

The agency also continued to raise awareness about the misuse of groundwater, and has taken action in 34 cases where it had been sold illegally.

In April last year, Al Wathba Wetland Reserve joined the prestigious Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in recognition of its importance.

The Ramsar convention is a prestigious international effort to protect the world’s important wetlands, and only sites that meet stringent environmental criteria and are of global significance are recognised.

Slightly more than 2,000 wetlands are included in the convention.

In May last year, Ead launched its greenhouse gas inventory for the emirate.

It used UN-endorsed criteria to measure the man-made sources of carbon dioxide, the main contributor to climate change, and nine other gases regarded as contributors to global warming.

The findings of the study will be used in forming policies to tackle climate change.

Throughout the year, the agency continued to draft policies to help strengthen environmental protection and public health.

It drafted a strategic plan on air quality and noise, which was submitted to the Executive Council.

The agency is this year due to start the second phase of its waste strategy, focusing on nuclear waste and that from the oil and gas sector.