EAD Showcases Progress On Abu Dhabi’s Path To Environmental Centennial 2071

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), alongside its strategic partners, has shared the progress made over the past year in executing the first Abu Dhabi Plan. This initiative, spanning from 2023 to 2025, is a step towards achieving the Environmental Centennial 2071 objectives. EAD aims to position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in environmental and climate action by 2071.

In 2023, 212 experts contributed to 195 achievements under the Plan's umbrella. Additionally, partners achieved 32 outcomes outside of the Environmental Centennial programmes. The Department of Municipalities and Transport, Department of Culture and Tourism, Department of Energy, Department of Government Enablement, Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Integrated Transport Centre, and Abu Dhabi Maritime were all involved in these efforts.

Sheikha Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Integrated Environmental Planning and Policy Sector at EAD, highlighted that they focused on three strategic pathways. These included 65 action programmes aimed at enhancing cooperation and stimulating future green transformation. Fourteen programmes were completed with a 49 percent implementation rate, positively impacting 18 countries through international partnerships.

Under the "Vibrant emirate thriving in nature" pathway, more than a million mangrove seeds were planted using drone technology to support sustainable biodiversity. Over 800,000 coral fragments were planted to expand coral reef areas. A comprehensive aquaculture development plan was also created focusing on seven key pillars.

Locally manufactured eco-mattresses supporting marine life in Abu Dhabi Marinas won a global sustainability award. These mattresses now host various marine species including algae, fish, and invertebrates. To improve soil and water quality for sustainable agriculture, a plan was developed to increase water-use efficiency and appropriate crop use per land type.

Water Management and Air Quality Improvements

A water management policy for district cooling plants was issued to ensure responsible water use and eliminate harmful discharges. The use of recycled water in agriculture increased to 72 percent. A proposal was also developed to use desalinated water for irrigating 7,600 farms to reduce groundwater extraction.

An air purification tower was inaugurated on Al Hudayriat Island using positive ionisation technology to purify 30,000 cubic metres per hour. EAD enhanced its air quality modelling systems covering various atmospheric variables. Forty factory chimneys were linked electronically to the emirate's monitoring system.

Climate Change Resilience Efforts

The "Green force resilient to climate change" pathway includes the five-year Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy with 85 projects managed by 15 entities aiming to reduce emissions by 22 percent. The "Abu Dhabi Energy Outlook 2050" initiative was also unveiled for a gradual transition towards carbon neutrality.

Clean energy now constitutes 45 percent of Abu Dhabi's total energy mix due to operations at Barakah nuclear power plant and Al Dhafra solar power plants. A low-carbon hydrogen policy was adopted to create hydrogen oases and clean electricity parks.

Sustainable Transportation and Emissions Trading

The autonomous transportation framework focusing on electric vehicles was finalised along with an updated low-emission vehicle strategy centred around electric vehicles. A feasibility study for an emissions trading system in Abu Dhabi was conducted along with frameworks for its effective implementation.

A green procurement policy for government institutions was developed promoting sustainable goods and services. A strategy to reduce food loss and waste was launched enhancing sustainability within the food system.

Circular Economy Initiatives

A toolkit integrating circular economy principles into manufacturing based on benchmarking material demand dynamics was designed. Seventy vending machines and twenty-six smart containers recovering used plastic bottles have collected over 1,000 tonnes of plastic waste so far.

Future Environmental Leadership Pathway

The third pathway focuses on enhancing environmental leadership through nineteen action programmes. Historical discoveries related to oasis environments were published at five conferences while thirteen facilities received Green Industries Environmental Labels for adopting sustainable practices.

An integrated digital platform for agriculture data reinforced by indicators ensuring sustainable practices integration was created. Collaborative frameworks integrating water, environment, energy, and food sectors were devised enhancing decision-making processes.

Educational Initiatives

Six sustainable tourism guidelines covering cultural sites, events, hotels among others were launched promoting effective environmental awareness education. Over two thousand users registered for the first free green e-learning platform in the Middle East launching three new courses.

Four hundred publications converted into digital copies included electronic books while two books on environmental awareness topics were published alongside a competition focusing on publishers pioneering sustainability initiatives.

Research Advancements

The Abu Dhabi Environmental Research Network (ADERN) comprising eight universities promoting innovation in green science conducted multiple research projects aboard 'Jaywun'. The first environmental DNA baseline genome sequences for fish along with biophysical oceanographic surveys were completed training fifteen young Emirati cadres in marine research.

The largest gathering of Western Osprey monitored within Arabian Gulf region’s coastal areas revealed eight new digger wasps species discovered within natural reserves showcasing significant biodiversity findings contributing towards future conservation efforts across emirate’s ecosystems ensuring sustained ecological balance amidst ongoing developmental activities aligning with broader centennial goals set forth under visionary leadership guiding progressive environmental stewardship initiatives fostering resilient adaptive capacities addressing emerging challenges posed by dynamic climatic shifts globally impacting regional landscapes profoundly shaping sustainable futures envisioned collectively striving towards harmonious coexistence nurturing thriving natural habitats safeguarding precious resources benefiting generations ahead responsibly stewarding shared planetary heritage entrusted upon us all today paving pathways leading brighter tomorrows together united purpose-driven endeavours committed unwaveringly preserving pristine environments flourishing abundantly forevermore enduring legacies cherished eternally remembered fondly celebrated universally inspiring hope boundless possibilities realised fully embraced joyously living harmoniously ever after always!

With inputs from WAM