The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has recently partnered with Dendra Systems on a comprehensive research program that aims to assess the state of natural terrestrial habitats across the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The EAD led the development process of a detailed study design that includes carefully chosen areas suitable for assessing the state of native vegetation cover in terrestrial natural habitats within and beyond the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network. This approach has enabled the agency to measure the extent and dynamics of changes that occur in the diversity and distribution of local plants linked to human uses and anthropogenic influences.
“This program is considered the largest field research project ever implemented in the region. More than six months of continuous work enabled us to comprehensively cover a total area of 11,000 hectares as a representative survey of the critical vegetation cover most vulnerable to environmental threats resulting from human uses and climate change,” stated Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD.
AI adoption to facilitate environmental initiatives
The launch of the artificial intelligence (AI)-based research program falls in line with EAD’s objectives of adopting cutting-edge, innovative technologies to support environmental sustainability initiatives and conservation of plant diversity in Abu Dhabi.
A team of young UAE National talents from EAD and Dendra Systems, a leader in conducting environmental consultancy studies using AI, facilitated and implemented the research program.
“EAD’s approach aligns with the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, which seeks to reduce carbon emissions and supports the UAE’s effort to achieve Net Zero by 2050,” Al Dhaheri added.
EAD’s extensive experience in sustainability has proven that employing cutting-edge technologies, AI techniques, and drones in environmental research is extremely effective. This enables the agency to cover areas inaccessible through traditional methods.
Moreover, it reduces the financial impact of research and saves time and expenses by up to 90 percent compared to traditional methods. Therefore, EAD considers this program an important qualitative addition to the work methods it adopts.
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Smart geographic database platform
In addition to field monitoring and research, EAD and Dendra Systems developed a smart geographic database platform to document all project information. The platform also provides the ability to produce instant reports and accurate statistical analysis.
According to the initial study design, EAD has also implemented an operation to disperse seeds of local plant species using drones capable of carrying a total weight of 70kg.
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