The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), in cooperation with its strategic partners, has announced the results of progress made during the past 12 months in implementing the first Abu Dhabi Plan. The plan, which runs from 2023 to 2025, is part of the journey towards fulfilling the goals of the Environmental Centennial 2071.
Under the plan’s umbrella, 212 experts realized 195 achievements and positive outcomes in 2023. The agency’s partners also accomplished an additional 32 achievements and positive outcomes outside of the 2023-25 Environmental Centennial programs.
EAD implements three strategic pathways
Sheikha Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Integrated Environmental Planning and Policy Sector, emphasized that EAD and its partners aimed to implement the three strategic pathways of the Centennial, including 65 action programs that focus on outcomes and enhancing cooperation and stimulating future green transformation in Abu Dhabi to reach the goals of the 2071 Centennial.
EAD and its partners completed 14 programs with a progress implementation rate of 49 percent, positively impacting 18 countries through international partnerships and participation. The plan’s three pathways include:
Vibrant Emirate Thriving in Nature
The first Abu Dhabi Plan, under its Vibrant Emirate Thriving in Nature pathway and its 23 action programs, saw the planting of over 1 million mangrove seeds using drone technology to achieve sustainable biodiversity. Abu Dhabi also planted over 800,000 fragments of coral, which increased the emirate’s total coral reef area.
In addition, the Abu Dhabi Plan raised the use of recycled water in agriculture to 72 percent. Moreover, it issued a proposal to use desalinated water to irrigate 7,600 farms with the aim of reducing groundwater extraction.
In addition, the Abu Dhabi Plan saw the creation of a 33km pathway for micro-transportation, such as cycling and walking. Moreover, it saw the inauguration of an air purification tower on Al Hudayriat Island that purifies 30,000 cubic meters per hour, enabling visitors to enjoy healthy air.
Green force resilient to climate change
The Abu Dhabi Plan, under its second pathway which includes 23 action programs, saw the launch of the five-year Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy. The initiative includes 85 projects managed by 15 entities to reduce emissions by 22 percent and develop adaptation plans for key sectors.
The plan also saw the launch of the Abu Dhabi Energy Outlook 2050 initiative, which sets a long-term framework for a gradual and balanced transition towards carbon neutrality for key sectors.
Notably, EAD’s report reveals that clean energy made up 45 percent of Abu Dhabi’s total energy mix, which primarily increased due to the operation of the Barakah 3 nuclear power plant and Al Dhafra solar power plants. In addition, the Abu Dhabi low-carbon hydrogen policy was also adopted to create hydrogen oases and clean electricity parks.
Abu Dhabi also implemented a strategy to reduce food loss and waste with the aim of achieving a circular economy and zero waste.
The strategy included placing 70 vending machines and 26 smart containers that can recover used disposal plastic bottles across the emirate, which have, to date, recovered over 1,000 tons of plastic waste.
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Enablers for Future Environmental Leadership
This third pathway includes 19 action programs that focus on enhancing Abu Dhabi’s environmental leadership. As part of this pathway, Abu Dhabi published historical discoveries regarding the oasis environment at five national and international conferences. Moreover, it awarded 13 facilities the Green Industries Environmental Label for their contributions to adopting sustainable practices.
Abu Dhabi launched an integrated digital platform for agriculture and food security data to ensure the integration of sustainable environmental practices.
To promote education and more effective environmental awareness, six sustainable tourism guidelines were launched, covering cultural and heritage sites, events, food and beverages, hotels, entertainment, travel agencies, and tourist trips. More than 2,000 users registered for the first free green e-learning platform in the Middle East and three new courses were launched.
Finally, the plan saw the launch of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Research Network (ADERN) which includes eight universities and more than 250 members promoting innovation in green science and technology.
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