Environment Agency Abu Dhabi reveals Abu Dhabi Plan Towards 2071 Goal

Photo : Abu Dhbai Media Office

The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with its strategic partners, has announced the outcomes of its efforts over the past 12 months in implementing the inaugural Abu Dhabi Plan. This plan, scheduled from 2023 to 2025, is a crucial step towards achieving the goals outlined in the Environmental Centennial 2071 initiative.

As the leading authority responsible for advancing the emirate’s environmental and sustainability agenda, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi aims to position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in environmental and climate action by 2071.

Throughout 2023, the collaborative efforts involving 212 experts have resulted in 195 significant achievements and positive outcomes under the first Abu Dhabi Plan. Additionally, outside the scope of the 2023-2025 Environmental Centennial programs, an additional 32 achievements and positive outcomes were also realized. Key partners contributing to these milestones include the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Government Enablement (DGE), the Department of Economic Development (DED), Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), Abu Dhabi Mobility (AD Mobility), and Abu Dhabi Maritime.

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Sheikha Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Integrated Environmental Planning and Policy Sector, expressed gratitude to the agency's partners for their pivotal role in the plan’s success. Al Mazrouei highlighted the collaborative efforts aimed at implementing the three strategic pathways of the Environmental Centennial, encompassing 65 action programs focused on achieving tangible outcomes, enhancing cooperation, and driving future green transformations necessary to meet the 2071 Centennial goals. To date, 14 programs have been successfully completed, achieving a progress implementation rate of 49% and positively impacting international partnerships involving 18 countries.

Under the first pathway, "Vibrant Emirate Thriving in Nature," initiatives included pioneering drone technology for planting over a million mangrove seeds to enhance sustainable biodiversity. The effort also saw the introduction of over 800,000 coral fragments, expanding the emirate’s coral reef area. Moreover, a comprehensive aquaculture development plan for Abu Dhabi emphasized seven key pillars, while locally manufactured eco-mattresses in Abu Dhabi marinas received global recognition for innovation in sustainability, now hosting diverse marine life comprising 15 algae species, 13 fish species, and four invertebrate species.

Addressing soil and water quality to sustain human life, a sustainable agricultural development plan was crafted to optimize water use efficiency and suitable crop cultivation per land type. This included raising recycled water usage to 72% and proposing the use of desalinated water for irrigating 7,600 farms to reduce groundwater extraction. Additionally, a water management policy for district cooling plants was implemented in partnership with relevant entities to ensure responsible water usage and eliminate harmful liquid discharges.

For clean and healthy air accessibility, a 33-km micro-transportation pathway was established to promote cycling and walking, fostering healthy and sustainable community practices. An air purification tower utilizing positive ionization technology was inaugurated on Al Hudayriat Island, purifying 30,000 cubic meters per hour of air for visitor enjoyment. Enhanced air quality modeling systems covering various atmospheric variables and chemical dispersion from 40 factory chimneys were also integrated into Abu Dhabi’s monitoring systems.

To ensure a healthy society, a roadmap for establishing a comprehensive One Health System in Abu Dhabi was developed through local and international cooperation and in partnership with leading universities. This system aims to synchronize human and environmental health, enhancing Abu Dhabi’s capability to assess health impacts from air pollution and climate change accurately.

Under the second pathway, "Green Force Resilient to Climate Change," initiatives included unveiling the five-year Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy encompassing 85 projects across 15 entities to reduce emissions by 22% and develop sector-specific adaptation plans. The Abu Dhabi Energy Outlook 2050 initiative set a strategic framework for a balanced transition towards carbon neutrality in critical sectors. Notably, the integration of climate-smart technologies and practices in agriculture and the launch of the hospitality sector Carbon Calculator pilot phase underscored efforts towards sustainable practices.

Clean energy sources, including the Barakah 3 nuclear power plant and Al Dhafra solar power plants, constituted 45% of Abu Dhabi’s total energy mix. Adoption of the Abu Dhabi low-carbon hydrogen policy aimed to establish hydrogen oases and clean electricity parks, while the autonomous transportation framework prioritized electric vehicles and shared mobility solutions. Updates to the low-emission vehicle strategy emphasized electric vehicle adoption across the emirate.

To drive green economy development, feasibility studies for emissions trading systems and frameworks for green procurement policies in government institutions were conducted to promote sustainable goods and services. Additionally, priority lists for sustainable product manufacturing in Abu Dhabi aimed to guide responsible decision-making and spur green innovation.

A strategy to reduce food loss and waste supported a circular economy agenda, with initiatives deploying 70 vending machines and 26 smart containers for recovering used plastic bottles, reclaiming over 1,000 tons of plastic waste. Integration of circular economy principles into the manufacturing sector through benchmarking and material demand dynamics enhanced sustainability.

Under the third pathway, "Enablers for Future Environmental Leadership," efforts focused on publishing historical oasis environment discoveries at national and international conferences, alongside awarding 13 facilities with the Green Industries Environmental Label for adopting sustainable practices.

The launch of an integrated digital platform for agriculture and food security data strengthened sustainable environmental practices with robust indicators and metrics. A collaborative framework integrating water, energy, environment, and food sectors aimed to enhance policy coherence and decision-making processes.

Promoting education and environmental awareness, six sustainable tourism guidelines and the Middle East's first free green e-learning platform attracted over 2,000 users, offering new courses and digitized publications. Training programs engaged over 4,850 individuals in energy and water conservation, complemented by specialized courses on green development policies for government employees and leaders.

The establishment of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Research Network (ADERN) involving eight universities and over 250 members fostered innovation in green science and technology. Noteworthy research aboard the research vessel Jaywun included atmospheric studies spanning 25 countries and eight seas, alongside groundbreaking environmental DNA baseline and genome sequencing for fish in the southern Arabian Gulf. Wildlife surveys monitored the largest gathering of Western Osprey in the Arabian Gulf and discovered eight new species of digger wasps in natural reserves.

In summary, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi's comprehensive efforts under the Abu Dhabi Plan reflect a robust commitment towards achieving environmental sustainability and leadership goals by 2071. Through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives across all sectors, Abu Dhabi continues to pave the way for a greener, more resilient future.

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