AN INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENT AGENCY … · AN INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENT AGENCY ... respect and a profound sense of responsibility for our habitat ... environment for a sustainable

AN INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

ABU DHABI

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01 FOREWORD

The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is blessed with wildlife and unique ecosystems that are important not only to the Government and people of Abu Dhabi but also to the Gulf region and, indeed, the world.

Throughout the years since our inception, it has been our constant goal to ensure that these natural assets are nurtured and sustained; that economic growth and environmental protection advance together. We have approached this by focusing our efforts on four main cornerstones: regulation, conservation, education and awareness.

As the regulatory body for all environmental issues on behalf of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, we monitor and manage the environment through the establishment and enhancement of suitable management, as well as legal and technical instruments that protect, develop and conserve our natural heritage.

One of our most precious and most threatened resources is, of course, groundwater. We are especially concerned by illegal drilling and selling practices and rigorously inspect wells and other sources of groundwater. We are also taking all the necessary legal measures against violators, while working closely with stakeholders to find alternative ways to establish and ensure supplies.

Vital though it is, groundwater is only one of our concerns. Needless to say, we place high priority on the conservation of all our precious terrestrial and marine biodiversity.

We promote education and raise awareness via an award-winning series of programmes on environmental issues that reach out to the people of Abu Dhabi, including hundreds of thousands of students of all ages.

The continued support from our leadership and partners, as well as the highly valued efforts of our dedicated employees, have been instrumental in helping the Agency progress. We strongly believe that we have plans in place that have set us on an irrevocable path to concrete changes for a transformed future.

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02 WHO WE ARE

EAD originated from a genuine emotional connection to the natural world. It was born of a deep respect and a profound sense of responsibility for our habitat, as well as heartfelt hope for its future.

These values of responsibility, respect and hope for the environment are the personal values of the leaders and the people of our nation. They are also values that are at the core of our culture.

A love for the sea and the desert, and a sense of connection to each, are instilled within each of us as citizens and residents of this great country. Today, these values are also at the core of EAD.

Established in 1996 by Emiri decree, the Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency (ERWDA), which was renamed Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) in 2005, is a practical manifestation of this commitment to environmental protection.

With our status enshrined by law as Abu Dhabi’s environmental regulator, we lead in developing its environmental policy agenda.

We work constantly to ensure that the economic vision for Abu Dhabi is achieved in a way that ensures a sustainable future for our emirate, the wellbeing of its residents and a good quality of life for all, now and in the future.

In our years of operation, we have amassed a wealth of experience and passed some significant milestones.

We have gained a deep knowledge of our fisheries, helped bring the Arabian oryx back from the brink of extinction, preserved the world’s densest dugong population and achieved a substantial increase in general public awareness of environmental issues.

We remain responsible for the environmental quality of Abu Dhabi and it is our duty to uphold and enforce the environmental regulations of our Emirate.

To this end, we have a number of core values and assets that are at the heart of all we do:

We value and are committed to creating and maintaining effective partnerships with local, regional, national and international organizations which have been key to our success.

Our dedicated and committed employees are our greatest assets in fulfilling our mission.

We value deliberative, science-based decision making in the development of environmental policies.

We learn from best practices and we make our own best practices available to others.

© EAD SALIM JAVID

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To achieve our vision and our mission we are developing our capacity as an effective regulator to conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable development and tackle the threat of climate change in Abu Dhabi, by focusing our efforts on six priority areas.

OUR PRIORITIES

1 To develop and implement an effective environmental regulatory and policy framework for Abu Dhabi

2 To conserve groundwater through integrated water resources management

3 To conserve and protect biodiversity

4 To ensure our air is clean and to minimise climate change and its impacts

5 To promote sustainable communities and engaged stakeholders

6 To continually improve the way we work

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OUR VISION

‘Towards a sustainable environment for a sustainable future.’

OUR MISSION

‘To protect and conserve the environment for people’s wellbeing and a better life for all.’

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03 HOW WE HELP

EAD is mandated to protect and enhance the environment by reducing pollution, and safeguarding and nurturing our biodiversity. To achieve these objectives, we recognise that our stakeholders play a crucial role and we strive to create and maintain fruitful, mutually supportive relationships with them.

Here are some of the ways in which we engage with and assist each individual stakeholder community:

SENIOR LEADERSHIP

We provide policy recommendations in the form of policy briefs, position papers and develop Emirate-wide strategies on a number of important environmental parameters.

Resources available:

Annual policy briefs on key environmental issues (Groundwater, waste management and the forthcoming policy briefs on recycled water, biodiversity, forestry and air quality)*

Abu Dhabi strategy on waste, air quality, water management and forthcoming strategies on climate change, marine water quality and biodiversity.

Position papers on sustainable fisheries, climate change, groundwater resources, marine water quality, protected areas, renewable energy, waste management and the forthcoming papers on forestry, air quality, water management and food security.

EAD Corporate Strategy *

Environmental Atlas of Abu Dhabi Emirate available at http://www.environmentalatlas.ae/

EAD Annual Report *

Guidelines on energy and water efficiency *

All of our publications are available from the EAD Library, located at our headquarters in the Al Mamoura building, Abu Dhabi.

*This resource is available to download from our website: www.ead.ae

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BUSINESSES AND INDUSTRY

We provide the licenses and tools to ensure that businesses can minimise their negative impact on the environment.

Environmental permits or No Objection Certificates are issued to various industries, commercial facilities, development projects, hazard material storage facilities and groundwater users, prior to the commencement of site activities. Inspections are then carried out in these permitted facilities in operation to ensure that environmental conditions are being met.

Resources available: Business and Government Guides *

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) *

Technical Guidance Documents *

THE FISHING COMMUNITY

We regulate the fisheries of Abu Dhabi in pursuit of our goal of achieving sustainable exploitation. In order to maintain control and monitor fishing activity, licenses are issued for the following categories: commercial, hadhra, gargoor, recreational and traditional fisheries. We are engaged in an assessment of the socio-economic characteristics of the fisheries in Abu Dhabi which will help us to understand how our regulations impact the fishing community at large.

Resources available: Annual Fisheries Statistical Report for Abu Dhabi Emirate*

Fisheries Stock Assessment Reports

FARM AND LAND OWNERS

We uphold the Emirate-wide decree preventing the issuing of permits for new wells. EAD does however issue permits for replacement wells and the deepening of existing wells outside of areas classified as depleted groundwater zones.

Resources available: Instructions to farm owners on water saving irrigation techniques* *This resource is available to download from our website: www.ead.ae

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STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

We regularly produce innovative, award-winning, environmental education programmes, and training and learning materials for colleges and schools. For graduate students, we can also offer an enjoyable and unique internship experience.

Resources available: Matar’s Magic: The Story of the Raindrop *

It’s Not Too Late: An inspiring book for the youth encouraging them to protect the environment

Save the Planet Series - seven books on climate change *

Shaheen’s World on www.ead.ae

Towards a Sustainable World – A Resource Book for Intermediate Teachers, downloadable from http://www.sustainableschools.ae/gsa.aspx, accessible for registered Sustainable Schools Initiative schools only.

Further resource material, downloadable from http://envirocompetition.ead.ae/en/

CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS

We offer a wide range of environmental information and resources to increase awareness of the environment in Abu Dhabi. These include awareness programmes on our marine and terrestrial biodiversity, provision of information gathered from marine and air quality monitoring and advice on how to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

Resources available: Choose Wisely Consumer Guide and Choose Wisely Recipe Book, available at www.choosewisely.ae

Enviroportal www.enviroportal.ead.ae

Air Quality Portal www.adairquality.ae

A guide to making the UAE plastic bag-free

Villa landscaping guidelines *

We are supporters of Heroes of the UAE – An initiative to reduce the UAE’s ecological footprint www.heroesoftheuae.ae

All of our publications are available from the EAD Library located at our headquarters in the Al Mamoura building, Abu Dhabi.

* This resource is available to download from our website: www.ead.ae

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RESEARCHERS

We provide data and access to specific resources and experts for environment-related research.

Resources available:The EAD Library, credited as the only environmental library in the UAE, holds an excellent collection of more than 15,000 environment books and resource materials, both in print and online at http://library.ead.ae

Including:

Abu Dhabi Water Resources Master Plan *

Breeding Birds of the UAE

Climate Change Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation*

Dictionary of Environment and Pollution

Dictionary of Pesticides, Chemistry and Toxicology

Marine Environment and Resources of Abu Dhabi

Research and Management Options for Mangroves and Salt Marshes

Terrestrial Environment of Abu Dhabi Emirate

The Comprehensive Guide to the Wild Flowers of the UAE

Uniform Plumbing Code of Abu Dhabi Emirate *

Wild About Reptiles of the UAE

Wild Flowering Plants of the UAE

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04 EAD IN ACTION

Throughout its history, EAD has been credited with developing and launching several successful initiatives and programmes that have now become well known locally and internationally. These receive the commitment and support needed for their success.

Here are some of the highlights:

ABU DHABI FALCON HOSPITAL (ADFH)

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH) is a public institution in the United Arab Emirates providing comprehensive services for a wide range of customers. These services include falcon treatment and lab services equipped with the latest technology where the lab acts as the Avian Influenza Reference lab for the Emirate. The ADFH also houses an animal shelter, where neutering for the Trap-Neuter-Release programme takes place, and a pet care centre which offers services for pets such as surgeries, boarding, grooming and dog training. The Hospital also carries out a Falcon Breeding Programme and a Saker Falcon Breeding Programme, where the aim is to breed saker falcons that will be released back into the wild. Established by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi in 1999, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital has become a popular award-winning tourism destination and the largest falcon hospital in the world with an ever-increasing influx of patients. For more information visit www.falconhospital.com,

www.facebook.com/abudhabi.falconhospital or www.youtube.com/theadfh/

SHEIKH ZAYED FALCON RELEASE PROGRAMME

Overseen and carried out by the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, this project releases falcons back into the wild as part of an ambitious research programme to understand if migratory birds such as peregrine and saker falcons can maintain the same migratory route after they have been used for Falconry. It also helps us establish whether falconry birds can readapt to the wild, and how best to select and prepare them to ensure the greatest success rates.

ABOUT ABU DHABI GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL DATA INITIATIVE (AGEDI)

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, the Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI) was formed to address the need for readily accessible, accurate environmental data and information for all those who need it. Supported by Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) on a local level, and championed by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), regionally and internationally, AGEDI works to bridge the

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environmental data and information gap between developed and developing countries, and facilitate and enhance the information exchange for more effective, accurate environmental decision making. For more information, visit www.agedi.ae.

ABU DHABI SUSTAINABILITY GROUP (ADSG)

Set up by EAD with the support of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi Emirate, ADSG is a membership-based organization whose mission is to promote sustainability management in Abu Dhabi. It provides policy support, learning and knowledge sharing opportunities for government, private companies and not-for-profit organisations in a spirit of cooperation and open dialogue. ADSG welcomes any organisation that is willing to practice and champion sustainability in Abu Dhabi. For more information visit www.adsg.ae

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE (EOC)

A dedicated Emergency Operations Centre at EAD has been established to strengthen our commitment towards contributing to the UAE Crisis and Disaster Management Committee’s National Response Plan. The EOC, supported by an EAD Emergency Management Plan, will be a mandated scientific advisory entity working with UAE government authorities on all environmentally-related crises occurring in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It will also serve as a training centre to build emergency response capacities among EAD staff, fulfil our obligation towards protecting the environment, our biodiversity and the wellbeing of the people of Abu Dhabi Emirate.

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05 CONTACT US

HEADQUARTERS Al Mamoura Building (A), Murour Road, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates P.O Box: 45553, Tel: +971 2 4454777 / Fax: +971 2 4463339 E-mail: [email protected] Working hours: 7:30 – 15:30

EAD PRESS OFFICE Mobile: +971 50 442-5096 Email: [email protected]

For inquiries, feedback and to report any environmental violations or incidents, call 800555 (24/7)

CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICES For inquiries, feedback or for any services contact our Customer Relations Division at [email protected]

Al Ain Office Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi office, opposite Al Jimi Mall Tel: +971 3 7639688, Working hours: 7:30 – 15:30

Bani Yas Towers, Abu Dhabi Business Centre, next to Abu Dhabi Municipality, Abu Dhabi First Floor, Tel: +971 2 6436155 / Fax: +971 2 4997251 Working hours: 8:30 – 14:30

Abu Dhabi Customer Service Centre, Ground Floor, Counter 13 Chamber Tel: +971 2 6177279 / Fax: +971 2 4997251 Working hours: 8:00 – 14:30

The Unified Centre for Marine CICPA Customer Service Centre, Ground Floor, Counter 5 Licenses - Zayed Free Port Tel: +971 2 6555555 / Fax: +971 2 4997251 Working hours: 7:00 – 14:00

Delma Island TAMM Centre, Counter 4 Tel: +971 2 8945504 / Fax:+971 2 4997251 Working hours: 7:30 – 14:30

Al Mirfa City TAMM Centre, Tel: +971 2 8989233 / Fax: +971 2 4997251 Working hours: 7:30 – 14:30

Madinat Zayed Main Road (Liwa road), West 12 – Block 63, Villa 1, Behind Al Dhafra Primary School, Tel: +971 2 8840463 / Fax: +971 2 8840439 Working hours: 8:30 – 14:30

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@EnvironmentAD

Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
