The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the authority mandated to protect and conserve biodiversity in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has finalised a research agreement with Total, the French energy producer and provider, to collaborate on a study that explores the impact of climate change on Abu Dhabi’s seagrass communities and dugong populations. The announcement was made on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) taking place between 12-15 November 2018.

The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), the authority mandated to protect and conserve biodiversity in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has announced its support towards the development of a one-of-its-kind online portal that will provide the latest information on global Waterbird Population Estimates (WPE). Within the UAE, the digital platform will provide opportunities for the identification of new Ramsar wetland sites, which requires the most up-to-date information on local waterbird species

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the largest environmental regulator in the Arabian Gulf, has extended its Eltezam compliance campaign to target the damaging effects of asphalt production in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Eltezam (meaning compliance in English) is ensuring adherence to environmental laws as part of a continued focus on industrial manufacturing. The asphalt industry represents the fourth phase of the campaign, with prior attention centring on the Ready-Mix, Fiberglass and Metal Coating sectors.

The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) shared its best practices and efforts in wetland conservation during its participation in the 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP13) by sponsoring, organising and participating in a number of side events that focus on the key achievements made by the Agency to preserve Abu Dhabi’s wetlands and biodiversity.

The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group (ADSG) supported by the Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi (EAD) in partnership with HRH The Prince of Wales's Accounting for Sustainability Project (A4S) held the Gulf Region Finance Leaders’ Circle of Practice (CoP) meeting and the Board meeting on 10th October 2018 in Abu Dhabi.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has recently completed a detailed mapping and health assessment of mangroves in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, revealing that more than 80% of existing mangroves are healthy; while 15% were identified as being in moderate health and 5% were identified as being in deteriorating health. The deteriorating health conditions could be attributed to recent developmental activities around Abu Dhabi Island.

The recent tagging and release of endangered green turtles in Abu Dhabi has revealed previously unknown information about their nesting habitats, marking yet another conservation success in the Year of Zayed.

The footage shows that the Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata), a rodent thought to be extinct in Abu Dhabi emirate, still calls the emirate its home. The Rüppell's Fox (Vulpes rueppellii), last recorded in the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s environmental database 13 years ago, was the second rare species recorded.

In adherence to the directives of the Higher Committee for Enhancing Marine Water Quality to preserve and promote Abu Dhabi’s marine environment, the Smart Solutions & Services Authority (ADSSSA) recently met with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) to discuss mutually beneficial projects and initiatives to improve the quality of marine water in the capital city. Both parties tackled the next steps to develop an integrated environmental system to be reviewed at the World Summit of Oceans set to be held in March 2019 in Abu Dhabi.

The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), the largest environmental regulator in the Arabian Gulf, held its first Board of Directors meeting on 25 September 2018 under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra. His Highness commended EAD’s significant efforts in protecting and enhancing the air quality, groundwater and biodiversity of the UAE’s desert and marine ecosystem.