Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi secures Abu Dhabi's membership in United Nations University network of Regional Centres (RCEs) of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), first in the GCC
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)As part of the Year of Community, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has secured recognition for Abu Dhabi as a member of the United Nations University (UNU) network of Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). With this achievement, Abu Dhabi becomes the first centre of expertise for environmental education and sustainability in the GCC region.Through its digital platform naha, EAD will lead this regional mission, driving collective efforts to advance knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the adoption of best practices in education for sustainable development.This initiative aims to safeguard and sustain the environment, enhancing quality of life for current and future generations.Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, said, 'The recognition of Abu Dhabi by the United Nations University as the first regional centre for environmental education in the region underscores our forward-thinking approach to sustainability. It marks our commitment to strengthening environmental awareness and education for sustainable development. By harnessing the latest innovations and modern technologies, we continue to reinforce Abu Dhabi's leadership in global environmental action.''Environmental awareness and education are catalysts for conservation and development within our strategic framework. By broadening community engagement and forging regional and global partnerships, we are supporting the emirate's vision for a more sustainable and promising future for the generations to come.'Executive Director of Environmental Information, Science, and Awareness at EAD, Ahmed Baharoon, said, 'The naha platform's forward-thinking and holistic strategy seamlessly integrates a portfolio of initiatives and programmes designed to empower community participation in environmental stewardship. These include the Sustainable Schools Initiative, recognised internationally by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Sustainable Campus Initiative, and the Sahim Citizen Science Programme. Leveraging Abu Dhabi's rich natural heritage, naha plays a key role in accelerating local and global sustainability efforts while nurturing a new generation of young leaders equipped to drive meaningful change.''The acknowledgment of naha by the United Nations University as a Regional Centre of Expertise builds upon the extremely successful 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) held in Abu Dhabi in early 2024, the launch of the Abu Dhabi Roadmap for Education for Sustainable Development and demonstrates Abu Dhabi's commitment to the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration Action Plan Challenge 6.3 that called for the establishment of an RCE in Abu Dhabi.'The Regional Centres of Expertise (RCEs) on Education for Sustainable Development network operates under a multi-stakeholder governance structure, bringing together the expertise of government entities, non-governmental organisations, universities, and international organisations.This inclusive approach ensures the effectiveness of operations, with all stakeholders committed to advancing education for sustainable development and restoring ecosystems.As part of its role, EAD will establish a Steering Committee to serve as the centre's governing body, responsible for setting strategic direction and overseeing operations across multiple entities.The agency will manage daily decision-making, operational supervision, and partner coordination.
The formation of an advisory committee will bring together experts and practitioners in ecosystem restoration and sustainable education to provide specialised knowledge and guidance.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
21 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Dubai Police extends ‘Shade and Reward' to reach more workers
9 Aug 2025 13:19 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)In continuation of its efforts to support community wellbeing, Dubai Police has once again extended its 'Shade and Reward' initiative reaching 250 workers in Al Shindagha area. Organised by the Positive Spirit Council in collaboration with Al Raffa Police Station, the General Department of Human Rights, and the 'Thank You for Your Giving' volunteer team, the initiative is aimed at raising awareness among workers about the risks of working in high temperatures, and providing practical tools to reduce heat in the Al Shindagha area, this round of the initiative benefited 250 workers who received umbrellas to use while walking between sites, helping protect them from heat stress. Workers were also given essential safety tips to prevent heat exhaustion and sunstroke, including reminders to stay hydrated and follow basic health Buhjair, Chairperson of the Positive Spirit Council, noted that the Human Rights Department educated workers on their legal rights, the services offered by Dubai Police, and the importance of using the 901 line for non-emergencies and 999 for emergencies. Road safety tips and information about Dubai Police's victim support services were also shared. Buhjair emphasised that the initiative is part of a series of programmes rolled out by Dubai Police in support of the UAE's Year of Community. It reflects the Positive Spirit Council's commitment to enhancing public safety, promoting social harmony, and reinforcing values of tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect across all segments of society. Year of Community Continue full coverage
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Nabdh Al Falah: A successful model for strengthening social cohesion in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi – The Nabdh Al Falah Community Hub, an initiative by the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD), has become a cornerstone of community engagement, offering a diverse range of programs that foster social connection and inclusivity. Since its opening in February 2025, the hub has welcomed over 11,500 visitors, quickly establishing itself as a hub for intergenerational dialogue, family cohesion, and inclusive community participation. These efforts align with the "Year of Community" objectives, as Nabdh Community Hub serve as vibrant platforms that foster community engagement, offering individuals of all ages opportunities to develop skills, engage in enriching activities, and contribute to a stronger, more cohesive society. In just its first few months, Nabdh Al Falah community hub hosted 109 programs and 217 sessions in collaboration with 38 partners from the government, private, and third sectors—reflecting the community's strong response to its offerings. The success of Nabdh Al Falah demonstrates how community hubs can strengthen social bonds by providing interactive spaces that celebrate cultural values, national identity, and shared responsibility. The high turnout highlights the public's positive response, with visitors embracing the hub as a vibrant venue for learning, collaboration, and fostering a sense of belonging. Through individual sessions and inclusive programs, it brings families closer, strengthens community ties, and gives everyone the opportunity to participate in a truly inclusive space, regardless of background. The Hub's programs have been shaped by partnerships with key entities. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi organized various heritage and cultural events, while the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an focused on promoting social responsibility and volunteering. The Emirates Foundation delivered youth development programs, and the Family Development Foundation hosted sessions to strengthen family bonds, particularly for seniors. Additional contributions came from the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, which conducted daily empowerment sessions for targeted groups, and the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, which ran traditional Yola art [EM1] workshops for children. The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) led child-focused activities under Majlisna, while Al Mubarakah Foundation facilitated youth workshops through the 'Almghaweer' initiative. The Sanad Alwatan Women Society also played a key role, empowering women through promoting social participation. H.E. Mohamed Helal Al Balooshi, Executive Director of the Community Engagement and Sports Sector at DCD, highlighted the tangible social impact that Nabdh has achieved in a short period, noting its role in strengthening family ties and fostering cooperation and belonging. 'Since the launch of the first Nabdh hub, we've seen tremendous public engagement—confirming the community's need for spaces that bridge generations and encourage active participation,' he said. He also announced plans to expand the Nabdh model across the Emirate, reinforcing these hubs as engines of social development and sustainable platforms for enhancing quality of life. This expansion follows an agreement between the Department of Community Development and the Department of Municipalities and Transport, aimed at enriching Abu Dhabi's social infrastructure with interactive spaces tailored to diverse community needs. These hubs represent a valuable addition to the social sector, providing a supportive environment for community participation and delivering initiatives that enhance quality of life while creating new opportunities for positive engagement.
The National
5 days ago
- The National
There's more to Abu Dhabi's mangroves plan than restoring them
As the tides shift and the climate narrative grows ever more urgent, I find myself reflecting on a remarkable story unfolding in the heart of the Arabian Gulf. Mangroves have long been revered in the country. The UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, personally oversaw large scale restoration of mangroves in the 1970s. His vision transformed Abu Dhabi's coastlines into laboratories of environmental stewardship. Today, we are reaping the rewards of that legacy. A 2020 habitat mapping study by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) revealed a 92 per cent increase in the emirate's mangrove cover between 1987 and 2021. This is the result of conservation and restoration efforts, including the planting of 51.5 million mangroves to date. But this is not just about numbers. Our dominant native species, Avicennia marina, or grey mangrove, has adapted to some of the harshest coastal conditions on Earth. Without requiring freshwater, these trees survive extreme salinity, high temperatures and the shifting nature of tidal zones. In an era of climate disruption, they are survivors. Globally, mangroves are finally gaining recognition as high-value, nature-based solutions. They store up to 10 times more carbon than terrestrial forests, are nurseries for marine life, barriers against storm surges and enrich biodiversity both above and below the waterline. Losing mangroves means losing critical protection for millions of people living in coastal areas worldwide. An estimated 748 million people live within the first five kilometres of a shoreline; approximately 10 per cent of the world's population. The next five-km band contains approximately 343.5 million people – accounting for an additional 4.6 per cent of the Earth's population. Losing mangroves also means forfeiting a vital carbon sink in the fight against climate change. The good news is that global mangrove loss has slowed to between 0.04 per cent and 0.7 per cent per year. But while the rate of deforestation declines, new challenges emerge: habitat fragmentation, sea-level rise and rapid coastal development threaten the functional integrity of mangrove ecosystems. Mangroves are resilient, adaptable and remarkably attuned to change. By 2035, climate shifts will likely reshape where and how these forests thrive. Globally, rising seas, changing salinity and stronger storms may cause die-offs in some areas and expansions in others. In warmer regions, flowering and fruiting may begin earlier, while higher latitudes could see mangroves taking root for the first time. The phenological changes and possible geographical shifts due to contraction and expansion of mangroves will offer an opportunity for conservation. Protecting existing mangroves is critical. To outpace climate change, however, we must restore with precision, focusing on coastal zones and mangrove genotypes most likely to thrive in tomorrow's conditions. That's why EAD works closely with scientists to model future scenarios and guide restoration where it will have the greatest long-term impact. Last year, EAD began a project to expand its study of carbon storage and sequestration rates across different blue carbon habitats. The study gave us the latest data on carbon storage and sequestration, and added to our previous studies. One of the most important findings was that saltmarshes in Abu Dhabi are storing more carbon than previously expected. The study also revealed significant differences between sites, highlighting the need for location-specific data to guide conservation. Overall, the updated data for mangroves, saltmarshes, seagrasses and microbial mats reinforces how vital these habitats are to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. The project helped us expand the scope and coverage of our carbon sampling making the dataset available for carbon sequestration rates in Abu Dhabi amongst the most robust globally in terms of coverage and statistical representation. In Abu Dhabi, 3,000 square kilometres of seagrass meadows sequester an estimated 44,100 tonnes of carbon annually. This is equivalent to offsetting the emissions from roughly 22,000 one-way flights between London and Abu Dhabi - highlighting the vital role these coastal ecosystems play in climate mitigation. These findings will help shape planning, informing restoration priorities, identifying key conservation zones and reinforcing protection efforts with robust evidence. They also set a new benchmark for science-driven marine conservation and contribute to support the UAE's national climate goals. The Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI), launched in 2022, is Abu Dhabi's flagship programme for mangrove research, restoration and community engagement. It is mobilising resources towards science-based mangrove restoration and helping develop and use technologies that can redefine how the world restores mangroves. ADMI has also developed the UAE's first national Mangrove Restoration Guidelines, launched in 2024 with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Emirates Nature-WWF and other national partners. These guidelines offer a roadmap for restoration across ecological zones, blending traditional techniques with new technology. They include comprehensive guidance on drone-assisted seed dispersal – an approach EAD has been piloting with its partners since 2020 and which positions Abu Dhabi as a global leader in scaling restoration through precision and innovation. In April, Abu Dhabi supported the single most important scientific assessment of mangrove species worldwide by hosting the world's first Mangrove Week through ADMI. The event was supported by key partners Adnoc and the Zoological Society of London, to explore mangrove science and solutions. A major highlight was the first comprehensive global Red List assessment of mangrove species in more than 15 years. The assessment evaluated the conservation status of over 70 mangrove species worldwide, providing data that will inform priorities, investments and policy action for the most at-risk species. EAD will soon release the first-ever mangrove monitoring toolkit for the Arabian Gulf Region. Restoration is not just planting. It must restore function, support biodiversity, consider seascape connectivity and be designed for the long term. And EAD is aligning its efforts with the Global Mangrove Alliance and the Mangrove Breakthrough, an international initiative to mobilise political, financial and technical support to halt mangrove loss and restore 15 million hectares globally by 2030. Abu Dhabi is proud to contribute to that initiative, not only through funding and technical support but by developing scalable models that other coastal cities can adopt. Our vision for 2035 is to position Abu Dhabi as one of the global capitals of mangrove research and innovation. By combining Abu Dhabi's natural advantages, such as the uniquely resilient Avicennia marina, with advanced data platforms, AI-powered monitoring systems, we are moving into a new era of precision mapping. This allows us to see more, act faster and restore smarter. Additionally, through our world-class scientific partnerships, we are creating an integrated model that unites innovation, policy and community action. Our priorities go beyond protecting and restoring mangroves. They focus on integrated coastal management and protection that ensures the connected seascapes continue to thrive and provide ecosystem services that are essential to health, well-being, the economy and overall quality of life. Our efforts to protect and restore mangroves and other blue carbon ecosystems are cornerstones of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy. Through ADMI, we are inviting residents and volunteers to take part in mangrove monitoring. Grassroots participation generates valuable insights that informs science-based decisions. By fostering awareness, stewardship and a sense of shared responsibility, conservation can be a collective journey. Abu Dhabi's story is not one of isolated success, but a growing global movement, anchored in science, accelerated by innovation and made possible through collaboration. Let us intensify our efforts to protect and restore, not just landscapes and seascapes, but the trust between people and planet.
