Latest news with #EAD
Mid East Info
a day ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Abu Dhabi Successfully Completes 95 per cent of the First Phase Plan of the Environmental Centennial 2071 - Middle East Business News and Information
Demonstrating its commitment to a sustainable and forward-looking vision, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi EAD, in collaboration with its strategic partners, announced that 95 per cent of the first phase plan of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Centennial 2071 was successfully completed by the end of 2024. This remarkable success was achieved in only the second year of the plan's rollout in 2023 – further driving the emirate's environmental sustainability agenda with the ambitious goal of making Abu Dhabi a global leader in environmental and climate action by 2071. The Government of Abu Dhabi has achieved 359 milestones and positive outcomes under the plan, with 63 initiatives exceeding their targeted goals. These achievements were made possible through the active participation of several key government entities including the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi, the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, Abu Dhabi Mobility, and Abu Dhabi Maritime. The government's international collaborations also span more than 24 countries around the world to help fulfil the plan's objectives. Commenting on this achievement, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Integrated Environmental Policy and Planning Sector at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said: 'This remarkable achievement, which has exceeded expectations, is the result of collaborative efforts among leading government entities that place sustainability at the heart of their priorities – fully aligned with Abu Dhabi's vision. These outcomes reflect our strong belief in collective action and the spirit of positivity that continues to guide us and our partners forward in achieving the Abu Dhabi Environmental Centennial 2071 goals.' The first pathway – 'a vibrant emirate, thriving in nature' achieved an 88 per cent completion rate, encompassing several key accomplishments. These include the implementation of a comprehensive aquaculture development plan, the launch of the UAE's first hydrogeological map – which serves as a national reference for groundwater resource assessment – plus the development of a comprehensive sustainable agricultural development plan and the creation of an integrated air quality modelling framework. Other milestones include the launch of Abu Dhabi's Guide for the Safe Use of Bicycles and E-scooters, the update of infrastructure guidelines for micro-mobility, and the development of a research agenda and observatory plan for indoor air quality in priority sectors. The second pathway – 'green force resilient to climate change' exceeded its set targets, reaching a completion rate of 102 per cent. This pathway saw the implementation of numerous projects and initiatives, including the development of the 2025-2050 Environmental Climate Adaptation Plan in conjunction with 41 entities, the establishment of smart agriculture standards to ensure sustainable food security and the formulation of a comprehensive energy sector policy framework, consisting of 93 initiatives extending to 2035. It also included the design and implementation of hydrogen and electric bus charging infrastructure, and the launch of electric bus operations – a project that went on to win a global innovation award in sustainability. Additional achievements include the development of a Marine Sector Sustainability Action Plan and the Abu Dhabi Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy 2030. Under the third pathway, 'enablers for future environmental leadership,' participating entities achieved a 97 per cent completion rate. Highlights include the launch of the Emirate's 'Dark Sky' general policy – an initiative aimed at reducing nighttime light pollution – and the introduction of a community engagement initiative to co-design solutions for air and noise quality. In the area of environmental education and awareness, Abu Dhabi hosted the 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC), reinforcing international cooperation and launched the seventh edition of the Sustainable Schools Initiative. Within the same framework, a Marine Sustainability Research Centre was established under the emirate's marine sector, and 'Sukun' – the world's largest 3D-printed water taxi, was launched. An intelligent soil quality monitoring system was also developed, integrating artificial intelligence, remote sensing and spectroscopy for pollutant detection. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with its strategic partners, continues to strengthen Abu Dhabi's leadership role in environmental and climate action. The Agency remains committed to achieving the goals of the Environmental Centennial 2071, advancing both local and international partnerships and building a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come. Work is currently underway on planning the next phase of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Centennial 2071 Plan. About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi EAD Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi EAD is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda.
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
EAD announces 95% completion of first phase of plan to achieve Abu Dhabi's Environmental Centennial 2071
29 July 2025 11:11 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), in collaboration with its strategic partners, has announced that 95 per cent of the first phase of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Centennial 2071 Plan was completed by the end of 2024, demonstrating its commitment to a sustainable and forward-looking milestone was achieved in only the second year since the plan's rollout in 2023, further driving the emirate's environmental sustainability agenda with the ambitious goal of making Abu Dhabi a global leader in environmental and climate action by Dhabi Government has achieved 359 milestones and positive outcomes under the plan, with 63 initiatives exceeding their targeted goals. These achievements were made possible through the active participation of several key government entities including: Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi; Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi; Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority; Abu Dhabi Investment Office; Abu Dhabi Public Health Center; Abu Dhabi Mobility; and Abu Dhabi Maritime. The government's international collaboration spans more than 24 countries worldwide to help fulfil the plan's Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Integrated Environmental Policy and Planning Sector at EAD, said: 'This remarkable achievement, which has exceeded expectations, is the result of collaborative efforts among leading government entities that place sustainability at the heart of their priorities – fully aligned with Abu Dhabi's vision. These outcomes reflect our strong belief in collective action and the spirit of positivity that continues to guide us and our partners forward in achieving the Abu Dhabi Environmental Centennial 2071 goals." The first pathway, A vibrant emirate, thriving in nature, achieved an 88 per cent completion rate, encompassing several key accomplishments. These include the implementation of a comprehensive aquaculture development plan, the launch of the UAE's first hydrogeological map – which serves as a national reference for groundwater resource assessment – plus the development of a comprehensive sustainable agricultural development plan and the creation of an integrated air quality modelling framework. Other milestones include the launch of Abu Dhabi's Guide for the Safe Use of Bicycles and E-scooters, the update of infrastructure guidelines for micro-mobility, and the development of a research agenda and observatory plan for indoor air quality in priority second pathway, Green force resilient to climate change, exceeded its set targets, reaching a completion rate of 102 per cent. This pathway saw the implementation of numerous projects and initiatives, including the development of the 2025-2050 Environmental Climate Adaptation Plan in conjunction with 41 entities, the establishment of smart agriculture standards to ensure sustainable food security, and the formulation of a comprehensive energy sector policy framework, consisting of 93 initiatives extending to 2035. It also included the design and implementation of hydrogen and electric bus charging infrastructure, and the launch of electric bus operations – a project that went on to win a global innovation award in sustainability. Additional achievements include the development of a Marine Sector Sustainability Action Plan and the Abu Dhabi Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy the third pathway, Enablers for future environmental leadership, participating entities achieved a 97 per cent completion rate. Highlights include the launch of the Emirate's Dark Sky general policy – an initiative aimed at reducing nighttime light pollution – and the introduction of a community engagement initiative to co-design solutions for air and noise quality. In the area of environmental education and awareness, Abu Dhabi hosted the 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC), reinforcing international cooperation, and launched the seventh edition of the Sustainable Schools the same framework, a Marine Sustainability Research Centre was established under the emirate's marine sector, and Sukun, the world's largest 3D-printed water taxi, was launched. An intelligent soil quality monitoring system was also developed, integrating artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and spectroscopy for pollutant Agency – Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with its strategic partners, continues to strengthen the emirate's leadership in environmental and climate action. The agency remains committed to achieving the goals of the Environmental Centennial 2071, advancing both local and international partnerships and building a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come. Work is currently underway on planning the next phase of the Abu Dhabi Environmental Centennial 2071 Plan. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Foreign debt inflows
EDITORIAL: Economic Affairs Division (EAD) released data that showed Pakistan's foreign debt inflows (fresh loans and grants) surged to 12.4 billion US dollars in fiscal year 2025 attributed to an inflow of 3.4 billion US dollars in June 2025 secured by the government from commercial banks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China. The provisional disbursement July-June 2025 was cited as 4.297 billion US dollars, which was 518.83 million US dollars in excess of what was budgeted for the year at 3.779 billion US dollars. The amortisation period and the interest rate applicable on these foreign commercial loans were not shared with the public, rates that are set in line with the ratings given to Pakistan by the three international rating agencies. In this context, it is relevant to note that in spite of a recent upgrade by one of the three international rating agencies, a rating guided by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which noted in the first review documents of the ongoing Extended Fund Facility dated May 2025 that external and internal risks would 'quickly eviscerate Pakistan's hard won economic stability' one may safely assume that the interest rate agreed would be higher than the market rate and, additionally, given that commercial banks typically lend for short periods the principal due may have to be factored in as repayment in the current year's reserves. In other words, the actual debt servicing for 2025-26 may already be lower than what was budgeted for the year. The budgeted amount under Naya Pakistan Certificate was 464.9 million US dollars, and it reached a high of 1,918 million US dollars July-June 2025 which accounted for market borrowing inflows, including commercial borrowings, of 5439.34 million US dollars, higher than the budgeted 5049.26 million US dollars — a rise in spite of one billion US dollars budgeted bonds not issued, due perhaps to lack of market interest. Time deposits cited in the statistics were 9 billion US dollars — budgeted though the corresponding disbursed column (provisional) has not been filled but the total bilateral and multilateral inflows of 5,439.34 million US dollars plus 4,297.83 million US dollars foreign commercial bank borrowings plus 1,918.06 million US dollars from Naya Pakistan Certificate gives a grand total of 11,655.23 million US dollars, which requires a clarification from EAD as to how it reached a total of 12,138.24 million US dollars as adding on the time deposit would give a grand total of 20,655 million US dollars — higher than the budgeted 19,393 million US dollars. The EAD does not factor in the IMF disbursements; however, two observations are critical. First and foremost, the capacity of the administration to secure commercial loans from abroad has no doubt been strengthened due to the country being on an IMF programme; however, budgetary support amounted to 8,602.96 million US dollars (provisional) last year and yet this was only 54 percent of the budgeted amount of 15,965.94 million US dollars. One would hope that the government had instead opted to slash its major current expenditure components, some of which required reforms like the pension budget while others required sacrifice (salary budget of the 7 percent employed by the government). And secondly, the shortfall was filled by a rise in domestic borrowing that was accommodated by the 10 percent decline in the discount rate that led to a decline in mark-up on domestic debt by about 830 billion rupees. To conclude, there is little evidence of the country moving towards ending the toxic tendency to borrow from abroad to meet the budgeted outlay as repeatedly stated by the Prime Minister and one can only hope that in the current year the budgeted current expenditure is slashed, which is not attributable to a lower discount rate but to actual savings by improving governance. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- General
- Al Etihad
UAE leading global mangrove conservation efforts
26 July 2025 15:30 SAMIHAH ZAMAN (ABU DHABI)Through its efforts to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030, the UAE is leading global initiatives to protect and preserve mangrove ecosystems. Mangroves are critical to biodiversity, carbon capture, and the protection of coastal communities across the the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem - marked annually on July 26 - key Abu Dhabi entities highlighted programmes designed to protect and expand mangrove habitats in the Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), reflected on Abu Dhabi's holistic approach toward mangrove conservation, through which science, innovation, and community come together to protect the emirate's coasts and said: 'Conserving mangroves is not solely for experts. It's a collective responsibility we all share. Here in Abu Dhabi, we're committed to community engagement in every step of preserving and restoring these crucial coastal ecosystems. Mangroves are deeply rooted in our past, present, and future, and they're a natural legacy we'll always protect.'On this International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening conservation, reconnecting our marine environments, and fostering a sustainable bond between humanity and nature.'The UAE is home to 60 million mangroves that form forests spanning 183 square kilometres, and annually capture 43,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi itself houses 17,600 hectares of mangrove forests, with more than 44 million trees – known locally as 'gurm' - planted since 2020, according to the April, the EAD hosted Mangrove Week 2025, which saw the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) announcing the results of the first global assessment of mangrove ecosystems. The report sounded the alarm on 50% of global mangrove ecosystems that were at risk of part of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative, the EAD has already spearheaded the planting of mangroves over the last two years. In 2023 alone, the authority distributed over 6 million Avicennia marina seeds using special autonomous EAD has also developed AI-powered drones through an innovative partnership with Nabat, a new climate tech venture by the Advanced Technology Research Council's commercialisation arm, VentureOne. Mubadala Energy also reiterated on the occasion the company's pledge to plant 700,000 mangroves by 2030.'This International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, we're proud to reaffirm our long-term commitment to nature and climate action. With a pledge to plant 700,000 mangroves by 2030 using drone technology, we're helping restore ecosystems, [helping] capture carbon, supporting biodiversity, and engaging our people and communities in these efforts,' the company announced on its social media Energy has already planted 22 plants in Abu Dhabi's Al Hameem area, with mangrove saplings reaching an average height of 21 forests cover about 0.1% of the planet's surface, but can store up to 10 times more carbon per hectare than terrestrial reports that mangrove ecosystems – which support biodiversity, sequester carbon, and act as a natural defence against coastal storms – are disappearing three to five times faster than global terrestrial forests, mangrove conservation became a focal point for the United Nations. In 2015, UNESCO designated July 26 as the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves and promote their sustainable conservation. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Mid East Info
4 days ago
- Science
- Mid East Info
Racing Against Time: The International Call to Save the World's Mangroves
In Abu Dhabi last December, more than 300 global experts, policymakers and community leaders came together with one resounding message: we are racing against the clock to save our mangroves. At the first International Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Conference (IMCRC), organised by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) under the umbrella of the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI), delegates from 82 countries sounded the alarm: nearly 50 per cent of the world's mangroves are at risk of collapse by 2050 due to relentless human-driven pressures. Their interventions emphasised the need for urgent collective action to protect these vital ecosystems, rehabilitate those affected and promote sustainable management practices. The IMCRC also highlighted Abu Dhabi's growing role as a global hub for mangrove science and restoration leadership. Through ADMI, a comprehensive programme that includes all projects and research concerned with protecting and restoring mangrove and blue carbon systems in the emirate, and under the leadership of EAD in partnership with The Global Mangrove Alliance, the IUCN Mangrove Specialist Group, Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the Global Ocean Decade Programme for Blue Carbon, and other international partners, the conference underscored the urgent need to accelerate global efforts on mangrove conservation and restoration, as well as the UAE's leadership position as a centre for innovation, research and large-scale ecological restoration. Coinciding with the International Day for the Conservation of Mangroves, which is celebrated annually to raise global awareness of the importance of these coastal ecosystems and enhance international efforts to protect and restore them, the call was renewed to unite efforts to conserve this vital resource. Mangrove forests are more than just coastal greenery – they are powerful natural shields against rising seas and storms, vital nurseries for marine life and powerful carbon sinks critical for mitigating climate change. The planet cannot afford to lose these irreplaceable ecosystems. Protecting what we have left is no longer optional – it is a global imperative. Despite sobering warnings, the conference sparked a sense of optimism. Scientific breakthroughs, successful community-led initiatives, and a growing wave of political momentum are offering a blueprint for mangrove survival – and perhaps even a large-scale comeback. Science-Based Mangrove Restoration: Over the past three decades, more than one million hectares of mangroves have been lost, but experts at IMCRC emphasised that about 70 per cent of this loss, which is over 800,000 hectares of mangroves, are available for restoration globally. At the heart of this transformation is Ecological Mangrove Restoration (EMR), an approach rooted in science, community engagement, and deep respect for natural processes. EMR prioritises restoring the essential ecological conditions of hydrology, soil health, and tidal flows that allow mangroves to naturally regenerate. Scientific studies confirm that nature has an innate ability to recover when the appropriate conditions are available, without the need for human intervention, but only through protecting sites or rehabilitating hydrological systems. When nature leads the way, the results are stronger forests, richer biodiversity and real resilience against climate impacts. In this context, the importance of mangrove restoration programmes based on accurate scientific foundations emerges. These programmes are among the most prominent tools for positive intervention to accelerate the pace of environmental recovery. By selecting appropriate sites, adopting local species and applying modern agricultural techniques, these programmes contribute to the rehabilitation of damaged habitats and enhance the ability of these ecosystems to adapt to climate change and ongoing pressures. Connecting Nature, Empowering People: Another major outcome of the conference was the recognition that mangrove conservation cannot happen in isolation. Experts championed a coastal and seascape approach: restoring corridors from mangroves to seagrasses to coral reefs and ensuring upstream river connectivity. Crucially, the conference placed local communities at the centre of future mangrove strategies. Across sessions, speakers echoed a simple truth: successful mangrove conservation must be by the people and for the people. Communities who depend on mangroves for fisheries, storm protection, and livelihoods must be engaged from the start – with clear land tenure rights, capacity-building programmes, and diversified income opportunities like eco-tourism and sustainable fisheries. Mangroves and local communities are interdependent and when communities thrive, so do mangroves. Financing the Future: One of the stark challenges highlighted was funding. To scale up restoration to the required level for success, large and diversified investments – from governments, private companies and philanthropic organisations – must flow faster. The Mangrove Breakthrough, introduced at COP27, aims to mobilise $4 billion for mangrove protection and restoration by 2030, bridging critical gaps between policy, finance and action. But financing must go beyond carbon credits. Delegates called for financial models that recognise the full suite of mangrove ecosystem services – from biodiversity protection to disaster risk reduction – and channel funds into long-term, science-driven, community-anchored projects. The reality is stark: $8 trillion in investment is needed to tackle the biodiversity crisis, and annual financing for nature must quadruple by 2050. Small-scale projects alone cannot meet this challenge – scaling up investment is key. In this context, the ADMI Partnership Programme represents a promising model. It enables organisations within and outside the emirate to collaborate on joint initiatives to rehabilitate and protect mangrove trees, enhancing their ability to have a tangible positive impact on nature, climate and society. This programme is based on a scientific approach to effectively and sustainably restore coastal areas and calls for the integration of efforts between the public and private sectors and various stakeholders. Speakers were clear-eyed: urgent action must follow urgent words. The final message from the conference declared: 'We have the knowledge. We have the tools. What we need now is scale, speed and solidarity.' The world has a narrow window to secure the future of mangroves. The IMCRC marked an important milestone – a rallying point for a rising global movement committed to protecting one of nature's most extraordinary, life-giving ecosystems. The race is on – but with science, community and political will aligned, the future can still be one where mangroves not only survive, but flourish. About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi EAD Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda. About Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative: Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative ADMI is the first of its kind in the region, launched in partnership between Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Zoological Society of London during the visit of Prince William with H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2022. Supporting global biodiversity conservation and restoration goals and the UAE's climate goals, it is establishing a Mangrove Conservation Centre of Excellence in the UAE. The initiative represents an umbrella for all coastal conservation and restoration projects locally, provides a platform for regional and international collaboration as well as encouraging necessary public-private partnerships.
