Latest news with #SustainableSchoolsInitiative
Mid East Info
08-05-2025
- Science
- Mid East Info
Abu Dhabi Recognised as a Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development by the United Nations University
As part of the Year of Community, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has successfully 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. Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, 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.' She added: '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.' Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environmental Information, Science, and Awareness at EAD, said: 'The naha platform forward-thinking and holistic strategy, seamlessly integrating a portfolio of initiatives and programs 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.' He added: '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 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. Additionally, the formation of an Advisory Committee will bring together experts and practitioners in ecosystem restoration and sustainable education to provide specialised knowledge and guidance. 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
08-05-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
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
8 May 2025 16:10 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 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 initiative aims to safeguard and sustain the environment, enhancing quality of life for current and future 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 inclusive approach ensures the effectiveness of operations, with all stakeholders committed to advancing education for sustainable development and restoring 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 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.
Mid East Info
22-04-2025
- Science
- Mid East Info
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi launches first-of-its-kind project in Gulf Region to survey, evaluate and restore traditional oyster habitats
As part of its efforts to preserve marine habitats and ecosystems and protect cultural heritage, and within the framework of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched a project to survey, evaluate, and restore traditional oyster habitats in the emirate. The project, which is the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf region, aims to reduce the effects of climate change and improve seawater quality by expanding the area of oyster habitats that help to absorb and store carbon dioxide from seawater during shell formation. The project also seeks to enhance the marine environment and biodiversity, as well as preserve the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi. EAD's database will be enhanced via a comprehensive survey and assessment of traditional oyster beds to create a modern interactive digital map. The project also aims to increase environmental awareness about the importance of protecting and restoring marine habitats by involving school students under the Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI) to assemble the artificial reefs. The new initiative represents a step toward strengthening the emirate's leadership related to studies and research regarding the restoration of oyster habitats and associated ecosystems. In the project's first phase, which focused on collecting data on traditional pearl diving sites, EAD was able to identify 335 diving sites using multiple scientific sources, including maps, historical books, and the agency's database, as well as consultations with traditional fishermen in the emirate. After completing the survey of the identified sites and assessing the status of their oysters, the EAD will begin formulating a plan to restore the degraded sites and design rigs using oyster shells produced at the Abu Dhabi Pearl Centre in the Mirfa area, while developing an updated digital map of the current oyster habitats in the emirate. In the second phase of the project, EAD completed evaluation of 150 traditional beds out of 335, discovered 200 new oyster habitats and developed a plan to restore affected beds. Among the assessed sites, the agency selected Umm Al Salsal, a degraded traditional diving site near the eastern side of Marawah Island, for oyster restoration efforts. As part of the oyster restoration plan, EAD designed, developed, and installed 64 differently shaped structures at Umm Al Salsal. Around 30 students from Al Marfa schools participating in the SSI helped assemble the structures made from sustainable materials, including oyster shells from the Abu Dhabi Pearl Centre. A monitoring plan is currently underway to assess the progress and success of the selected site for restoration. Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said: 'Before the advent of cultured pearls and the discovery of oil, the Arabian Gulf was a major centre for the pearl trade, famous for producing the finest, world-renowned pearls. Diving was not only a profession or a means of livelihood, but also an integrated social system that had a profound impact on the region's culture and traditions. However, this industry required the extraction of thousands of oysters to obtain a few precious gems. Today, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi seeks to revive this rich cultural heritage in a modern and sustainable way by supporting and adopting pearl farming practices. 'We are keen to expand aquaculture activities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and, through the pearl oyster restoration project, we seek to benefit from its great benefits, such as enhancing biodiversity, supporting various marine species, and improving the health of the ecosystem in general. In addition, pearl oysters have historical and cultural significance to Abu Dhabi and their restoration enhances this connection. Pearl oysters also contribute to water purification and help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems, which directly impacts environmental sustainability,' he added. The EAD's future plans for the Pearl Oyster Restoration Project include a wide range of environmental, and community initiatives and will see a gradual expansion of restoration sites as initial efforts demonstrate success – identifying additional suitable sites and increasing the number of oysters being cultured and rehabilitated. In the long term, these efforts may stimulate investment in scientific research to develop more efficient and effective restoration techniques, which may include genetic studies of pearl oysters, advanced breeding programmes, and innovative aquaculture techniques. 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.
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Science
- Zawya
EAD launches first project in Gulf to survey, evaluate, restore traditional oyster habitats
As part of its efforts to preserve marine habitats and ecosystems and protect cultural heritage, and within the framework of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched a project to survey, evaluate, and restore traditional oyster habitats in the emirate. The project, which is the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf region, aims to reduce the effects of climate change and improve seawater quality by expanding the area of oyster habitats that help to absorb and store carbon dioxide from seawater during shell formation. The project also seeks to enhance the marine environment and biodiversity, as well as preserve the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi. EAD's database will be enhanced via a comprehensive survey and assessment of traditional oyster beds to create a modern interactive digital map. The project also aims to increase environmental awareness about the importance of protecting and restoring marine habitats by involving school students under the Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI) to assemble the artificial reefs. The new initiative represents a step toward strengthening the emirate's leadership related to studies and research regarding the restoration of oyster habitats and associated ecosystems. In the project's first phase, which focused on collecting data on traditional pearl diving sites, EAD was able to identify 335 diving sites using multiple scientific sources, including maps, historical books, and the agency's database, as well as consultations with traditional fishermen in the emirate. After completing the survey of the identified sites and assessing the status of their oysters, the EAD will begin formulating a plan to restore the degraded sites and design rigs using oyster shells produced at the Abu Dhabi Pearl Centre in the Mirfa area, while developing an updated digital map of the current oyster habitats in the emirate. In the second phase of the project, EAD completed evaluation of 150 traditional beds out of 335, discovered 200 new oyster habitats and developed a plan to restore affected beds. Among the assessed sites, the agency selected Umm Al Salsal, a degraded traditional diving site near the eastern side of Marawah Island, for oyster restoration efforts. As part of the oyster restoration plan, EAD designed, developed, and installed 64 differently shaped structures at Umm Al Salsal. Around 30 students from Al Marfa schools participating in the SSI helped assemble the structures made from sustainable materials, including oyster shells from the Abu Dhabi Pearl Centre. A monitoring plan is currently underway to assess the progress and success of the selected site for restoration. Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said, 'Before the advent of cultured pearls and the discovery of oil, the Arabian Gulf was a major centre for the pearl trade, famous for producing the finest, world-renowned pearls. Diving was not only a profession or a means of livelihood, but also an integrated social system that had a profound impact on the region's culture and traditions. However, this industry required the extraction of thousands of oysters to obtain a few precious gems. Today, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi seeks to revive this rich cultural heritage in a modern and sustainable way by supporting and adopting pearl farming practices. 'We are keen to expand aquaculture activities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and, through the pearl oyster restoration project, we seek to benefit from its great benefits, such as enhancing biodiversity, supporting various marine species, and improving the health of the ecosystem in general. In addition, pearl oysters have historical and cultural significance to Abu Dhabi and their restoration enhances this connection. Pearl oysters also contribute to water purification and help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems, which directly impacts environmental sustainability,' he added. The EAD's future plans for the Pearl Oyster Restoration Project include a wide range of environmental, and community initiatives and will see a gradual expansion of restoration sites as initial efforts demonstrate success – identifying additional suitable sites and increasing the number of oysters being cultured and rehabilitated. In the long term, these efforts may stimulate investment in scientific research to develop more efficient and effective restoration techniques, which may include genetic studies of pearl oysters, advanced breeding programmes, and innovative aquaculture techniques.
Al Etihad
22-04-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi launches first-of-its-kind project in region to survey, evaluate and restore traditional oyster habitats
22 Apr 2025 15:07 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)As part of its efforts to preserve marine habitats and ecosystems and protect cultural heritage, and within the framework of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched a project to survey, evaluate, and restore traditional oyster habitats in the emirate. The project, which is the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf region, aims to reduce the effects of climate change and improve seawater quality by expanding the area of oyster habitats that help to absorb and store carbon dioxide from seawater during shell formation. The project also seeks to enhance the marine environment and biodiversity, as well as preserve the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi. EAD's database will be enhanced via a comprehensive survey and assessment of traditional oyster beds to create a modern interactive digital map. The project also aims to increase environmental awareness about the importance of protecting and restoring marine habitats by involving school students under the Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI) to assemble the artificial new initiative represents a step toward strengthening the emirate's leadership related to studies and research regarding the restoration of oyster habitats and associated the project's first phase, which focused on collecting data on traditional pearl diving sites, EAD was able to identify 335 diving sites using multiple scientific sources, including maps, historical books, and the agency's database, as well as consultations with traditional fishermen in the emirate. After completing the survey of the identified sites and assessing the status of their oysters, the EAD will begin formulating a plan to restore the degraded sites and design rigs using oyster shells produced at the Abu Dhabi Pearl Centre in the Mirfa area, while developing an updated digital map of the current oyster habitats in the the second phase of the project, EAD completed evaluation of 150 traditional beds out of 335, discovered 200 new oyster habitats and developed a plan to restore the affected beds. Among the assessed sites, the agency selected Umm Al Salsal, a degraded traditional diving site near the eastern side of Marawah Island, for oyster restoration part of the oyster restoration plan, EAD designed, developed, and installed 64 differently shaped structures at Umm Al Salsal. Around 30 students from Al Marfa schools participating in the SSI helped assemble the structures made from sustainable materials, including oyster shells from the Abu Dhabi Pearl Centre. A monitoring plan is currently underway to assess the progress and success of the selected site for Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said: 'Before the advent of cultured pearls and the discovery of oil, the Arabian Gulf was a major centre for the pearl trade, famous for producing the finest, world-renowned pearls. Diving was not only a profession or a means of livelihood, but also an integrated social system that had a profound impact on the region's culture and traditions. However, this industry required the extraction of thousands of oysters to obtain a few precious gems. Today, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi seeks to revive this rich cultural heritage in a modern and sustainable way by supporting and adopting pearl farming practices.'We are keen to expand aquaculture activities in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and, through the pearl oyster restoration project, we seek to benefit from its great benefits, such as enhancing biodiversity, supporting various marine species, and improving the health of the ecosystem in general. In addition, pearl oysters have historical and cultural significance to Abu Dhabi and their restoration enhances this connection. Pearl oysters also contribute to water purification and help maintain the balance of marine ecosystems, which directly impacts environmental sustainability,' he added. The EAD's future plans for the Pearl Oyster Restoration Project include a wide range of environmental, and community initiatives and will see a gradual expansion of restoration sites as initial efforts demonstrate success – identifying additional suitable sites and increasing the number of oysters being cultured and rehabilitated. In the long term, these efforts may stimulate investment in scientific research to develop more efficient and effective restoration techniques, which may include genetic studies of pearl oysters, advanced breeding programmes, and innovative aquaculture techniques.
