UAE- Safe environment means safe economy

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) D highlights achievements in annual report The Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD) highlighted its efforts to protect and enhance air quality groundwater and the bio-diversity of Abu Dhabi’s deserts and its marine ecosystem in its annual report for 2013.

Speaking at the release of the report which is available in both English and Arabic Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region and EAD Chairman said: “The EAD is focused on implementing programmes and initiatives that help protect the environment which are based on priorities set by the Abu Dhabi Environment Vision 2030. This vision is an integral part of a comprehensive programme approved by the Government of Abu Dhabi which includes economic environmental and social policies that will help lead Abu Dhabi towards sustainable development.

“Successfully achieving our goals in environmental protection will reflect on our environment and our economy which will in turn benefit our society by minimising environmental risks enhancing the quality of life conserving our natural resources for future generations and creating new job opportunities.”

Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed expressed gratitude to the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces for their ongoing support for all projects “that will benefit future generations”. Accomplishments

The EAD’s accomplishments which are summarised in the report include enhancing strategic planning expertise on waste management air quality water bio-diversity climate change and acquiring an additional 440 groundwater wells. This has led for the first time to producing a comprehensive trans-national monitoring network that has received international recognition for the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve as a Ramsar Convention adherent sit; the launching of the Abu Dhabi Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory; and the successful engagement of the industrial sector which helped improve compliance and limit the amount of particulate matter emitted into the atmosphere.

In the report’s foreword Mohammed Al Bowardi the EAD’s Managing Director said “Since its establishment in 1996 EAD has played a major role in protecting Abu Dhabi’s public health and ensuring the integrity of the ecosystem through research development and implementation of key environmental policies and regulations. These efforts have been carried out under the directives of President Shaikh Khalifa in line with the legacy of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan the founding father of the UAE and under the guidance of Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed.

“As the Emirate of Abu Dhabi continues to develop it becomes even more critical that the EAD strengthens its regulatory and enforcement framework and continues to consolidate knowledge and data for more informed environmental decision-making. One such example this year was when the EAD led a pioneering ‘Blue Carbon’ project that has provided us with an unprecedented understanding of how Abu Dhabi’s coastal and marine ecosystems play a critical role in fighting climate change.”

Commenting on the EAD’s achievements in 2013 Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak EAD’s Secretary-General said “EAD successfully achieved significant milestones within the environment protection roadmap which we put forth in our strategy including government-wide environmental strategies and policies elevating the understanding and execution of environmental activities on the national agenda.”

Among the EAD’s other key accomplishments for the year 637 facility inspections were conducted to ensure that they comply with permit conditions.

The authority has dealt with around 1000 violations some of which related to inefficient record-keeping inadequate employee training and the transfer of hazardous materials.