Abu Dhabi is taking another step towards safeguarding its natural world, with the creatures that call its waters home and the wildlife roaming its desert landscapes.
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a new resolution focused on conserving species and protecting the habitats they rely on across the emirate.
What Does the Resolution Mean?
This new legislation is a framework for protecting Abu Dhabi’s wildlife and natural environments. Rather than focusing solely on designated nature reserves, it extends conservation measures across the emirate’s land and marine environments.
The resolution also sets out measures for activities that could affect biodiversity, with provisions for the recovery of habitats and species that have already been affected.
In simple terms, it gives Abu Dhabi a broader set of tools to look after its natural environment and manage potential threats to it.
Which Species and Habitats Are Included?
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s new resolution applies to terrestrial and marine habitats, including areas that sit outside officially protected zones in the region.
It also covers native and migratory species identified on lists approved by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), meaning protection extends to wildlife that passes through the emirate as well as species that permanently live in the capital.
Why Does Abu Dhabi Need This?
Abu Dhabi’s natural environment is far more diverse than its urban skyline might suggest. Its deserts, coastlines, wetlands, and marine ecosystems support a wide range of wildlife, making the health of these environments essential to the emirate’s wider conservation efforts.
This resolution strengthens the legal framework for biodiversity protection, while encouraging the restoration of damaged habitats and helping ensure human activity is managed with the natural environment in mind.
Ultimately, it is about looking beyond individual animals and protecting the ecosystems that allow Abu Dhabi’s wildlife to thrive for now and for years to come.
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