Abu dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), has issued Resolution No. (2) of 2026 concerning the protection of species and habitats in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The resolution aims to bolster conservation efforts and ensure the sustainability of the emirate's ecosystems.
According to Emirates News Agency, the resolution is part of EAD's ongoing initiatives to enhance biodiversity protection and safeguard indigenous species and their natural habitats. This legislative measure is a step towards maintaining a balance between ecological conservation and sustainable development, ensuring the longevity of ecosystems for future generations.
The resolution is framed within the broader environmental legislation and regulations that the Agency is continuously developing, aligning with Abu Dhabi's strategic objectives of nature protection, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity conservation. It establishes a comprehensive framework for protecting both terrestrial and marine species and their habitats, focusing on habitat sustainability, biodiversity conservation areas, and the restoration of degraded habitats and species.
The provisions of the resolution apply to all terrestrial and marine habitats in the emirate, including areas designated for important biodiversity conservation outside protected zones. It covers all native and migratory species as per the lists approved by EAD, while excluding invasive and non-native species from its scope.
Additionally, the resolution outlines specific requirements and procedures for species and habitat protection, regulating related activities and defining environmental requirements to mitigate negative impacts on biodiversity. This move underscores Abu Dhabi's dedication to advancing its legislative and environmental framework, thereby reinforcing the sustainable management of natural resources and protecting ecologically valuable species and habitats.
EAD has urged community members, along with government and private entities, to adhere to the resolution's controls and procedures. The Agency emphasizes the importance of collaboration in protecting nature and conserving biodiversity as part of the emirate's vision for a sustainable and environmentally resilient future.