Abu Dhabi
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) participated in the 10th Regional Conservation Forum (RCF) organized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) in Riyadh. The EAD delegation was led by Secretary-General Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri.
During the forum, EAD highlighted its ongoing efforts in preserving biodiversity, showcasing key projects, research, and achievements. The Agency emphasized its use of advanced technology to protect blue carbon ecosystems and monitor vegetation health. Among the notable initiatives were projects for restoring marine biodiversity, rehabilitating plant resources, and using drones for mangrove restoration.
Shaikha Al Dhaheri, as IUCN Regional Councillor for West Asia, participated in the ‘IUCN Programme 2026-2029’ discussion, where she mentioned the role of the IUCN’s protected area classification in creating the Zayed Network of Protected Areas. In another session, she discussed the ‘Nature-based Solutions for Climate, Biodiversity, and People’ project, focused on restoring blue carbon sinks like mangroves and coral reefs.
EAD also showcased Abu Dhabi’s coral restoration program, the first sea cages aquaculture project in the region, and its use of AI for monitoring. Additionally, Salim Javid, Division Director of Terrestrial Biodiversity, spoke on applying IUCN standards for conservation in the UAE.
