Hamdan bin Zayed issues Resolution on policy of protected areas in Abu Dhabi

Hamdan bin Zayed issues Resolution on policy of protected areas in Abu Dhabi

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.3 of 2023 on the policy of protected areas in Abu Dhabi, in line with the vision and directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and in alignment with 2023, being declared the UAE’s Year of Sustainability.

Abu Dhabi is a leader on the federal and regional levels in establishing and managing natural reserves, which are the most effective tool for protecting biodiversity. The marine reserves in the emirate form 14 percent of the total marine biome, while the terrestrial reserves make up 17 percent of the total land area. The established protected natural reserves are forming the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network.

The resolution stipulates issuing a policy for protected areas in Abu Dhabi, provided that EAD, in coordination with relevant authorities, follows up and implements the policy mechanisms according to its timeline.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, said, “The issuance of the protected areas’ policy in Abu Dhabi is a first in the UAE and aims to strengthen and expand the network of protected areas