Abu Dhabi Issues Decree to Preserve Biodiversity and Sustainable Ecosystems

Strategic Insights -

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), has issued Decree No. (6) of 2025 to establish a biodiversity policy in Abu Dhabi. This strategic move reflects the emirate's commitment to preserving its natural resources and ecosystems, aligning with the UAE's directives and international commitments. The policy aims to protect and restore natural ecosystems, conserve terrestrial and marine habitats, and address the challenges of climate change, unsustainable resource use, and social and economic factors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Decree No. (6) of 2025 issued by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan establishes a biodiversity policy in Abu Dhabi, aligning with the UAE's directives and international commitments.
  • The policy aims to preserve biodiversity, protect and restore natural ecosystems, conserve terrestrial and marine habitats, and address the challenges of climate change, unsustainable resource use, and social and economic factors.
  • The policy takes into account the current status and challenges facing Abu Dhabi's biodiversity sector, including the loss and degradation of natural habitats, climate change, and unsustainable resource use.
  • The policy was developed in close cooperation with Abu Dhabi Government agencies, private sector institutions, and segments of the local community.
  • The policy represents a strategic tool that contributes to achieving Abu Dhabi's Environmental Centennial 2071 goals by protecting natural habitats, preserving local species, and enhancing the sustainability of ecosystems.
  • The policy focuses on preserving biodiversity as a fundamental pillar for achieving food and water security, mitigating the effects of climate change, and preserving quality of life.
  • A set of measures will be implemented to enhance the resilience of ecosystems, activate partnerships across various sectors, and employ modern technologies to support efforts to protect and rehabilitate UAE ecosystems.

Statistics:

  • Abu Dhabi hosts a diverse array of rich ecosystems, including plains and sand dunes, coasts and islands, coral reefs, mangrove forests, and mountainous areas.
  • The emirate's ecosystems support unique terrestrial and marine species.
  • The biodiversity policy aims to protect and restore approximately 20% of Abu Dhabi's land area, covering around 1,500 square kilometers.
  • The policy aims to conserve approximately 30% of Abu Dhabi's marine habitats, covering around 20,000 square kilometers.

Sources:

  • Wam (2025): H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Issues Decree on Biodiversity Policy in Abu Dhabi
  • IUCN World Conservation Congress (2025): Abu Dhabi to Host International Conference on Conservation and Sustainability