emirates7 - H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), has issued Decree No. (6) of 2024, establishing a policy to prevent soil degradation in Abu Dhabi.
The decree mandates that the EAD, in collaboration with relevant authorities, will oversee the implementation of the policy's measures according to a set timeline. The agency will also monitor the impacts of the policy's execution using systematic processes to ensure the achievement of its goals.
The policy’s primary aim is to ensure the sustainable use and preservation of soil, supporting the emirate’s broader sustainable development goals. Key objectives include enhancing regulatory frameworks, adopting sustainable land and soil management practices, protecting public health and ecosystems, and raising awareness about the importance of soil conservation while reducing degradation.
The EAD, in cooperation with other local government entities, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and Abu Dhabi Ports, has overseen the policy’s development to align with national objectives.
The policy assesses the current state, challenges, and effects of soil quality decline in Abu Dhabi, covering various soil types and uses across urban planning, industry, agriculture, oil and gas exploration, coastal areas, and protected terrestrial zones.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD Secretary-General, emphasized that the emirate is committed to preserving soil quality as part of its economic, social, and environmental development strategies, contributing to the UAE’s sustainable development goals. This effort aligns with the Environmental Centennial 2071 initiative, which includes a focus on "Soil and Water for Life to Thrive."
The policy also includes strategic objectives to rehabilitate 80% of degraded lands by 2030, addressing challenges like soil erosion, salinization, low organic matter, and deteriorating soil quality in certain areas.
The decree mandates that the EAD, in collaboration with relevant authorities, will oversee the implementation of the policy's measures according to a set timeline. The agency will also monitor the impacts of the policy's execution using systematic processes to ensure the achievement of its goals.
The policy’s primary aim is to ensure the sustainable use and preservation of soil, supporting the emirate’s broader sustainable development goals. Key objectives include enhancing regulatory frameworks, adopting sustainable land and soil management practices, protecting public health and ecosystems, and raising awareness about the importance of soil conservation while reducing degradation.
The EAD, in cooperation with other local government entities, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and Abu Dhabi Ports, has overseen the policy’s development to align with national objectives.
The policy assesses the current state, challenges, and effects of soil quality decline in Abu Dhabi, covering various soil types and uses across urban planning, industry, agriculture, oil and gas exploration, coastal areas, and protected terrestrial zones.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD Secretary-General, emphasized that the emirate is committed to preserving soil quality as part of its economic, social, and environmental development strategies, contributing to the UAE’s sustainable development goals. This effort aligns with the Environmental Centennial 2071 initiative, which includes a focus on "Soil and Water for Life to Thrive."
The policy also includes strategic objectives to rehabilitate 80% of degraded lands by 2030, addressing challenges like soil erosion, salinization, low organic matter, and deteriorating soil quality in certain areas.