emirates7 - The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), Aldar, and the environmental organization Emirates Nature-WWF have partnered to conduct marine habitat studies at Saadiyat Marine National Park. This initiative is aimed at protecting the region's unique marine ecosystems and highlights a shared dedication to environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation. The collaboration began when Aldar joined the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative (ADMI) partnership program in May 2024.
By signing EAD's partnership pledge, Aldar has committed to preserving and restoring coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrass, salt marshes, and microbial mats. The partnership incorporates advanced research techniques, such as environmental DNA analysis and Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVs), to study the nearshore ecosystems of Saadiyat Marine National Park.
Declared part of the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network in 2017, Saadiyat Marine National Park is a protected area managed by EAD. The park’s shores are home to diverse marine life, including critically endangered Hawksbill turtles, dolphins, dugongs, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangroves, and a variety of marine invertebrates.
The collaboration also seeks to a biodiversity stewardship framework that Aldar can adopt across its projects to minimize negative impacts on marine species and habitats. Additionally, the initiative includes community engagement activities on Saadiyat Island, such as citizen science events and awareness campaigns, to promote environmental conservation.
Ahmed Al Hashmi, EAD's Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector, emphasized the importance of partnerships in advancing efforts to study, conserve, and restore Abu Dhabi's marine biodiversity. Salwa Al Maflahi, Aldar’s Executive Director of Sustainability and Community Outreach, expressed the group’s commitment to protecting the marine environment and fostering environmental awareness among local communities to build a sustainable future.
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director-General of Emirates Nature-WWF, highlighted the importance of community involvement, stating that the partnership aims to educate the public about the rich biodiversity of Saadiyat Marine National Park through interactive events and activities.
Abu Dhabi hosts diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrass meadows, coral reefs, salt marshes, and microbial mats, which provide critical habitats for marine and coastal species such as dugongs, turtles, and migratory birds. Saadiyat Marine National Park was chosen for this project due to its essential role in conserving marine biodiversity.
By signing EAD's partnership pledge, Aldar has committed to preserving and restoring coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrass, salt marshes, and microbial mats. The partnership incorporates advanced research techniques, such as environmental DNA analysis and Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVs), to study the nearshore ecosystems of Saadiyat Marine National Park.
Declared part of the Sheikh Zayed Protected Areas Network in 2017, Saadiyat Marine National Park is a protected area managed by EAD. The park’s shores are home to diverse marine life, including critically endangered Hawksbill turtles, dolphins, dugongs, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangroves, and a variety of marine invertebrates.
The collaboration also seeks to a biodiversity stewardship framework that Aldar can adopt across its projects to minimize negative impacts on marine species and habitats. Additionally, the initiative includes community engagement activities on Saadiyat Island, such as citizen science events and awareness campaigns, to promote environmental conservation.
Ahmed Al Hashmi, EAD's Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector, emphasized the importance of partnerships in advancing efforts to study, conserve, and restore Abu Dhabi's marine biodiversity. Salwa Al Maflahi, Aldar’s Executive Director of Sustainability and Community Outreach, expressed the group’s commitment to protecting the marine environment and fostering environmental awareness among local communities to build a sustainable future.
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director-General of Emirates Nature-WWF, highlighted the importance of community involvement, stating that the partnership aims to educate the public about the rich biodiversity of Saadiyat Marine National Park through interactive events and activities.
Abu Dhabi hosts diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrass meadows, coral reefs, salt marshes, and microbial mats, which provide critical habitats for marine and coastal species such as dugongs, turtles, and migratory birds. Saadiyat Marine National Park was chosen for this project due to its essential role in conserving marine biodiversity.