EAD Highlights Conservation Efforts at IUCN Forum in Riyadh
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) participated in the 10th International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Regional Conservation Forum (RCF) in Riyadh. The delegation was led by Secretary-General Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri.
Key Projects and Achievements
EAD highlighted its efforts in preserving biodiversity, focusing on key projects, research, and achievements. These include:
- Preserving blue carbon ecosystems
- Assessing vegetation health
- Monitoring and restoring marine biodiversity
- Rehabilitating plant resources
- Restoring endangered wildlife
- Using drones for mangrove restoration
Panel Discussions
Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri participated in several panel discussions:
IUCN Programme 2026-2029
She discussed the IUCN protected area classification and its role in establishing the Zayed Network of Protected Areas in Abu Dhabi.
Mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions
She emphasized the ‘Nature-based Solutions for Climate, Biodiversity, and People’ project, focusing on blue carbon sinks like mangroves, corals, and seagrasses.
Science for Conservation
Salim Javid, Division Director of Terrestrial Biodiversity, spoke about using IUCN standards to shape local conservation priorities in the UAE and Abu Dhabi.
Innovative Projects
Shaikha also showcased:
- Abu Dhabi’s coral restoration programme
- The first sea cages aquaculture project in Abu Dhabi, featuring advanced monitoring and AI data collection
Doubts Revealed
EAD -: EAD stands for Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. It is an organization in Abu Dhabi that works to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.
IUCN -: IUCN stands for International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is a global organization that works to conserve nature and ensure that natural resources are used sustainably.
Riyadh -: Riyadh is the capital city of Saudi Arabia. It is a major city in the Middle East where important meetings and forums often take place.
Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri -: Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri is the Secretary-General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. She is a leader who helps guide the agency’s efforts to protect the environment.
biodiversity conservation -: Biodiversity conservation means protecting the variety of life on Earth, including different plants, animals, and ecosystems, to keep nature healthy and balanced.
blue carbon ecosystems -: Blue carbon ecosystems are natural areas like mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes that store carbon and help fight climate change.
marine biodiversity -: Marine biodiversity refers to the variety of life found in the ocean, including fish, coral reefs, and other sea creatures.
Zayed Network of Protected Areas -: The Zayed Network of Protected Areas is a group of special places in the UAE that are protected to conserve nature and wildlife.
Nature-based Solutions -: Nature-based Solutions are ways to solve environmental problems by using natural processes, like planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide and reduce climate change.
Salim Javid -: Salim Javid is a person who works with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and helps use IUCN standards to guide conservation efforts in the UAE.
IUCN standards -: IUCN standards are guidelines created by the International Union for Conservation of Nature to help countries and organizations protect nature effectively.