EAD Measures Environmental Assessment To Preserve Biodiversity In the City

Assessment For Biodiversity 

The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD) has successfully measured the City Biodiversity Index in Abu Dhabi City as part of its ongoing efforts to preserve biodiversity. The index serves as a self-assessment tool for cities worldwide to gauge and monitor conservation progress while raising awareness about the significance of protecting biodiversity and ecosystems.

Also known as the Singapore Cities Biodiversity Index, this tool aims to support cities in achieving sustainable development by promoting the coexistence and growth of both biodiversity and human populations. It addresses the risks associated with biodiversity loss and climate change impacts, drawing on the best scientific practises developed over the past decade.

The index facilitates the measurement of cities' performance in managing urban biodiversity and classifies them into three categories. It assesses the number of plant and animal species within the city, the services these organisms provide (such as pollination and carbon storage), and the city's effectiveness in conserving natural resources, ecosystems, and wild species.

Trees and green spaces in cities play a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. They store carbon, reduce temperatures, purify the air, and offer various environmental benefits found in urban parks, farms, roadsides, and other green areas.

To gather data for the measurement process, EAD's Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring Team conducted field surveys at various urban locations, such as public parks, golf clubs, and green sites. The assessment incorporated geographic system information, awareness-related data collected by EAD and its partners from other government agencies, and collaboration with entities like the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, the Statistics Centre in Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain Zoo.

The assessment covered species and families of invertebrates and insects, including wasps, dragonflies, butterflies, scorpions, grasshoppers, and beetles. Of the 108 species evaluated, 103 were native and five were non-native. Additionally, 192 plant species were assessed, consisting of 122 local plants and 70 non-native species, while 431 bird species were evaluated, with 396 being local species.

The data highlighted the remarkable biological diversity within Abu Dhabi City, including the discovery of 20 new invertebrate species previously unknown to science. Notable findings included Dance Flies and Digger Wasp species recorded at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, as well as rare herbal species like Beach Grass (Halopyrum mucronatum) found in specific areas of Saadiyat Island.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, the Secretary General of EAD, expressed pride in Abu Dhabi City becoming the first in the Arab Gulf region and the Middle East to adopt the City Biodiversity Index. She emphasised the importance of preserving biological diversity and the agency's success in enhancing ecosystem vitality, which significantly contributes to the quality of life and human well-being. The index criteria reflect the community's awareness of ecosystem values and their role in protecting biological diversity.

With a score of 86 out of 100, Abu Dhabi City has achieved an advanced rating compared to other cities that have utilised the index.