EAD Issues Policy For Quality Of Marine Water

EAD’s efforts to maintain and sustain Abu Dhabi’s marine water.

As the report further highlighted, the policy aims to develop relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks and halt discharges that may have adverse impacts on the marine environment by fostering recycling and reuse programs.

The policy will also develop a programme that enhances preparedness in cases of emergencies that affect marine water quality and will enhance knowledge and awareness about the potential adverse impacts of pollutants, proposing solutions to mitigate these.

The policy is part of EAD's long-term plan to reach its vision. It helps solve problems with the quality of marine water in the emirate.

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According to the report, implementation of the policy will improve the performance of environmental indicators in the emirate, ensure the sustainability of fishing activities as part of the emirate’s social heritage, and promote recreational, tourism, and marine sports activities.

Throughout the development process of the policy document, EAD worked in close coordination and consultation with stakeholders and strategic partners, through workshops, bilateral meetings, and knowledge sharing.

The policy is in alignment with national and local policies, plans, and strategies, including the National Food Security Strategy 2051, the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, Plan Maritime 2030: Abu Dhabi Coastal and Marine Framework Plan, the National Plan for Combating Marine Pollutants 2019, and the Abu Dhabi State of the Environment Report 2017.

Her Excellency Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said, "The sustainability of coastal and marine resources plays an important role in their preservation across generations, which enhances the social, economic, and environmental value of coastal and marine areas."

"These include tourism, transport, oil and gas exploration, and commercial uses, in addition to the contributions of other sectors such as heritage, marine environments, and protected areas,"  she added.

According to the Secretary General of EAD, for proper governance and coordination between concerned authorities, the policy will be implemented in the emirate under our supervision through consultation, coordination, and cooperation with strategic partners at the local and federal levels.

She revealed that they will also analyse the impacts of the policy’s implementation based on systematic procedures that will help them attain their goals.

"The policy implementation tools include initiatives that seek to manage discharges to the marine environment in a more sustainable manner, complete the relevant regulatory frameworks, and respond to environmental emergencies in accordance with the national policies,"  Her Excellency Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri concluded.