Abu Dhabi: The Soil Protection Policy in Abu Dhabi, issued under Decree No. (6) of 2024 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aims to prevent soil degradation.
The decree directs EAD to work with relevant authorities to implement the soil protection policy according to a detailed timeline. The agency will also monitor the policy’s impact, using organized and structured processes to ensure it achieves its goals.
The policy focuses on ensuring soil sustainability and effective use to support the emirate’s development. It aims to strengthen regulations, implement sustainable land management, safeguard public health, and raise awareness of soil conservation.
EAD worked with key organizations, including Abu Dhabi Government agencies, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and Abu Dhabi Ports, supervised the preparation of this policy and ensured its alignment with national policies.
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The policy evaluates the current challenges and impacts of soil degradation in Abu Dhabi and its legal framework. It will be applied to various soil types across sectors such as urban development, industry, agriculture, oil and gas exploration, as well as coastal and protected areas. The policy aims to address soil quality issues in a comprehensive and coordinated manner.
Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri highlighted Abu Dhabi’s efforts to protect soil quality as essential for supporting sustainable economic, social, and environmental growth. This aligns with the emirate’s Environmental Centennial 2071, focusing on soil and water conservation.
HE also highlighted that the policy aims to rehabilitate 80% of degraded lands by 2030, acknowledging soil’s vital role in biodiversity, carbon storage, and climate change mitigation, ensuring the sustainability of Abu Dhabi’s natural resources.
Abu Dhabi’s diverse ecosystems, including desert sands, plains, dunes, and coastal areas, face challenges such as soil erosion, salinization, and poor soil quality.
To address these issues, the new policy focuses on protecting and optimizing soil use, with the goal of supporting the emirate’s sustainable development plans.