Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) has completed the measurement process for the City Biodiversity Index in Abu Dhabi City as part of its efforts to assess its success in conserving biodiversity.
The index is a self-assessment tool used by cities worldwide to measure and monitor conservation progress as well as to create awareness about the significance of protecting biodiversity and ecosystems. It is also known as the Singapore Cities Biodiversity Index and aims to assist cities in achieving sustainable development and a harmonious co-existence between biodiversity and people while addressing the risks of biodiversity loss and climate change impacts.
The index aims to help cities achieve a sustainable environment and enhance biological capacity, along with guiding local, national, and regional government agencies in measuring biodiversity, ecosystem health, and management practises’ success.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, commented that “Abu Dhabi City has joined a list of 39 cities around the world that have applied the City Index of Biodiversity, making it the first in the Arab Gulf region and the Middle East. The initiative is considered another major achievement for EAD in the field of preserving biological diversity and confirms the success of its efforts to improve the vital functions of ecosystems, which is one of the main indicators of quality of life and human well-being, in addition to the importance and accuracy of the data collected by the agency over the past years.”
EAD’s Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring Team conducted field surveys to collect measurement data on indicator criteria from various urban sites, including public parks, golf clubs, and other green spaces. Information related to geographic systems and awareness activities gathered by EAD and its partners from other government agencies was also included in the assessment.
The initiative was undertaken with the cooperation of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, the Statistics Centre in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Zoo, and other governmental and private agencies.