Hamdan bin Zayed Enacts Decree to Safeguard Abu Dhabi’s Soil from Degradation

ABU DHABI: In a significant move to combat soil degradation, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), has issued Decree No. (6) of 2024. This decree establishes a policy framework aimed at preserving soil quality in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. According to Emirates News Agency, the decree mandates EAD to collaborate with relevant entities to implement the policy's instruments as per its timeline. The agency will also manage the evaluation of the policy's effects through systematic procedures that support its goals. The policy is designed to ensure soil sustainability and optimal usage, thereby aiding sustainable development initiatives in the region. It focuses on enhancing regulatory frameworks, adopting sustainable land management practices, protecting public health and ecosystems, and increasing awareness about soil conservation. The policy, developed with input from Abu Dhabi's government agencies, ADNOC, a nd Abu Dhabi Ports, aligns with national strategies. It examines the current state of soil quality, challenges, and legal frameworks, and applies to various soil types and sectors, including urban planning, industry, agriculture, oil and gas exploration, and coastal and protected areas. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD Secretary-General, emphasized the importance of soil conservation for supporting economic, social, and environmental development plans. She noted that these efforts contribute to the UAE's sustainable development goals and align with the emirate's Environmental Centennial 2071 priorities. The policy aims for the rehabilitation of 80 percent of degraded lands by 2030. Abu Dhabi's diverse ecosystems, including deserts, mountains, plains, and coastal areas, face challenges such as soil erosion, salinisation, and low organic matter levels. In response, the policy seeks to protect and optimize soil use to address these issues.