His statement was read out on the occasion of the release of the EAD’s first state of the environment report in Abu Dhabi.
Among those present on the occasion were Minister of Environment and Water Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority Shaikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi Executive Council Mohammed Ahmed Al Bawardi, and Mahmoud Fikri, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Health.
The report, which is the first of its kind in the UAE, highlights seven key areas — air, biological diversity, heritage and culture, land utilisation, marine resources, wastes and water resources.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Al Bawardi, Shaikh Hamdan said: “The launch of such a report is a testament to the UAE’s vision of achieving a crucial balance between economic growth and environmental protection.”
Shaikh Hamdan added: “This report is part of the Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Initiative. I am confident that it’s a valuable tool that will help us protect our precious environment.”
In his speech, Al Bawardi said the report monitors the state of environment in Abu Dhabi in particular and the UAE in general. “It’s a tool through which the UAE will achieve the best environmental standards,” he added.
He said all new projects in Abu Dhabi were subject to an environmental licensing system, which is part and parcel of the overall licensing for any project. All these projects in Abu Dhabi observe the highest environmental standards, he added.
