Environment Agency Abu Dhabi announced it was extending the protection it offers to native species and habitats in the emirate. EADShow caption: Environment Agency Abu Dhabi announced it was extending the …Move announced by Environment Agency Abu Dhabi to enhance protection of biodiversityThe NationalAugust 15, 2026Abu Dhabi's environmental authority has extended the protection it offers to species and habitats on its protected list.Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) announced on Saturday that protection of species on the list has been expanded to all habitats, even if they are outside areas designated specifically as nature reserves.The resolution, passed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler’s Representative of Al Dhafra Region and chairman of the agency, was brought in to strengthen the protection of species and habitats in Abu Dhabi, to conserve biodiversity and to ensure sustainability.The move is part of the agency's efforts to enhance the protection of biodiversity and safeguard native species and their natural habitats, contributing to the sustainability of ecosystems for future generations, the agency said."The resolution establishes an integrated framework for protecting terrestrial and marine species and their habitats, through habitat sustainability, areas for the protection and conservation of biodiversity, and the restoration and rehabilitation of degraded habitats and affected species in the emirate," the agency said."Its provisions apply to all terrestrial and marine habitats, including areas designated for the protection and conservation of important biodiversity outside protected areas, and to all native and migratory species in the emirate of Abu Dhabi as per the lists approved by EAD."Invasive and non-native species are excluded from the new provisions by the agency.EAD called on all members of the community, as well as government and private entities, to "co-operate and comply with the controls and procedures set out in the resolution, and to contribute to protecting nature and conserving biodiversity".Updated: August 15, 2026, 1:08 PM