Abu Dhabi takes proactive steps

With any given development in the country, it is important that the natural habitat is preserved as the development is progressing. Following such a plan ensures that development is not taking place at the cost of nature.

This approach of ensuring that developmental projects do not destroy the natural habitat surrounding them is critical for the UAE, given its development plans. Abu Dhabi has taken a proactive role in this regard, given the number of development projects that are taking place in areas with dense mangroves. Saadiyat island — developed to become a major cultural hub — has large areas of mangroves.

Yet, with large-scale development, many were lost in the process, with the concerned authorities taking steps towards limiting the environmental damage. "We have pledged to plant two mangroves against every plant that is lost in the transformation of the island. Development involves a bit of damage, but we are committed to preserving the 1.5 square kilometres of mangroves on Saadiyat," said Nasser Al Shaiba, Head of the Environmental Department at the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC). It is positive that such a process of preservation marks high on the agenda in words as much as in practice.