A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Ministry of Water and Environment (MoEW). The MoU concerns collaboration and provision of support in the fields of environmental data collection, management, analysis and visualization, and the planning, design, development and sustainment of a national environmental database and participation in regional and international environmental information networks.
H.E. Dr. Rashed Ahmed Bin Fahad, the Minister of MoEW and H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi Emirate and Managing Director of EAD signed the MoU in a ceremony held today (Monday) at HE Al Bowardi’s office at Al Ma’amoura building.
H.E. Al Bowardi noted that through this collaboration, UAE aspires to develop and apply effective methods and tools for better collection, management and utilization of environmental data. It also seeks to convene and coordinate the coordination and sharing of environmental information across the community of environmental stakeholders in the UAE, and beyond the National boundaries in regards to issues that are of regional or international significance.
H.E. Dr. Rashed Ahmed Bin Fahad, the Minister of MoEW noted that the development of a national environmental database is conceived to convene a collaborative program of data development and sharing among all the Emirates. “This will include the compilation of a common inventory of all the most relevant environmental data across the country, development of a GeoPortal to support exploration and viewing of this information, a master plan that lays out the specific roadmap for the development of the NEDB, identification and adaptation of international best practices and standards, and support in carrying out system implementation” he added.
In the field of State of the Environment Analysis and Reporting, both parties agreed to provide the environment analysis and reporting a basis for identifying the most pressing environmental issues, the affected environmental assets, drivers behind those assets, and identification and engagement of stakeholders that need to be involved.
They also agreed that in the environmental baseline, monitoring and performance measurement area that understanding conditions and trends in the environment requires careful baseline and monitoring data, as well as the methods and tools to analyze environmental performance over time.
It was also agreed that there is a need in Environmental Information Networking field for the coordination and sharing of environmental information both within the UAE, as well as with other regional and international entities involved in environmental issues that go beyond national boundaries;
Moreover, the two organizations agreed to cooperate in national capacity-building, where the capacity building program is envisioned to ensure all environment competent authorities in the UAE have the capacity for the effective management and utilization of environmental data.
Both entities also agreed based on the outcomes of the collaborative activities mentioned previously, that it is expected that new findings and insights will have direct bearing on environmental planning and policy making in the Country, in support of more effective and environmentally sustainable development.
This Memorandum of Understanding will be implemented in phases, through specific agreements between the relevant parties. Each agreement will mention the parties involved, their roles and responsibilities, timeframe, deliverables and budget.
The MoEW and EAD will meet to review and refine the work plan for carrying out the planning, design and development of the National Environmental Data Base (NEDB). Additionally, EAD will identify portions of the AGEDI Phase III program that align with MoEW interests, and these will be discussed to determine how to best leverage these areas of mutual interest. Also, during this effort the MoEW and EAD will identify, scope, and prioritize the other envisioned cooperative efforts for recommendation to UAE and Emirate of Abu Dhabi leadership for further consideration.
The Memorandum will be in effect for three years from the date of signature.
