Announcing The Environmental Atlas of Abu Dhabi

Points of View
If we carefully observe our surroundings, for example, our neighbourhoods, the city, the coast, the desert or mosaic of
landscapes. What do we see? How have things changed? Do we have a sense of place and its true importance?

The environment provides an all-embracing context for daily life. It has evolved over the past, it has shaped our present,
and it will influence our future as a society and nation.

The environment in Abu Dhabi is multi-faceted and unique. It comprises both natural and man-made attributes, closely
inter-related and complex, adaptive but also fragile. In recent decades worldwide, a growing appreciation and urgency
has developed regarding care of the environment. Terms like “sustainability” have entered everyday language and
focused attention on the benefits of a sustainable environment and the far-reaching consequences of failing to restore
this essential balance. Meeting the needs of today, without compromising the aspirations of future generations remains
a daunting challenge.

Introducing the Environmental Atlas of Abu Dhabi

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is proudly producing the Environmental Atlas of Abu Dhabi. For the first
time in the Emirateʼs history, this comprehensive Atlas will showcase the remarkable story of Abu Dhabiʼs environmen-
tal heritage highlighting its uniqueness and influence on human and cultural development.

Embracing a wide constituency of readers, the Atlas will present more than a collection of maps. A common story will be
interwoven with the voices and observations of citizens; engaging facts and figures, illustrations, photographs, as well
as high quality maps.

The Atlas (published in both hardcopy and digital format) will become a standard of the highest quality and distinction.
It will be a definitive source of essential information available to decision makers, executives, policy makers and
community leaders as well as students, researchers and the public, educating readers on how the environment impacts
the quality of life – today and in the future.

Telling the Environmental Story

The unique natural inheritance of Abu Dhabi, which embraces the contrasting interface between coast and desert
environments, displays features and forces which have over time constrained, shaped and enabled economic, social and
cultural development. The Atlas story will be told through this prism focusing on inter-related themes:

Geographic Inheritance - Land and Climate

An ancient, epic and evolving geographic inheritance is displayed in the varied geology and soils, the conflicting
forces shaping unique landscapes, including an ever-changing climate and human responses to these conditions.

continued on reverse...
 Resource Of Life - Water
Water remains the essential and most precious of resources. The struggle to balance sustainable water supplies with
increasing demands continues. Diversification, innovation and conservation will ensure this vital resource remains
accessible and available to all.

“The Cradle”- Marine and Coastal

The coastal and marine environment supports a unique diversity of flora and fauna, which has historically provided a
nurturing ʻcradleʼ for economic and cultural development. Within these especially sensitive eco-systems, greater aware-
ness is inspiring initiatives to conserve this bountiful, magnificent environment.

Fragile Hinterland - Terrestrial Eco-Systems

The varied deserts of the Emirate support natural assets such as oases, and wildlife as valuable as anywhere. In this
harsh environment, both people and nature demonstrate an admirable adaptation to adversity sustaining life with a
resilient beauty.

Natural Capital - Oil and Gas

To attain sustainability, the natural capital of oil and gas is being transformed into economic wealth and social capital,
while seeking balance with the environment. This long term process promises continuing changes that will resonate
for generations in Abu Dhabi and across the region.

Human Heritage
A cherished ancestry provides both hope and direction for the future. The uniqueness of the human heritage displays
strong historical linkages to the natural environment, which shaped culture in the past. The challenge today is to
ʻreshapeʼ both the human and natural environments in a balanced, sustainable manner.

Contemporary Picture – Abu Dhabi In The Present

In addition to its rich natural and human heritage, the Atlas will present a dynamic picture of Abu Dhabi today high-
lighting the challenges of rapid growth within the context of population change, energy, urbanization and transporta-
tion, environmental health, education, agriculture and forestry.

Vision For A Sustainable Future

Through innovation and investment, Abu Dhabi is striving to reshape and diversify its economy. Initiatives showcased
in the Atlas for example in renewable energy, conservation and water management, will highlight sustainability goals
and achievements as well as the obstacles, which are being overcome. The balanced management of social,
environmental and economic assets remains a vital and challenging goal.

View From The Future

The Atlas will feature illustrations submitted by youngsters featuring inspiring aspects of the environment. These will
be accompanied by their own words, describing the value of the environment and why it should be conserved for
future generations to enjoy.

Continuing A Glorious Tradition

In the noble tradition of Islamic geographers such Muhammad Al-Idrisi, the Environment Atlas of Abu Dhabi will
feature a map series to visually reveal the unique environmental aspects of the Emirate. The inter-dependencies of
environmental – human relationships will be highlighted providing a geographic context for the sustainable future of
Abu Dhabi.

Getting Involved
The Atlas will be a truly multi-disciplinary endeavour compiling written and visual inputs from the most insightful contribu-
tors from across the Emirate representing all sectors of society. As a final product, the Atlas will be strongly advertised,
promoted and distributed with the ultimate goal of becoming the universal source for environmental information in homes,
schools, government offices, businesses and elsewhere. All contributors, sponsors and supporters will be prominently
acknowledged in this landmark publication, which will become part of Abu Dhabiʼs cultural and environmental heritage.

Tel: + 971 (2) 681 7171 • Fax: +971 (2) 681 0008
www.ead.ae
PO Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, UAE