Abu Dhabi, UAE- The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) participated in the 11th GEF Biennial International Waters Conference (IWC11), organised by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Bali, Indonesia, where Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD and Vice Chair of the Global Council on SDG 14, was among the keynote speakers at the opening ceremony.
On the sidelines of the conference, EAD held the third chapter of its global Source-to-Sea initiative, with Dr Al Dhaheri leading a side event titled “From Source to Large Marine Ecosystems: Where Water Meets Life”.
During the session, Dr Al Dhaheri presented Abu Dhabi’s experience in managing water resources under a unified, integrated system. She highlighted the role of evidence-based governance in linking freshwater management with the protection of marine ecosystems, bridging the ambitions of SDG 6 on clean water and SDG 14 on life below water.
EAD’s global Source-to-Sea initiative brings together policymakers, scientists, international organisations and industry leaders to advance integrated water governance, built on the principle of managing water as the connected system that nature intended, from inland sources and aquifers to coasts and the ocean. It also showcases Abu Dhabi’s Source-to-Sea model, which combines circular water management with marine conservation.
Launched by EAD at the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York in July, the initiative continued in Seoul, Republic of Korea, in September before reaching Bali, building momentum towards the 2026 UN Water Conference, which the UAE will co-host in Abu Dhabi from 8 to 10 December.
Established in 1996, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is committed to protecting and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda.
SOURCE: MEDIA RELEASE / SUPPLIED CONTENT WITH IMAGES
