Environmental Centennial 2071’s First Phase Records 751 Achievements Across Nine Government Entities, With Clean Energy Generating 42% of Electricity.
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi has surpassed its environmental implementation targets by 22 per cent, making significant progress in coral reef restoration, clean energy development and water security as part of its long-term strategy to preserve natural resources for future generations.
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) announced the successful completion of the first phase of Environmental Centennial 2071, which saw nine government entities deliver 751 achievements across 98 programmes between 2023 and 2025.
The initiative recorded an implementation rate of 122 per cent, exceeding its original target. This was supported by 33 additional programmes and 186 achievements introduced through the initiative’s Stars System, which encouraged participating government entities to go beyond their initial commitments.
Launched in 2022, Environmental Centennial 2071 draws inspiration from the conservation legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Aligned with the UAE Centennial 2071 vision, the framework seeks to integrate environmental sustainability into government policies, strategic planning and decision-making to ensure the long-term protection of the emirate’s natural resources.
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, highlighted the importance of continuing Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to environmental preservation.
“The late Sheikh Zayed taught us that our natural wealth is a trust and a responsibility we must safeguard for generations to come,” she said.
“Building on this legacy, the Environmental Centennial 2071 places environmental protection at the heart of comprehensive planning and makes stewardship of nature a shared commitment across government.”
Coral reef restoration, clean energy and water security
The first phase of Environmental Centennial 2071 delivered measurable progress across several key sectors, including marine biodiversity, renewable energy, water management, agriculture and transportation.
Among the major achievements was the restoration of five square kilometres of coral reefs, helping strengthen marine ecosystems and support aquatic biodiversity.
Fish biomass in the restored areas increased by 50 per cent, reflecting improvements in marine habitat conditions.
Abu Dhabi also advanced its water security efforts by expanding the use of recycled water and establishing emergency water reserves to strengthen resilience against potential supply disruptions.
In the energy sector, clean energy sources contributed 42 per cent of the emirate’s electricity generation, marking progress towards a more sustainable energy mix.
Meanwhile, emissions associated with electricity generation declined by 23 per cent compared with 2016 levels, highlighting the impact of efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of power production.
Together, these achievements demonstrate the progress made during the first phase of Abu Dhabi’s Environmental Centennial 2071, with government entities working towards long-term environmental protection and sustainable resource management.
Abu Dhabi also introduced improvements in agricultural practices aimed at increasing water-use efficiency and minimising food waste, supporting more sustainable food production.
In the transport sector, the introduction of environmentally friendly public buses, autonomous vehicles and water taxis with lower emissions contributed to efforts to reduce the environmental impact of mobility across the emirate.
The initiative also helped strengthen the integration of environmental priorities into government policies and regulations.
During its first phase, 27 policies, strategies, standards and regulatory mechanisms were developed to ensure environmental considerations play a greater role in government planning and decision-making.
Public support for reducing single-use plastics reaches 95%
Community participation was another key achievement of the programme, particularly in efforts to reduce plastic waste.
Public confidence in Abu Dhabi’s policy to limit single-use plastics reached 95 per cent, while 96 per cent of community members reported adopting practices to reduce their consumption.
These findings highlight the role of public awareness and individual behaviour in supporting the emirate’s environmental objectives.
Marine research also received a boost through the research vessel Jaywun and the establishment of Abu Dhabi’s first Maritime Sustainability Research Centre.
Both initiatives are intended to strengthen scientific research, improve understanding of marine ecosystems and support evidence-based environmental protection.
Next phase to prioritise innovation and stronger environmental integration
Environmental Centennial 2071 contributed to 14 of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating its alignment with broader international sustainability objectives.
The initiative also expanded Abu Dhabi’s environmental cooperation with 29 countries through partnerships, professional training, knowledge-sharing activities and participation in international forums.
Meanwhile, the average Environmental Centennial 2071 Integration Index reached 89 per cent among the government entities assessed.
The index reflects how effectively participating organisations incorporated environmental priorities into their policies, operations and strategic planning.
Abdulla AlRemaithi, Executive Director of the Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector at EAD, said the initiative’s progress was driven by cooperation among government entities working towards common environmental objectives.
He explained that allowing individual organisations the flexibility to develop their own programmes helped translate broader sustainability goals into practical results.
“Phase One demonstrated the importance of linking strategic priorities to implementation programmes and measurable outcomes, while giving entities the flexibility to develop their initiatives and respond to new opportunities,” he said.
“In the next phase, we will focus on strengthening this integration to multiply the impact of these achievements and support the centennial’s targets over the long term.”
Environmental Centennial 2071 framework to be reviewed in 2027
The Environmental Centennial 2071 framework is scheduled for review in 2027, when authorities will assess progress and consider priorities for the next stage of implementation.
Potential areas of focus include expanding private sector involvement in environmental initiatives and increasing the use of artificial intelligence and real-time data analysis to support monitoring and decision-making.
The next phase is also expected to place continued emphasis on cooperation among government agencies, businesses, research institutions and other stakeholders involved in Abu Dhabi’s environmental efforts.
Building on the achievements recorded between 2023 and 2025, the initiative aims to strengthen environmental governance, encourage innovation and advance Abu Dhabi’s long-term sustainability ambitions through 2071.
