EAD’s inspection ceases mangrove removal
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The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) recently succeeded in protecting approximately 60,000 sq m of mangroves on Al Reem Island after learning of a developer’s attempt to clear the area in order to widen the Island’s northern channel.
Reports show that the developer had attempted to initiate a mangrove removal operation in a bid to widen the Island’s northern channel by approximately 75 metres in order to improve navigation and landscaping related to the channel.
The mangrove plays an integral role in the marine ecosystem, providing a habitat for aquatic and terrestrial fauna and flora. Although it is one of nature’s important species, mangrove ecosystems can easily be adversely affected due to excessive human activities – such as development, dredging and boat activity.
Engineer Faisal Al Hammadi, Deputy Executive Director, Environment Quality Sector, EAD, commented: “Before a company can begin developing or dredging the site of its development, it is required to apply for an environmental permit from EAD. Following a stringent application review process and after a license is granted, EAD inspectors regularly visit the site to ensure that the developer is adhering to the conditions stipulated on the permit.”
Environmental regulations exist to help prevent any occurrences of environmental damage. Treating habitat destruction or loss never fully restores it back to its natural state, requires heavy investment and can be time-consuming.