As part of the Environment Agency–Abu Dhabi (EAD)’s endeavours to adopt cutting-edge and innovative technologies in support of environmental sustainability initiatives and conservation of plant diversity in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Agency has partnered with Dendra Co. to execute a comprehensive programme aimed at assessing the state of natural terrestrial habitats across the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The Agency led the development process of a detailed study design that includes carefully chosen areas suitable for assessing the state of native vegetation cover in natural habitats within and beyond Protected Areas. This systematic approach enabled EAD to measure the extent and dynamics of changes that occur in the diversity and the distribution of local plants that are linked to human uses and anthropogenic influences.
The research programme was implemented and facilitated by a team of young national talents from the Agency and Dendra Co. which specialises in conducting environmental consultancy studies using artificial intelligence methodologies and data collection programmes via smart sensors provided to drones.
This programme is considered the largest field research project ever implemented in the region. More than six months of continuous work enabled us to comprehensively cover a total area of 11,000 hectares as a representative survey of the critical vegetation cover most vulnerable to environmental threats resulting from human uses and climate change. The detailed data resulting from the programme will contribute to giving clearer guidance which will enhance the decision-making process to deal with the increasing pressures proactively.
In addition to field monitoring and research, a smart geographic database platform was developed to document all project information. This platform provides the ability to produce instant reports and accurate statistical analysis.
According to the initial study design, EAD has also implemented an operation to disperse seeds of local plant species using drones capable of carrying a total weight of 70 kilograms and dispersing them in three areas within the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Each 380-hectare area was monitored as a baseline to assess the extent to which these seeds respond to natural regeneration linked to rainfall rates and soil type. The team will also conduct an annual study of the same sowing areas to measure data on the success of natural germination.
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