AI to strengthen environmental conservation in Abu Dhabi

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Participants at the Future of the environment in Abu Dhabi workshop on Monday. — Supplied photo
Participants at the Future of the environment in Abu Dhabi workshop on Monday. - Supplied photo

Abu Dhabi - Abu Dhabi will make it more advanced through the use of technologies for future sustainable development.

By Ismail Sebugwaawo

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Published: Mon 17 Sep 2018, 10:00 PM

Last updated: Tue 18 Sep 2018, 12:29 AM

The authorities in Abu Dhabi will use new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation to protect and improve the emirate's environment in the coming days.
Dr Mohamed Yousef Al Madfaei, executive director of integrated environment policy and planning sector at the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), on Monday told Khaleej Times on the sidelines of a workshop that the government would like to change the way it is dealing with the environment. Abu Dhabi will make it more advanced through the use of technologies for future sustainable development.
"We will soon be using artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor and enforce environmental programmes in Abu Dhabi and also in the issuance of permits," said Al Madfaei.
"This will also enhance the business sector in Abu Dhabi. We are keen on working with the economic or business sector and all other members of the society to reduce carbon footprint and protect the environment on a local level."
The workshop on the 'Future of the environment in Abu Dhabi', which was organised by the EAD, reviewed the performance of organisations towards environmental initiatives and projects implemented according to the five year strategic plan that has been developed in the past years. It also presented the new direction of the future of the environment in Abu Dhabi.
"We would like to come up with a new concept on how to look at the environment, different from a very scientific approach that encourages innovation. But we're rather looking at enhancing the goods and services sector to reduce the environmental challenges," said Al Madfaei.
"Abu Dhabi is looking forward to areas that focus on industrial revolution and produces technologies that can assist consumers to reduce their energy and water consumption."
The environment expert added: "The issue of people knowing about the better ways on how they can limit the energy consumption is still missing here. The Abu Dhabi Government is keen on promoting such practices that lead to the future of environment protection and sustainable development," said Al Madfaei. He explained that in the near future, the government will be setting up technologies that will help consumers assess the water and energy consumption in homes to help them reduce consumption.
The agency is also looking forward to incentive based regulations to enhance the participation of the community in protecting the environment and preserving it for the future generations, said Al Madfaei.
"We are seeking to play a leading role in environmental management globally and we will continue to work closely with other government agencies to achieve a comprehensive development on how to address environmental challenges," he said.
According to officials, the EAD has registered many achievements, including the re-introduction of scimitar-horned Oryx in Chad to their inhabitants after reproduction in Abu Dhabi, fisheries conservation programmes and other marine protection initiatives, since last year.
In August last year, 54 Scimitar-horned Oryx were released by the EAD and its partners in Chad, as part o a campaign to reintroduce the animals in their native habitat in Africa.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com
 


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