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Under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler of the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Authority of Abu Dhabi (EAD), the agency has issued implementing regulations for Law No. (11) ) 2020, regulations on grazing in Abu Dhabi.
As the entity responsible for overseeing environmental affairs in the emirate, the EAD is tasked with implementing laws aimed at regulating grazing activities and promoting sustainable management principles to protect protected areas, natural habitats and critical habitats. By doing so, the law ensures that wild plant species are not overgrazed and that the emirate’s terrestrial biodiversity is preserved.
The introduction of administrative regulations strengthens the EAD’s role in monitoring grazing resources, restoring vegetation cover in grazing areas, and documenting and maintaining traditional grazing practices according to scientific standards. Implementation of the law also supports the conservation of natural and cultural heritage through the sustainable use of natural resources, including the protection of natural desert flora and the reduction of soil degradation, as well as the promotion of food security through the sustainability of plants and livestock.
Additionally, these regulations help preserve Abu Dhabi’s traditional herding practices and preserve the relationship between humans and the desert’s natural resources for future generations. The regulations also define the role of the EAD in coordinating with relevant authorities to determine grazing areas and seasons in Abu Dhabi and to issue administrative decisions related to the regulation of grazing in the emirate.
The main objective of this regulation is to regulate all grazing related activities in Abu Dhabi by issuing grazing licenses to livestock owners and breeders. This measure ensures restoration of vegetation cover and promotes sustainable biodiversity, allowing the natural regeneration of wild plant resources for future generations.
Livestock owners and breeders in Abu Dhabi can apply to the EAD for a grazing license by following the procedures and requirements prescribed by the agency and paying the prescribed fees. Permit applicants must also provide a copy of their Emirates ID, a valid Animal Wealth Logbook attesting to the relevant authority’s ownership of the livestock and identifying the person who will accompany and care for the livestock.
To ensure environmental sustainability, the code requires those with a grazing license to comply with a set of environmental requirements. This includes not introducing exotic plants, animals or harmful substances into pastoral areas, avoiding any uprooting, burning, transporting, felling, vandalizing, logging, moving or collecting wild plants or any other parts thereof in pastoral areas. In addition, they must not destroy or injure the wildlife in the grazing area, or cause any damage to the local environment, and must observe the permitted grazing season. Permit holders must also take into account moratorium periods established by the EAD in coordination with the relevant authorities to ensure the sustainability of the grazing area.
Regularly reducing grazing pressure is an international best practice that allows natural vegetation to recover, and the Agency’s implementation of this decision helps protect desert environments from overgrazing. This pressure can lead to the destruction of native plant species, soil erosion and degradation, and eventually desertification, which leads to a decline in livestock numbers. To address this issue, the regulations promote the natural restoration and regeneration of terrestrial habitats.
Recently, the Agency conducted a study assessing vegetation cover at 35 sites in the Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions. The study showed that vegetation cover was lower in open grazing areas compared to protected areas without grazing. To address this issue, EAD has been conducting research and restoring natural grazing resources including Ghaf, Acacia (Samr), Haloxylon (Ghada), Gorse (Markh), Salt Shrub (Rimth) and others.
To further promote environmental awareness, EAD has been running programs targeting livestock owners in Abu Dhabi such as participation in festivals and heritage events as well as awareness sessions and presentations. For example, the agency organized seven awareness-raising sessions in Majalis Abu Dhabi, involving 250 local livestock owners. In addition, EAD conducted 25 individual interviews with the oral narrators on grazing-related matters, such as restoring natural plant species and achieving the required environmental balance in using current grazing resources that meet the needs of local communities.
EAD recognizes the critical role that livestock owners play as key strategic partners in supporting the Agency’s implementation of the Grazing Law and its enforcement regulations. The Agency appreciates their cooperation and contribution in achieving sustainable use of natural resources and preserving the environment and natural heritage for future generations.
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