Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) announced a grazing ban effective from October 16, 2024, until May 15, 2025, aimed at allowing pastures in the emirate to regenerate and recover after the previous grazing season.
This ban will apply to all types of livestock grazing in open wild areas throughout Abu Dhabi. The EAD’s initiative is designed to promote the natural food chain among wild animals and plant resources, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity within the region’s grazing areas.
During the grazing season, which ran from May 15 to October 15, heavy livestock grazing can significantly impact vegetation health, making this temporary ban crucial for ecosystem recovery.
Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, emphasized the environmental benefits of the grazing ban. He described the period as a “temporary natural rest period” for the region’s trees, shrubs, and wild grasses.
“This will create favorable conditions for different types of plants to grow, regenerate, and recover from the stress of grazing,” Al Hashemi stated. He highlighted that by allowing the vegetation to rest, the agency aims to enhance the overall ecological balance in Abu Dhabi.
The EAD has urged livestock owners and breeders to comply with the ban to support these conservation efforts.
While grazing will not be permitted, livestock owners can still take their animals outside designated farms for non-grazing purposes, such as exercise and health maintenance, provided that the animals are accompanied by a caretaker.
Experts are optimistic that the ban will facilitate crucial field studies on vegetation cover during this period. These studies are vital for monitoring the health of Abu Dhabi’s ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of its natural resources.
The data gathered will assist in informing future conservation strategies and policies aimed at preserving the emirate’s unique biodiversity.
Abu Dhabi’s diverse ecosystems, which include a range of habitats from coastal wetlands to desert landscapes, are home to various plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the region.
The EAD’s proactive measures, including this grazing ban, reflect a growing recognition of the need to balance agricultural practices with environmental conservation.
As the emirate continues to develop, initiatives like the grazing ban are increasingly important to ensure that natural habitats are preserved for future generations.
The collaboration between livestock owners and environmental authorities will be essential in achieving the goals of this ban, fostering a shared responsibility for protecting the environment.
The EAD has committed to ongoing education and outreach to ensure that all stakeholders understand the importance of the grazing ban and the role it plays in maintaining Abu Dhabi’s natural resources.
As the emirate prepares for the grazing ban, it calls upon residents and livestock owners to support these efforts for a greener and more sustainable future.
For further updates and information on the grazing ban, residents are encouraged to follow EAD communications and stay informed about environmental initiatives in the emirate.