The Geoportal’s Environmental Themes

The Geoportal’s maps and information are built around eight key environmental themes:

Cultural Heritage: Abu Dhabi Emirate is home to many significant paleontological and archaeological sites. Many of these sites are facing pressures fromgrowth and development. Geoportal maps and data contain information about the most significant of these sites.

Environmental Education: Rapid economic growth, urbanization and higher per capita consumption havemade it increasingly difficult for Abu Dhabi to develop in a sustainable manner. Environmental education is crucial for addressing such issues as water consumption, waste management and losses of biological diversity. Geoportal maps and data contain information about environmental education initiatives in Abu Dhabi.

Marine & Coastal Environment: Abu Dhabi’s marine and coastal environment is essential to the Emirate’s natural and cultural history, having long provided food, livelihoods, recreation and protection against coastal erosion. Changes in land use due to population growth and industrial development have degraded the coastal zone and marine resources. Geoportal maps and data contain information about marine and coastal zones, including biota, habitats, economic activities and key management issues.

Physical Geography: Abu Dhabi’s mostly hot and dry climate plays a central role in determining the emirate’s land surface. Rapid development is diminishing fresh water supplies and the ability of soils to support agriculture, forestry, wildlife and other traditional uses. Global climate change will affect the Emirate over the medium to long term, particularly in heavily populated coastal regions. Geoportal maps and data contain information about Abu Dhabi’s geology, soils, water, atmosphere and climate.

Population, Development & Economy: Within the past 30 years, Abu Dhabi has grown from a small desert island town to a prosperous and modern commercial centre with a population of approximately 1.85 million. Abu Dhabi is the UAE’s major economic engine, holding 94 percent of the country’s total oil and gas reserves and contributing 61.1 percent of gross domestic product. Geoportal maps and data contain information related to Abu Dhabi’s demography and economy.

Terrestrial Habitat & Land Resources: Abu Dhabi’s natural landscape encompasses diverse natural habitats and is home to a wide range of plant and animal species that enrich the Emirate’s biodiversity while providing important social and economic benefits. Rapid growth and development is placing elements of the natural terrestrial environment in strong danger of being damaged, in some extreme cases irreversibly. Geoportal maps and data contain information about Abu Dhabi’s terrestrial environment and habitat.

Waste Management & Pollution: As Abu Dhabi has grown rapidly, so has the production of waste and the need for comprehensive waste management and pollution control. Geoportal maps and data contain information regarding major waste types and sources, including solid waste, medical and hazardous waste, and air emissions, as well as information about waste management practices and facilities.

Water Resources: Water in Abu Dhabi evaporates quickly and recharges slowly. At the same time, the Emirate’s per capita water consumption rate is among the world’s highest, and pressures on the supply have risen sharply as the population and economy have grown. To address a deficit in natural water supply, Abu Dhabi has resorted to unconventional water supply methods, such as desalination and re-use of treated wastewater. Geoportal maps and data contain information about Abu Dhabi’s water supply and consumption patterns.