Protection of the UAE’s natural environment, both on land and offshore, has long been a major focus of government activity, with the first laws to regulate hunting and to protect wildlife having been passed nearly 30 years ago.

The UAE lost a founding father and unique leader. The world lost a great supporter for conservation with a passion for the environment that was beyond compare.

The remarkable environmental legacy left behind by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan continues to shape the running of the UAE. Environmental responsibility now underpins almost all relevant decision-making processes on a day-to-day basis. Sustainable development, greening of the landscape and the propagation of endangered species were special interests of a man ahead of his time.

In recognition of his sustained and far-sighted efforts, the late President was posthumously recognised in 2005 with a ‘Champion of the Earth’ award by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Significantly, but almost passing unnoticed, the UAE ratified the Kyoto Protocol in January 2005 and has set itself targets for the progressive reduction of domestic carbon emissions, as well as investigating innovative ways of cutting down on and disposing of all greenhouse gases.