The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, EAD, and RTI International, an independent, nonprofit research institute headquartered in the United States, celebrated 10 years of close collaboration on environmental protection technology, systems, and practices. The strategic partnership has enhanced EAD's capabilities in developing environmental management programmes tailored to Abu Dhabi's unique biological, social, and economic context. It has also ensured that the Agency has the right infrastructure and expertise in place to pursue its next phase of growth.

Over the last decade, EAD and RTI have worked together across five main pillars: Permitting and Assessments, Compliance and Inspection, Policy and Regulations, Environmental Monitoring and Data Analysis, and Professional Development. Through efforts in developing and applying science-based, internationally-benchmarked tools, processes and procedures, EAD has managed to build a solid and enduring organisational and regulatory framework that will promote sustainable development policies and practices in Abu Dhabi. This, in turn, has seen the Agency gain the status of best environmental programme in the GCC and strengthened its capacity to protect the Emirate's natural biodiversity.

Commenting on the occasion, Faisal Al Hammadi, Director of EAD's Permitting, Compliance and Enforcement, and the Strategic Partnership Project Manager, said, "The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi's partnership with RTI International is a true testament to the role public-private partnerships can play as engines of knowledge transfer and human capital development. Our accomplishments are rooted in a mutual respect for our environment and a strong professional bond that has only grown over the past 10 years, allowing us to execute our mandate to the best of our ability. Our journey started with a vision from senior government to have one of the best environmental protection programmes in the region – together with RTI, we have created one of the best programs in the world."

Since 2008, EAD has issued over 2,500 environmental permits, reviewed over 2,000 environmental impact assessment studies, conducted over 4,800 compliance inspections, overseen more than 900 hazard evaluations and delivered over 20,000 hours of direct staff training and mentoring. The Agency has authored 10 industry sector reports on best management practices, and designed integrated data analysis systems and cutting-edge electronic inspection and assessment tools. EAD has also created several strategic policy development and review processes, and assisted in forming 3 marine water quality indices.

Robert A. Zerbonia, Vice President of International Environmental Programs at RTI, said, "Together, the collaboration between the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and RTI has been a huge success, not only in improving operations, but also in consolidating scientific knowledge about the environmental challenges facing Abu Dhabi and strengthening the Emirate's regulatory framework to address these challenges. EAD and RTI have learned from each other along the way, and have harnessed their shared knowledge, skills, and wisdom to help EAD take its place among the top environmental protection agencies in the world."

During the course of their partnership, EAD produced various scientific publications that were selected for placement in international journals. The Agency also participated at numerous global conferences have also contributed to EAD's growing presence worldwide.

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