The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has entered into a strategic partnership with Ekthar Wildlife Development (Ekthar) to bolster the emirate’s environmental protection efforts. Formalized at the 2026 Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), the agreement establishes a collaborative framework aimed at advancing wildlife conservation, biodiversity preservation, and the sustainable management of natural resources across both desert and marine ecosystems.
The partnership was solidified through the signatures of Maitha Al Hameli, Acting Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, and Frédéric Lacroix, Chief Executive Officer of Ekthar. By synchronizing the organizations’ respective scientific and technical expertise, the collaboration seeks to address critical environmental priorities, including species recovery, reintroduction programs, and the complex logistical requirements of wildlife health and biosecurity.
A key focus of the agreement lies in the integration of cutting-edge scientific disciplines into practical conservation work. The two organizations intend to leverage shared knowledge in genetics and genomics to improve biodiversity monitoring. Furthermore, the partnership will extend to the sustainable management of wildlife, with a specific emphasis on the preservation of traditional, culturally significant practices such as falconry, ensuring they align with modern environmental stewardship standards.
Maitha Al Hameli emphasized that the complexity of modern conservation necessitates a shift toward deep, collaborative technical integration. “Effective conservation increasingly depends on bringing together specialized scientific expertise and applying it consistently over time,” Al Hameli stated. “This agreement allows EAD to work alongside a partner whose capabilities complement our own, strengthening the science that underpins how we manage and protect species and habitats across Abu Dhabi. It reflects our commitment to evidence-based conservation and to building the national expertise needed to protect the emirate’s biodiversity over the long term.”
For Ekthar, the collaboration represents an opportunity to apply decades of specialized experience to the unique environmental challenges faced by the Abu Dhabi region. CEO Frédéric Lacroix noted that the emirate has become a benchmark for successful, science-led conservation initiatives. “Abu Dhabi has set a clear example of what science-led conservation can achieve, and EAD’s stewardship of the emirate’s species and ecosystems is central to that,” said Lacroix. “By combining our strengths in areas such as conservation breeding, conservation genomics, and biosecurity, we aim to support practical, evidence-based solutions that strengthen the conservation of wildlife in Abu Dhabi and contribute to shared goals that reach beyond it.”
The agreement serves as a foundation for ongoing knowledge exchange and capacity building. While the framework defines the areas of cooperation, any specific joint initiatives will be developed through mutual consent and executed in accordance with the established regulatory and operational policies of both organizations.
Beyond the immediate technical benefits, this alliance reinforces Abu Dhabi’s status as a regional leader in environmental conservation. By bridging the gap between traditional heritage and advanced genomic and ecological research, the EAD and Ekthar initiative aims to ensure the long-term resilience of the region’s natural heritage. As the emirate continues to expand its environmental footprint, this collaboration highlights a commitment to data-driven decision-making, ensuring that the protection of local flora and fauna remains firmly rooted in scientific rigor and global best practices.
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