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About Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI)

Under the guidance and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, the Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI)was formed in 2002 to address the local, regional and global responses to the critical need for readily accessible, accurate environmental data and information for all those who need it.   Supported by Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) on a local level, and championed by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), regionally and internationally AGEDI works to bridge the environmental data and information gap between developed and developing countries.  AGEDI works closely with international networks to facilitate and enhance information exchange enabling more effective, accurate environmental decision making. For more information, visit www.AGEDI.ae

About Eye on Earth Special Initiatives

Eye on Earth converges initiatives that address the challenges of increasing access to environmental, societal, and economic information. More specifically, Eye on Earth is facilitating the global convergence of world class thinkers, actors and capacity builders with a focus on resolving data and information gaps, blockages and needs as required for more effective decision-making towards sustainable development.

In December 2011, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), convened global leaders, innovators and decision-makers at the inaugural Eye on Earth Summit in Abu Dhabi. Delegates committed to a suite of outcomes, including the Eye on Earth Summit Declaration and eight Special Initiatives. The Special Initiatives address major environmental issues and are categorized into five thematic and three foundational initiatives.  The thematic initiatives are:, Biodiversity, Community Sustainability & Resiliency, Disaster Management, Oceans & Blue Carbon and Water Security while the three foundational initiatives are: Access for All, Environmental Education, Global Network of Networks.

In 2012, EAD, through the AGEDI, and UNEP established a Secretariat to support and facilitate the aims of Eye on Earth through the Special Initiatives. Each Initiative is comprised of stakeholders that form a global community of practice. Together, the Special Initiatives represent a major portion of the Eye on Earth community. Stakeholders are actively engaged in moving initiatives forward through exemplary projects that demonstrate the guiding principles of the Eye on Earth Declaration.

Through the Eye on Earth Special Initiatives process we provide opportunities for:

  • Developing networks and partnerships
  • Addressing common needs for content development
  • Sharing tools, technology and infrastructure
  • Adding value to your current projects through incorporation of new ideas
  • Accessing good practices, protocols and standards
  • Participating in pilot activities
  • Replicating successful outcomes in other countries and regions;

For more information, visit www.EoEsummit.org

About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) was established in 1996 to preserve Abu Dhabi’s natural heritage, protect our future, and raise awareness about environmental issues. EAD is Abu Dhabi’s environmental regulator and advises the government on environmental policy. It works to create sustainable communities, and protect and conserve wildlife and natural resources. EAD also works to ensure integrated and sustainable water resources management, to ensure clean air and minimise climate change and its impacts. For more information, visit www.ead.ae

About United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

UNEP is the designated authority of the United Nations system in environmental issues at the global and regional level. UNEP’s mission is ‘to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations’. UNEP is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. For more information, visit www.unep.org