Nature and biodiversity We believe that a healthy environment is essential to ensure an equitable, sustainable future for everyone. As an operator in several areas with rich marine and terrestrial life, we prioritize initiatives and collaborations that protect and restore nature and biodiversity. Our work with ADNOC is an example of how energy companies can partner with environmental regulators to achieve progress. This partnership has led to notable achievements in protecting Abu Dhabi’s environment and biodiversity, such as the largest marine environmental baseline surveys undertaken in Abu Dhabi and the planting of 2.5 million mangrove seeds in support of the UAE’s target of 100 million mangrove plantations by 2030, and more as part of the commitment towards the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy. ADNOC shares our goal of preserving the UAE’s natural heritage, mitigating and adapting to climate change, and has advanced its sustainability agenda accordingly. This is exemplified by ADNOC’s recent win of the Inaugural Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Award which focuses on best practices or pioneering activities in the field of environment and sustainable development. Together, we will continue to create a positive impact through conservation efforts, thereby helping to foster a more sustainable future. H.E. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri Secretary General, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi “ ” In 2023, we introduced a biodiversity framework to safeguard, preserve and conserve the biodiversity within our concession areas. The framework is aligned with federal and local government mandates, including the UAE National Biodiversity Strategy and the Abu Dhabi Biodiversity Protection Policy. We are committed to minimizing our impact on biodiversity and to conserve nature and living species in these protected areas. Approximately 25% of ADNOC’s concession areas and operations overlap with nine protected areas, as defined by the EAD. In close collaboration with the EAD, we have developed a biodiversity assessment protocol and an environmental monitoring and assessment requirement for all ADNOC activities within defined protected areas. These assessments require EAD permits which mandate comprehensive biodiversity management plans, regular environmental monitoring and the submission of compliance reports. If an environmental incident occurs, we immediately notify EAD rangers, conduct a joint investigation and develop a remediation plan. We continuously enhance our biodiversity management approach with a focus on capacity building, research with experts, clear biodiversity project delivery milestones and the use of technology. Our biodiversity activities include mangrove and seagrass planting, the deployment of artificial coral reef habitats, and the monitoring and management of animal species across our concession areas, including those which are part of the UAE National Red List of at-risk and endangered species. These species include the hawksbill turtle, the osprey, houbara, dugong, and the Arabian oryx. Monitoring biodiversity We manage a geographical information system that covers all ADNOC concession areas in Abu Dhabi and interfaces with the datasets of the EAD. The system facilitates the assessment, reduction or elimination of any negative impact to Abu Dhabi’s sensitive natural environment. It supports the following datasets: air and climate, marine and terrestrial habitats, marine wildlife sightings, environmentally sensitive habitats, protected areas, marine water and sediment quality, soil mapping, ground water quality, and levels and wetland mapping. Supporting nature-based solutions For more than a decade, ADNOC has adopted nature-based solutions to protect, sustainably manage and restore nature in ways that address societal challenges such as loss of biodiversity, climate change and human wellbeing. Mangroves are critical in preventing coastal erosion. They are home to a diverse range of marine life, and able to sequester CO2. Mangroves are an important nature-based solution to mitigating climate change. We are committed to planting 10 million mangroves by 2030, helping to restore these natural carbon sinks. We use drone technology, developed in the UAE, and have planted 2.5 million mangrove seeds in 2023. The germination and growth of the mangroves is being monitored and we will continue to replenish where needed to achieve the goal of 2.5 million mangroves over three years. Our approach is aligned with the United Nations conventions on conserving biodiversity. An extensive volunteer program has been part of our mangrove planting initiative, with opportunities for volunteers to participate at each point of the planting process, from picking seeds to monitoring the growth of the mangroves. 56 57 Energy for Life