Dhs150,000 penalty for damaging Abu Dhabi’s natural heritage

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) issued an administrative fine of Dhs150,000 against a company in Al Dhafra region for repeatedly damaging the ecologically sensitive Al Barqa and failing to comply with decisions to halt operations.

Enforcement measures had been taken against the facility following repeated violations and damage caused to a natural habitat, EAD said, adding that its inspection teams would continue to conduct regular rounds across the emirate to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and preserve Abu Dhabi’s unique natural landmarks.

A natural landmark shaped by time, Al Barqa is a rare formation of flat desert hills created naturally over millions of years. As an integral part of the desert landscape, protecting it is essential to preserving this natural heritage and the associated wildlife habitats.

This natural heritage is irreplaceable and any damage caused by vehicles or encroachments cannot be repaired or rehabilitated, EAD said, stressing the importance of preserving it and avoiding activities that could damage its natural formations or affect the organisms inhabiting it.

The measures taken against the facility came as part of EAD’s field work to protect environmental systems, it added, noting that inspection tours would continue to monitor violations and follow up on facilities’ compliance with the decisions issued against them with a view to preserving natural habitats and sensitive desert landmarks in the emirate.

Earlier, EAD issued regulations governing reconciliation and grievance procedures regarding environmental violations and administrative fines.

These regulations outline the reconciliation procedures against payment of 75 per cent of the total fine prescribed for the violation. Reconciliation for a repeated violation is not permitted until one calendar year has elapsed since the date the previous violation was committed.

Certain violations are excluded from this provision, specifically those designated by EAD or those deemed to have an environmental impact based on its criteria.

In cases where reconciliation is not permitted, is rejected or the payment deadline has expired, the violator is required to pay the full fine and remediate the effects of the violation; otherwise, EAD will carry out the remediation at the violator’s expense.

Additionally, the regulations grant the violator the right to file a grievance within 60 days of notification.