The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi participated in high-level sessions in the Indonesian island resort to outline its holistic water management model linking terrestrial, river and marine systems. Officials used the platform to exchange knowledge with counterparts from across the Asia-Pacific region on addressing pollution flows and ecosystem degradation from source to sea. The agency has applied the framework domestically for years to protect coastal habitats and improve freshwater quality in the face of arid conditions and urban expansion, an EAD assessment found.
A senior EAD delegation detailed specific project outcomes during the Bali meetings, the Emirates News Agency reported. The initiative promotes cross-sector collaboration among governments, scientific bodies and local communities to achieve sustainable outcomes. Such regional gatherings are designed to gather diverse perspectives that will inform the agenda of the upcoming global conference hosted by the United Arab Emirates.
United Nations data shows more than two billion people live in water-stressed countries, a situation exacerbated by climate change and population pressures. The World Bank has documented that per capita renewable water resources in the Middle East and North Africa are the lowest of any region, prompting nations like the UAE to invest in desalination and conservation technologies. EAD’s Source-to-Sea work contributes to national sustainability targets while offering a replicable model for other arid environments.
The programme, which the agency first advanced several years ago, has produced measurable gains in biodiversity and reduced contaminant levels in targeted waterways and coastal zones. By presenting these results in Bali, EAD aims to foster partnerships that extend the approach across international river basins and shared marine areas. Input collected at the forum will help shape policy recommendations ahead of the 2026 conference.
Discussions also explored the integration of scientific monitoring, community engagement and policy reforms to enhance overall water security, according to the Emirates News Agency dispatch from the event. The 2026 United Nations Water Conference will evaluate global progress toward sustainable development objectives and is expected to produce new commitments on transboundary water cooperation. This latest outreach builds on the UAE’s established role in convening international environmental dialogues.