Designing an Environmental Strategy Model for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

  • Jaber Al Jaberi

    Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis

    Abstract

    The formulation of environmental strategies is now a major concern around the world. The Rio Earth Summit (Agenda 21) has led to local authorities taking responsibility for preparing and developing such strategies for sustainable development and the integration of environmental considerations into all development planning activities and projects by taking current economic, social and environmental policies and plans into account.

    This research has developed an environmental strategy model for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi by identifying environmental problems and concerns and defining environmental priorities. It has, also, developed a framework and organisational structure for environmental institutions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

    To achieve sustainable development and, by taking Agenda 21 as a framework, the research includes a review of sustainable development, Agenda 21, Local Agenda 21 and environmental strategy concepts and the links between these four main concepts. A review of different strategy models is also provided in this research. Examples of other countries' experiences of developing environmental strategies, (UK, Jordan and Oman) are examined and evaluated. This review improves the understanding of the problems faced at each stage of the strategy and it also provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each strategy component. The lessons from these experiences are used to reduce the weaknesses in achieving a well-designed environmental strategy model for the Emirate. This review also suggests the need for a comprehensive approach to the environmental strategy model to overcome some or all of these constraints.

    This research was developed to gain a better understanding of the Emirate's environmental condition, to provide a new and suitable institutional framework, and to provide an environmental strategy model for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The designed model was tested through conducting questionnaire surveys and a series of interviews with selected professionals and decision-makers in the environmental field. These techniques were used to test the research hypothesis and the analysis was used to provide an indication of any weaknesses in the proposed model. The conclusions show that the proposed model is both innovative and appropriate for implementation as an environmental strategy model for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and recommendations are made for additional research to further improve the model.
    Date of AwardNov 2000
    Original languageEnglish

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