Environmental Regulations and Cultural Influences

Factors Affecting Environmental Rules

Environmental rules are influenced by several key entities:

• The government structure
• Non-government environmental groups
• Individual agencies
• Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

Religion and Environment Relationship

The relationship between religion and the environment is significant:

1. The Holy Quran frequently references animals and plants, instructing all Muslims to study and appreciate living and non-living things around them.
2. In harsh environments, such as Arabia, where weather vagaries create uncertainty, desert dwellers have had to live simply. Even during times of plenty, surplus was relative, and limited resources generally had to suffice.

Tradition and Environment Relationship

Tradition plays a role in environmental interaction:

1. The tradition of falconry continues and remains popular. Today, the hunt is not necessarily required to provide fresh meat as it was previously. While the chase is certainly more efficient, many falconers have adapted.
2. Captive-bred falconry is particularly popular, assisting in the conservation of wild-raised birds. High-tech scientific studies and ecological research aim to ensure that any harvesting of wild birds is sustainable. The goal is to educate people on dealing with falcons, rather than focusing solely on legislation. This example demonstrates a system perhaps alien to outsiders.
3. The tradition of tree farming.
4. The use and management of camels.

Government Bodies: Force, Implementation, and Rules

1. Federal Government

The environment has been a priority concern, supported by strong institutional mechanisms to enhance environmental protection:

• Foundation of the Supreme Committee for Environment in 1975.
• Establishment of the Federal Authority for Environment in 1993.
• Creation of the Ministry of Environment and Water in 2006.
• Establishment of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in 2016, enhancing efforts to address climate change issues.

Duties of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment:

1. Implementation of comprehensive policies.
2. Initiatives to relieve and adapt to climate change.
3. Protection of unique environmental systems.
4. Reduction of the effects of climate change.

2. Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

This ministry addresses both marine and terrestrial matters. The fisheries department manages coastal and marine commercial fisheries and aquacultural development, including research programs into fishery and recruitment.

3. Individual Emirate Agencies

These are other government bodies, such as the Environment Research and Wildlife Development Agency (ERWDA), an Abu Dhabi government body:

• Implementation of rules and research.
• Its services are offered to other emirates.

4. Municipalities

Municipalities are responsible for a multitude of activities:

Duties:

1. Pest control.
2. Refuse collection.
3. Managing parks and gardens and running zoos.

5. Academic Research Institutes (Emirates University)

Located in Al Ain, their primary duty is research.