A grazing ban will be implemented in Abu Dhabi starting from October 16 and will continue until May 15, 2025, as announced by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) on Monday.
This ban is designed to allow pastures to regenerate and restore their vegetation following the previous grazing season, which commenced on May 15 and concludes on October 15. During this period, all forms of livestock are forbidden from grazing in open wild areas throughout the emirate. The primary objective of the ban is to support the natural food chain between wild animals and plant resources, thereby aiding in the conservation of Abu Dhabi's biodiversity in grazing areas.
Furthermore, the ban offers an opportunity for experts to conduct field studies on vegetation cover, ensuring its preservation and sustainability. Ahmed Al Hashemi, the executive director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, highlighted that the grazing ban will yield substantial environmental advantages, particularly for Abu Dhabi's vegetation cover. Described as a 'temporary natural rest period' for trees, shrubs, and wild grasses, the ban will foster favourable conditions for various types of plants to grow, regenerate, and recover from the strain of grazing.
The Environment Agency also called on livestock owners and breeders to adhere to the ban. While grazing is prohibited, it remains permissible to take livestock outside their designated farms for purposes other than grazing, such as exercise and maintaining the animals' health, provided that the animals are accompanied by someone.
