Abu dhabi: A delegation from the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) held a series of high-level meetings with local and regional institutions, research centres, and sustainability-focused organisations in the Italian cities of Rome, Venice, and Milan, with the aim of fostering international cooperation and exchanging expertise on shared environmental priorities.

According to Emirates News Agency, discussions focused on sustainable resource management, climate change adaptation, coastal protection, circular economy, environmental monitoring and the role of digital innovation in enhancing public services. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, emphasized the shared commitment between Abu Dhabi and Italy in addressing pressing environmental challenges, highlighting the mission's role in facilitating expertise exchange and cooperation aligned with Abu Dhabi's long-term environmental priorities.

In Rome, the delegation explored digital models for urban environmental services during a session and site visit to the operational control centre of Azienda Municipale Ambiente, Rome's municipal company for integrated waste management. EAD also participated in the 'Ocean and Human Health' conference hosted by the Italian National Institute of Health and visited ENEA's Casaccia Research Centre to discuss green biotechnology and air quality modelling.

In Venice, meetings with the Veneto Region focused on territorial policies, water resource management, civil protection, and climate adaptation. Discussions with the Venice Sustainability Foundation and Consorzio Venezia Nuova addressed lagoon protection, integrated urban sustainability models, and the management of the MOSE flood barrier system, which included a facility tour.

The mission concluded in Milan, where EAD engaged with ARPA Lombardia to discuss activities in air quality, water resources, hydrogeological risk, and support for international events. A final session with the Directorate-General for Environment and Climate of the Lombardy Region centered on regional strategies for environmental innovation and territorial planning.

At the end of the mission, EAD and participating Italian institutions identified opportunities for advancing cooperation through technical exchanges, knowledge-sharing, and potential joint initiatives, focusing on coastal resilience, circular economy, and environmental monitoring.