Overview Economy Community People Environment Governance & Risk Disclosure GRI & ADX 82GRI 102-16, 103-1, 103-2 304-3, 304-4 Enhancing biodiversity Actively protecting biodiversity and ecosystems from the impacts of our activities is an essential element of our sustainability agenda. We want to support not only the natural ecosystems in which we live but, through biodiversity, improve life for the people and communities that we serve: through social enhancements such as increased wellbeing; economic benefits including higher property value; and ecological improvements through the increase in habitats. Defined as areas of high biodiversity value, our developments on Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Al Reem Island and Al Raha Beach all fall within Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) Environmentally Protected Areas. We therefore prioritise monitoring and protection programmes at these locations, focusing particularly on addressing how we can avoid or minimise our impacts whilst also considering restoration initiatives. One of our programmes, a bird monitoring and nesting initiative at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, now provides a sanctuary for over 160 bird species. We were particularly delighted with the rare bird sighting of a Steppe Whimbrel, once declared extinct in Abu Dhabi, confirming that the migration route of the sub-species passes through the Arabian Peninsula region. Once a site is under our management, we carry out regular monitoring, in partnership with expert organisations, such as the Hawksbill Turtles protection project at Saadiyat beach with the EAD and the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project. We also run various outward-facing initiatives, such as competitions for our youngest residents encouraging them to identify and photograph wildlife, to promote the conservation of local flora and fauna and drought tolerant species. These help to raise awareness of biodiversity issues among our customers and communities. Protecting the ecosystems at Al Gurm community Nestled on the shores of Abu Dhabi’s mangrove forest, Al Gurm is home to many indigenous species including the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin and the Hawksbill sea turtle. Due to its unique ecosystems, Aldar has implemented a “nature-first” policy supported by “Community Rules” and heavily embraced by our residents and partners. One example is our partnership with Environmental Agency – Abu Dhabi and Al Korn, where we have committed to replanting and maintaining mangroves in order to restore the potential impacts from construction. We have also banned chemical fertilisers and pesticides, prohibited water sports and actively encourage our residents to use biological cleaning products. In addition, we have developed a comprehensive awareness programme encouraging our residents to appreciate and safely engage with nature and wildlife that inhabits Al Gurm. We conduct rigorous environmental assessments that include biodiversity criteria across all our projects, from the scoping stage all the way to construction.