Mitigation and management ADNOC manages biodiversity-related risks and opportunities through a structured, risk-based approach embedded across the full project life cycle. This includes the application of EIAs at the design stage to identify and mitigate risks early, together with the application of the mitigation hierarchy (avoid, minimize, restore and offset) to systematically manage impacts. These elements are supported by adaptive management in which actions are continuously refined based on performance. Tracking and monitoring are integral to this approach. Environmental monitoring programs assess biodiversity conditions, track changes over time and evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation measures. This includes site-level monitoring, species tracking and periodic biodiversity assessments to enable informed, data-driven decision-making. This integrated approach is aligned with international frameworks and best practices, including the IFC Performance Standard 6 (PS6), the Equator Principles 4 and IPIECA guidance, ensuring consistency with globally recognized biodiversity risk management standards. We increasingly leverage technology to enhance monitoring capabilities, improve impact management and support targeted restoration efforts. In 2025, ADNOC initiated a project to consolidate available biodiversity and nature-related assessments and studies from projects and EIAs. The compiled dataset, which includes terrestrial and marine flora and fauna across ADNOC sites, will be integrated into a single data management platform to enable a holistic view of ADNOC’s biodiversity baseline and support more informed, efficient decision-making. ADNOC works closely with the EAD, which regulates and manages protected areas across the emirate, including those within our concession areas. Activities within these areas are subject to EAD permitting requirements, which mandate comprehensive biodiversity management plans, regular environmental monitoring and compliance reporting. Conserving habitats and preserving species ADNOC aims to protect habitats and species across its operational areas. We work closely with the EAD, government entities, research institutions and local communities to manage biodiversity impacts, restore natural environments and support long-term ecological resilience. Our efforts include expanding native tree cover, rehabilitating coastal and desert habitats and restoring coral and mangrove ecosystems. We also protect priority nesting and breeding areas and support the recovery of vulnerable species. ADNOC’s biodiversity focus areas Conserving habitats and preserving species Protecting the environment Developing and managing programs to conserve habitats, including mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds and deserts, where we are present and to preserve species such as green and hawksbill sea turtles, dugongs, ospreys and the Arabian oryx. Safeguarding biodiversity by reducing waste, enhancing water usage and improving air quality 21 . Raising awareness Collaborating to accelerate progress Connecting with educators, researchers and the wider community to inspire collective action to protect our natural ecosystems. Collaborating with organizations, environmental agencies and government bodies to advance biodiversity conservation. 21 For more information, refer to the ‘Our approach’ section in this chapter. Nature-based solutions are part of our approach to managing environmental impacts. Our tree-planting initiatives align with national and global programs, including the UAE Plant the Emirates program and the World Economic Forum’s One Billion Trees Initiative, and focus on mangroves, ghaf trees and date palms. Mangroves In support of the UAE’s goal of planting 100 million mangroves by 2030, ADNOC made a commitment to plant 10 million mangroves by 2030. We have already planted more than 5 million, including 2.5 million mangroves in 2025 alone. This milestone brings us more than halfway to our 2030 target. In 2025, ADNOC enhanced planting efficiency through the use of advanced drone technologies, including hybrid electric drones supported by AI-enabled optimization of flight and planting patterns, enabling more precise, site- specific deployment and monitoring. ADNOC also uses monitoring tools to assess mangrove health and restoration progress. The program is supported by stakeholder engagement, with participation from employees, students and community members. In 2025, over 1,000 volunteers contributed more than 5,000 hours to mangrove restoration activities, bringing the total number of volunteers to more than 6,000 since the program started. Nature-based solutions DELIVERY IN ACTION ADNOC also received recognition from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) for its contribution to mangrove planting efforts. In collaboration with the EAD, we hosted the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) mangrove specialist group red list assessment workshop, bringing together over 50 global and regional scientists to assess the status of 72 mangrove species and inform conservation priorities. Coral reefs ADNOC collaborated with Fujairah Environment Authority (FEA), MoCCAE and community stakeholders to implement a large - scale coral restoration initiative along the UAE’s east coast in the Dibba coastal area. Launched in 2023 at a site designated by the FEA, the initiative has cultivated 1.5 million coral colonies across approximately 300,000 m², supported by advanced marine biology techniques and a two year post planting monitoring program. Visual assessments indicate positive environmental outcomes, including revitalized reef habitats, enhanced marine biodiversity and healthier fish populations. At ADNOC’s Hail and Ghasha development, we deployed 40 artificial coral reef structures to support marine habitat creation and contribute to local coral and fish populations. These activities are underpinned by baseline ecological surveys, and structured monitoring and adaptive management. We track species across sensitive habitats using remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and aerial monitoring tools. We have wildlife emergency response processes in place. In the event of a biodiversity-related incident, trained site teams activate established response protocols in coordination with the EAD, which include investigation, remediation and follow- up monitoring. ADVANCING NET ZERO KEEPING OUR PEOPLE SAFE EMPOWERING LIVES HOW WE OPERATE SUSTAINABILITY AT ADNOC ABOUT ADNOC PROTECTING NATURE AND BIODIVERSITY 73 ADNOC Sustainability Report 2025 72
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