EAD takes Source-to-Sea dialogue to Korea ahead of Abu Dhabi UN Water Conference
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi convened the second international chapter of its Source-to-Sea initiative in Seoul, sharing Abu Dhabi’s integrated water governance model and strengthening UAE–Korea environmental cooperation.
Source-to-Sea seminar convened in Seoul
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) led the second chapter of its global Source-to-Sea initiative in the Republic of Korea, bringing together policymakers, scientists, international organisations and industry representatives to advance integrated water governance.
The seminar, held in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and supported by the UAE Embassy in Seoul, was led by Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary‑General of EAD. Participants included Jamal Abdulla Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Korea; Sang‑Hyup Kim, Executive Director of GGGI; and Hyosung Ha, Deputy Director at Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE).
Linking freshwater, coasts and seas
Under the theme “Different Waters, One Current,” the event examined how freshwater, coastal and marine management can be treated as a single, connected system. Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri outlined Abu Dhabi’s Source‑to‑Sea model as an example of integrated practice, emphasising circular water management alongside marine conservation.
The delegation highlighted Abu Dhabi achievements: recycled water now supports more than 1,600 farms; the Liwa Strategic Water Reserve holds 26 million cubic metres; and the emirate is progressing towards 100% wastewater reuse by 2026. EAD also noted its protection of the world’s second‑largest dugong population and the attainment of a 100% Sustainable Fishing Index.
Strengthening UAE–Korea cooperation
The seminar formed part of a five‑day EAD visit to Korea in which officials met Korean government bodies, research institutions and environmental organisations. Discussions with the Vice Minister of MCEE and members of the National Assembly’s Climate, Energy, Environment and Labor Committee explored national climate and environmental priorities and opportunities to deepen UAE–Korea collaboration on water, sustainability and environmental governance.
Contributions from Korean partners such as K‑water and the Blue Carbon Research Center, together with inputs from GGGI and other international bodies, emphasised innovation in water reuse, coastal ecosystem protection and sustainable management practices that can be adapted across different contexts.
The Seoul seminar follows the initiative’s launch at the High‑Level Political Forum in New York and will continue in additional locations before culminating at the United Nations Water Conference, which the UAE will co‑host in Abu Dhabi from 8 to 10 December 2026. EAD positions the Source‑to‑Sea series as a platform to build international consensus on managing water as the single, continuous system that links inland sources to the ocean.