The Abu Dhabi environmental data intiative (AGEDI): global lessons learned for the design of environmental information systems: final draft

Abstract

The Abu Dhabi Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI) originated as a proposal from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates to improve the quality of environmental data and information within the global sustainable development process. AGEDI was formally launched with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a partnership initiative at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in August 2002. As part of the implementation process it was agreed that the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD), formerly known as Environment and Wildlife Development Agency (ERWDA) of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi would be responsible for the development of AGEDI within the United Arab Emirates and UNEP would lead the implementation of the regional and global components of AGEDI. This report presents an analysis of lessons learned in the development of national, regional and global environmental information systems through UNEP’s experience over the last ten years. It is complemented by the following: the AGEDI Conceptual Design document, the Global Study, and a CD-based environmental information systems knowledge base.