The availability of reliable, accessible and comprehensible data sets is not only instrumental to DEWA’s assessment and early warning activities, but is essential for the improved management of the environment and the maintenance of ecosystem health.

Countries of the West Asia region are at different stages in terms of existing initiatives, programs, projects, systems and networks regarding environmental data. In general, environmental data and information in the region does not meet current and future needs.

Working with collaborating centres in the region, DEWA-West Asia is working to facilitate the harmonisation of data collection and improve access to environmental information throughout the region. It supports the development of environmental information systems at the national and sub-regional levels

DEWA West Asia has been supporting the Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI), as a strategic partner on the initiative and in support of regional and national efforts in environmental information development and management

DEWA West Asia organised and coordinated a regional and a global study for AGEDI. The regional study, named "West Asia Regional Study on the Experience in the Development of Environmental Data and Information Systems," produced 12 national studies, and 4 regional cases, in addition to the integrated study. The global study included a global environmental data and information systems knowledge base, global lessons learned for the design of environmental information systems and a conceptual design document for AGEDI.

DEWA West Asia attended several meetings to support the design and implementation of the initiative at the level of Abu Dhabi and continued the work aiming at finalising the regional study on experiences and best practices in development and management of environmental information, and on the development of a UNEP-AGEDI regional strategy for environmental information.