ISSUE 45: MARCH-MAY 2007

FRONT PAGE | ARCHIVE |

UNU-INWEH to monitor marine impact of UAE developments

UNU International Network on Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) has signed a strategic agreement with Nakheel, the leading real estate developer in the United Arab Emirates, to ensure the long-term sustainability of its offshore developments.

The agreement on Marine Ecosystem Management engages a team of UNU-INWEH's coastal management experts and includes a review of Nakheel’s existing monitoring activities. The partnership will also see the development of a comprehensive environmental monitoring programme for the waters of the Arabian Gulf that will help maintain sustainable marine ecosystems and mitigate adverse impacts.

Under the four-year agreement, plans will be designed and implemented for sustainable management of the marine environments in and around Nakheel’s major coastal development projects such as The Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jebel Ali, The World and Dubai Waterfront.

UNU-INWEH director Zafar Adeel (left) and Chris O"Donnell, chief executive of Nakheel, sign the agreement on marine ecosystems management.

The landmark collaboration - “Strategic Management of Marine Ecosystems in Nakheel Projects” - was signed by Chris O’Donnell, Nakheel Chief Executive, and Dr. Zafar Adeel – UNU-INWEH Director. 

Dr. Adeel said: “This agreement will not only help manage and protect the modified marine environment around the Nakheel projects, it offers tangible ways for others in the region – through training opportunities and triennial conferences – to benefit from insights gained through the Nakheel experience. It is our goal that efforts under this agreement help improve marine management throughout the Middle East while ensuring that the best possible, proactive management systems are in place to protect Dubai’s coastal areas.”

Chris O’Donnell said: “Nakheel has the largest in-house, dedicated environmental team of its type in the region, and issues of environmental sustainability have been a fundamental focus from the company’s inception. The second phase of our work with UNU is the next step in contributing the long term environmental sustainability of our projects for generations to come. This partnership will ensure that we can develop international best practice, provide independent and comprehensive environmental data, and also benefit the region at large with our research.”

Through research gained and investment in equipment and facilities, the studies will not only benefit Nakheel, but also external companies and agencies with which facilities and information will be shared. The project will also offer training of staff in the latest science and techniques for monitoring and managing marine environments in a sustainable way, complemented by a related international conference every three years.

© 2007  United Nations University