ISSUE47: SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2007
network of research and training centres/programmes
INWEH has key role in new Dubai marine laboratory
UNU International Network on Water, Environmenet and Health (UNU-INWEH) is working with one of the world's largest real estate developers to set up a marine biology laboratory that will enhance environmental monitoring and assess water quality in the Arabian Gulf.
 |
|
Artist's
impression of Nakheel's 'The World Project'. |
The development company Nakheel has signed a memorandum of understanding with Environment Health and Safety (EHS), the regulatory arm of Dubai World to enhance the monitoring capability of the existing EHS laboratory in cooperation with UNU-INWEH. In addition to the laboratory space, EHS will also provide laboratory staff to sustain the analysis undertaken across all Nakheel marine developments. UNU-INWEH will work closely with EHS and the Nakheel Environment Department to train staff on the latest ecological monitoring technology.
With the new marine biology laboratory, and major new analytical instrumentation at the existing lab, EHS will have the critical resources needed for coastal monitoring activities in Dubai waters and the wider region.
The laboratory will be made available for the use of Nakheel and UNU-INWEH personnel to undertake the laboratory analysis and training associated with the joint monitoring program for the Strategic Management of Coastal Ecosystems established in January 2007. The new EHS laboratory work will complement the field-work of the joint monitoring program which analyzes and assesses water quality parameters, physical oceanography and ecological characteristics to develop an empirical model that will help predict ecosystem dynamics and consequent water quality and environmental sustainability for the waters surrounding the novel coastal structures being developed by Nakheel.
UNU-INWEH has extensive international development experience in projects that monitor and build sustainable management for coastal marine environments, and it draws on both leading academic and industrial expertise as necessary for each project. This expertise will be a tremendous benefit to the efforts of EHS and Nakheel to develop international best practices in sustainable development, and the joint project will provide environmental research findings of value to the entire region.
Dr. Peter F. Sale, Assistant Director UNU-INWEH, said: "This is a big step forward for the future of the Strategic Management of Coastal Ecosystems Program. We look forward to working closely with Nakheel and EHS on this project."
© 2007 United Nations University