Ministry of Environment and Water launches national program to monitor and control UAE's marine and coastal environment

UAE, December 28, 2015- The Ministry of Environment and Water has launched a national program to monitor and control the UAE’s marine and coastal environment. In line with this, the Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology, the Municipalities of Dubai, Fujairah and Umm Al-Quwain, the Municipality and Planning Department-Ajman, and the Environment Protection and Development Authority – Ras Al Khaimah to establish cooperation among local authorities for the implementation of the ‘National Program for the Monitoring and Control of Marine and Coastal Environment.’ The initiative falls within the Ministry’s National Strategy for the Sustainability of Marine and Coastal Environment launched in March 2015.

 

H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, UAE Minister of Environment and Water, said that the national program highlights the importance of the marine and coastal environment as part of the country’s natural resources and wealth. H.E. added that the initiative aims to unite all related efforts and boost the relevant programs of each emirate for the development of an integrated and comprehensive national marine and coastal environment strategy for its continuous monitoring and evaluation. This strategy will enhance the sustainability of the local marine ecosystem and help achieve the national indicators for the country’s marine and coastal areas.

 

H.E. Bin Fahad praised the efforts of the Ministry’s local partners in protecting these areas, noting the importance of active participation and a united approach to ensure the successful implementation of the ‘National Program for the Monitoring and Control of Marine and Coastal Environment.’.

 

The Minister added that the national program is in line with the Ministry’s strategic plan to embark on significant endeavors and activities for the conservation of local marine and coastal areas in cooperation with concerned organizations. It will also unite various monitoring methods and standards for efficient data collection and analysis, develop indicators in conformity with evolving trends, and deploy e-services linking all surveillance and monitoring programs in the UAE.