UAE unveil three year environmental plan

Source: Arabian Business

The UAE has unveiled a three-year environmental plan focused on the rational use of the country’s natural resources, the Ministry of Water and Environment announced in a statement Tuesday.

The new plan is aimed at reducing the use of groundwater and other natural reserves over the next three years in a bid to shift focus to alternative sources such as desalination.

The move also involves creating awareness among UAE nationals about rational water use.

The ministry plans to use various initiatives - including environmental inspection, recognising ‘green’ performance and handing out fines for violation of environmental guidelines - to promote sustainable development in the Emirates.

HE Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, UAE Minister for Water and Environment, also outlined the ministry's plan to provide modern irrigation systems for about 1,000 farms and a national plan for the maintenance of dams and the development of existing fallows.

The ministry has said it is set to boost its groundwater surveillance network to more than 183 wells, increase the number of observation networks by 35% and complete the building of 11 freshwater ducts.

Demand for water and electricity in the country is rising as a construction boom sweeps the region, fuelled by oil income.

Dr. Al Kindi in May said Arab cities would face a water shortage of 100 to 133 billion cubic metres by 2030 if investment is not stepped up.

Investment of $100 billion is reportedly needed in the next 10 years across the GCC to double power generation as populations grow and industrialise.

Last month Abu Dhabi invited offers from at least 20 international firms - including Britain's International Power, US company General Electric and Japan's Tokyo Electric Power and Marubeni - to build a water desalination and power plant in the country.