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EAD Marks World Water Day 2010 |
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“Conserve Water …Conserve Life”Under the theme, “Conserve Water…Conserve Life,” the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) marked World Water Day 2010 (March 22) to raise public awareness about the importance of conserving water and managing freshwater resources in a sustainable way. EAD called on the public to remember that each of us holds an individual responsibility to maintain and improve the quality and quantity of fresh water so that it may be available for future generations. A seminar was organized for EAD employees entitled Integrated Water Resources Management in Abu Dhabi Emirate and was delivered by Dr. Mohammed Dawoud, Manager, Natural Resources Policy Team, EAD. “Our Emirate is characterized with an arid climate and we experience less than 100mm/yr rainfall. We have no reliable surface water resources and yet, currently, we continue to have one of the highest per capita water consumptions in the world,” warned Dr. Dawoud. Overall water scarcity and ongoing depletion and potential for pollution (especially Nitrates from the extensive use of inorganic fertilizers) of the Emirate’s useable, natural (ground) water resources, which have arisen from rapid social /economic development in the last four decades has placed considerable stress on sectoral water use. In addition unplanned and uncontrolled groundwater withdrawals, especially in the agriculture and forestry sectors, now total over 2 billion cubic meters per year and have resulted in declining groundwater levels and quality in many areas. Dr. Dawoud also added that recent changes in assigned responsibility for the various aspects of water resources development and management in the Emirate has now created the opportunity for improved management of water resources and the outlook is much brighter. On March 25, 2010, EAD will organize a panel discussion in Al Mamoura Building from 5-6 pm to highlight the UAE’s water problems. The same panel discussion will be held in Arabic on March 29, 2010 from 11 am – 12 pm in the same venue. Panelists include representatives from the different sectors including Government, Private, Academia, Media, Hospitality, etc. These panel discussion are open free to the public, on a first-come, first-serve basis. EAD will also be supporting ADNOC to organize its Sustainable Living event, which will be held at the Al Ruwais Residential Complex. To mark the day, EAD will be installing free water-saving devices in the complex’s bathrooms and kitchens. Another panel of discussion will be also organized by the Agency in coordination with Al Ain Environmental Awareness Committee on Thursday April 1st 2010 at Al Ain University Auditorium at 11 am. The discussions will focus on water issues in UAE. About Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) |
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