Challenges the UAE marine and coastal environment is facing require mobilization of efforts of all stakeholders to protect and conserve these delicate zones, according to H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water.
The minister said the UAE has occupied a prominent place on the world map of ecological action thanks to the tireless efforts made by and support lent by President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan,Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Rulers of Emirates for the protection and development of the local environment.
The minister was speaking on the eve of UAE celebrations of the 12 national environment day being marked this year under the theme ’’Towards Sustainable Development of Our Coasts’’.
The minister elaborated on challenges and pressure the marine and coastal environment are experiencing and efforts made over the recent years to address these concerns in the present and future.
’’Apart from the rich resources and biodiversity, these zones attract great number of population along with thousands of urban and economic projects. They also account for substantial share of trade exchange with the foreign markets,’’ he said.
’’Most of the UAE cities and towns are lying on coastal lines, therefore embracing majority of activities in economy, tourism and leisure and playing a vital socio-economic role in preserving biodiversity and achieving food security, he affirmed. The UAE has over 700 kilometres coastline along the southern coast of the Arabian Gulf and about 100 kilometres along the Gulf of Oman. Coasts in islands stretch over 600 kilometres.
’’The rich, diverse marine and coastal environment is very sensitive to continued pressure and hazards like oil spills, industrial pollution, over-fishing, rapid population growth and massive utilization of coastal areas for various purposes, natural phenomena such as global warming and red tide,’’he added.
The minister also reviewed legislations issued by the government to protect and develop these regions.
In November 2008, he said the UAE and the Regional Clean Sea Organization (RECSO) signed an ambitious Memorandum of Understanding to develop a comprehensive National Plan for the Protection of the country’s Marine Environment and preserving its natural resources.
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