Chairman’s · projects in the GCC. Sustainable construction has become an underlying principle in the UAE and driving the low carbon future of the UAE is the commitment to green

In five years’ time Dubai will host 20 million visitors per year – that is the core target of the emirate’s Tourism Vision 2020. While the city gears itself up to receive both holiday makers and business travellers, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTM) has also identified another group of visitors - the cruise tourists.

It is to cater particularly to the last category whose numbers are expected to reach the one-million mark by 2020 that an ultra-modern third cruise terminal was recently inaugurated which is capable of welcoming 14,000 cruise passengers a day strengthening Dubai’s position as a global city and the premier cruise hub in the Middle East.

Alongside the tourism vision, Dubai also nurtures the ambition of becoming one of the top 10 sustainable cities of the world by 2020. The city’s goal to apply green building codes in every square foot that it builds has been implemented in the newly opened terminal as well. Over 75 per cent of the building structure including the steel structure, interlocking bricks, and shipping wood pellets for interior finishing was reused from a steel structure sourced from demolished warehouses during the building of Jebel Ali’s new container terminal.

Other strong green credentials of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal include a Green Wall Shade System to reduce solar ingress, controlled LED and daylight illumination, landscaping and irrigation supply. It also provides bicycle and electric car parking with charging stations.

It is perhaps no coincidence that the UAE is currently at the forefront of the green building movement in the Middle East, accounting for more than two thirds of all the LEED-rated projects in the GCC. Sustainable construction has become an underlying principle in the UAE and driving the low carbon future of the UAE is the commitment to green infrastructure and smart buildings and ensuring eco-friendly architecture. Dubai’s green building initiative has ensured that by embracing the challenge of green development, governments and private sector stakeholders are meeting universally accepted sustainability benchmarks thereby curbing the excesses of the past and moving forward to a more sustainable future.

Chairman’s Message

03

Prof. Mohammed bin FahadExecutive Editor

c r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s f o r a b e t t e r t o m o r r o w

Contents

COP 20 26At the 20th Conference of the Parties in Lima, Peru, UAE youth draw attention to green policies on the world stage

Exhibition 48Abu Dhabi to host second edition of ‘Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture’

Conservation 44Al Wathba Wetland Reserve opens to the public as visitors reconnect with the emirate’s natural heritage

Research62AUB researchers turn forest fire hazard, pine needles, into an environmental asset

Launch 34UAE’s first public bicycle sharing system launched in the capital

Competition 40UAE team’s Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge Car launched as The Petroleum Institute students gear up to compete with international teams

Report 20The 4th annual Environmental Report of the Emirates Group highlights key efficiencies improvement

MoU 30Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone signs an MoU with EPDA to support environmental sustainability

04

Cover Story 08Sheikh Hamdan inaugurates ultra-modern cruise terminal in Dubai built with strong green credentials

Conference 1210th Energy Conference held in Abu Dhabi under the theme “Energy and Arab Cooperation”

c r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s

Society &Environment

Executive EditorProf. Mohammed Bin Fahad

Managing EditorDr. Meshgan Al Awar

AdvisorDr. Eisa Abdellatif

EditorSangeetha [email protected]

Design DirectorNash - [email protected]

[email protected]

Published by

2014 was a monumental year for the Zayed International Foundation for the Environment as it witnessed the bestowal of awards of both the 6th cycle of the Zayed Prize and the inaugural Emirates Appreciation Award for the Environment. Both these awards attracted the highest caliber of nominations firmly entrenching the Zayed Foundation on the world map as it ably carries forward the sustainable vision of our nation’s leaders on the international platform.

The Zayed International Foundation for the Environment has, since inception, sought the power of global partnerships with committed stakeholders to advance the goals of sustainable development at the local, regional and international levels. The fruit

of one such partnership with the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) led last year to the launch of the Arabic version of Building Inclusive Green Economies: Success stories from South-South cooperation.

In May, the Zayed Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to intensify collaboration on environmental issues. The following month, at the inaugural edition of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi, Zayed Foundation also signed a new partnership with UNEP on Education for Sustainable Development to provide guidance on curriculum framework development for higher education in Green Economy and Sustainable Development.

Global environmental challenges require global cooperation and the Zayed Foundation will continue to strengthen its commitment and active support to result-oriented causes in 2015 too. This year, we also look forward to the launch of our newly redesigned website design featuring a bold new look and enhanced navigation experience. By expanding our online content for app users too, the Zayed Foundation seeks to sustain its presence on the global platform by making its voice heard in international publications and on other powerful social media.

It is my hope that in this New Year, the Zayed Foundation will continue to take part in shaping the global sustainable development agenda beyond 2015 while offering its unstinting support and vital inputs in framing environment policies and initiatives at international events.

From the Managing Editor

Dr. Meshgan Al AwarSecretary General Zayed International Prize for the Environment

f o r a b e t t e r t o m o r r o wc r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s

P.O. Box 28399, Dubai, UAE.Tel: +971 4 3326666Fax: +971 4 3326777Website: www.zayedprize.org.aeemail: [email protected]

January 2015 Society & Environment

Zayed International Foundation for the Environment hosts meetings across the UAE to garner support and attract nominations for the 2nd cycle of Emirates Appreciation Award for the Environment.

06

The Emirates Appreciation Award for the Environment, launched by the Zayed International

Foundation for the Environment under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in order to recognise and promote the values of sustainable living and environmentally conscious initiatives among the UAE community, made great strides in its inaugural cycle last year as it named Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and General Security, as the environmental personality for his outstanding contributions to promoting environmental conservation and preservation over the years.

In preparation for the second cycle

of the Emirates Appreciation Award for the Environment, the Zayed International Foundation for the Environment is currently undertaking an intensive campaign to promote the prestigious Award on a wider scale to various government organisations and institutions across the seven emirates with the aim of attracting nominations from all sectors ofthe society

Accordingly, the Zayed Foundation organized an open meeting on 22nd October 2014 at the Dubai Police Academy in the presence of members of the Higher Committee of the Zayed Foundation and representatives from several environmental and educational institutes across the UAE.

On behalf of Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Bin Fahad, Chairman of the

Higher Committee of the Zayed International Foundation for the Environment, Col. Dr. Ghaith Ghanim Al Suwaidi, member of the Higher Committee and Director of the Dubai Police Academy welcomed the audience that comprised of representatives of Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (ADMA-OPCO), Fujairah Natural Resources Authority, Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPPA), Dubai Municipality, Fujairah Educational Zone and Umm Al QuwainEducational Zone.

Other attendees at the event were members of the Higher Committee of the Zayed Foundation including Prof. Dr. Abdulrahman Sultan Al Sharhan and Eng. Hamdan Khalifa Al Shaer, Dr. Meshgan Al Awar, Secretary General of the Zayed International

Zayed Prize

Zayed Foundation promotes 2nd cycleof Emirates Appreciation Award


THE EMIRATES APPRECIATION AWARD for the Environment seeks to recognise and promote the values of sustainable living and environmentally conscious initiatives among the UAE community.

Prize for the Environment, Dr. Eisa M. Abdellatif, Chief Technical Advisor, Zayed International Foundation for the Environment and Dr. Abdul Azim Mustafa Ahmed.

On November 10, 2014, Eng. Hamdan Al Shaer and Dr. Eisa M. Abdellatif, met with around 45 teachers at the Umm Al Quwain Education Zone to raise the profile of the Dhs 1 million biennial Award. The nomination period for the second cycle of the Award is now open until 28th February, 2015. On 19th November, the team met with representatives from 40 schools of the Fujairah Education Zone.

Eng. Hamdan Al Shaer reiterated the importance of the Award and its role in encouraging and supporting environmental works, national

individual and group initiatives, in addition to stimulating institutions to seek excellence and innovation in order to ensure solutions for environmental issues to consolidate the concept of sustainable development.

On 10th December, the Zayed Foundation team visited Sharjah where the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPPA) organized a meeting in the Cultural Palace that comprised of a large number of industrial institutions in addition to students and teachers from various schools in the emirate.

Fujairah Natural Resources Authority organized a meeting for the Zayed Foundation delegation with educational and industrial institutions at the Fujairah Novotel Hotel on 21st

December. More than 60 people attended the meeting which was well covered by the local media on television, radio and in the newspaper.

On 22nd December, Zayed Foundation members, in coordination with the Ras Al Khaimah Educational Zone, presented an overview of the Emirates Appreciation Award for the Environment to representatives of35 schools.

The presentations of the Zayed Foundation were received with great enthusiasm across all the emirates and the Higher Committee members also detailed the description and terms of the Award including the five categories that is open for individuals, Government Institutions, Private Enterprise, and Civil Society Organizations.



The Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal, set to be the world’s largest single, covered cruise facility capable of welcoming 14,000 cruise passengers a day, has strong green credentials having been built using 75% re-cycled materials.

08 c r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s f o r a b e t t e r t o m o r r o w

DP World’s ultra-modern third cruise terminal in Dubai was inaugurated on 11th

December, 2014 by HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

The Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal is set to be the world’s largest single, covered cruise facility capable of welcoming 14,000 cruise passengers a day and is built eco-friendly from 75% recycled materials.

HH Sheikh Hamdan was welcomed to the new cruise terminal by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, Jamal Majid bin Thaniah, Vice Chairman, Mohammed Sharaf, Group CEO, Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region and other senior officials.

During the visit, Sheikh Hamdan met Emirati employees and viewed a range of demonstrations charting the development of the port since 1967. HH, accompanied by the DP World Chairman, top executives and guests then toured the terminal and the UAE National Art Exhibition on display.

DP World’s guests at the event included senior officials across Dubai’s Government departments, foreign embassies and consulates

Cover Story

Sheikh Hamdan inauguratesultra-modern cruise terminal


OVER 75% OF the building structure was reused from a steel structure sourced from demolished warehouses during the building of Jebel Ali’s new container terminal.

and executives from the cruise, shipping line and tourist sector.

DP World welcomed 4,000 passengers at the new terminal today from the Costa Cruise and Aida Cruise ships, part of Arabian Gulf tours. The operation to welcome the passengers involved close coordination with Dubai Police, the General Directorate Dubai Residency and Foreign Affairs, RTA and Dubai Customs. The Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal covers 28,000 square metres and is the latest addition to The Dubai Cruise Terminal facility at Mina Rashid.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World, said: “It is a great honour to name our luxury cruise facility after HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, in appreciation of his vital

role in preserving the legacy of Dubai and our nation’s heritage in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai and the UAE a centre for tourism.

Dubai’s vision is to attract 20 million tourists a year by 2020, with the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) anticipating cruise tourist numbers reaching the one-million mark by that time.”

Following the opening ceremony, Bin Sulayem said: “The new building will increase the handling capacity of the three cruise terminals in Dubai from two million tourists a year to seven million. The terminal is the largest and most modern cruise facility in the Middle East and the wider region,

enabling award winning Mina Rashid to now serve up to seven cruise vessels at one time and more than 25,000 passengers in its three cruise terminals.

The investment in the additional cruise facilities at Port Rashid has been made in response to requests from a number of cruise lines wishing to increase the number of port calls into Dubai.”

“The new terminal will also strengthen Dubai’s position as a global city and the premier cruise hub in the Middle East. Our investment in expanding cruise handling capacity and building this facility at Mina Rashid aims to position the city as a leading tourist destination. It also supports growth in the tourism sector and the emirate’s economy by making Dubai a base for


cruise tours visiting other ports in the UAE and the Gulf, the Maldives and as far as Mumbai, India.”

Mr. Bin Sulayem said that developing tourism infrastructure in Dubai is a priority. He added: “The Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation is keen to support Dubai’s economic growth and to realise the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, to diversify the economy and support the development of a rangeof economic sectors including trade and tourism.”

The Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal has strong green credentials having been built using re-cycled materials from Jebel Ali, including the steel structure, interlocking bricks, and shipping wood pellets for interior finishing. Features include a Green Wall

Shade System to reduce solar ingress, controlled LED and daylight illumination, landscaping and irrigation supply. It also provides bicycle and electric car parking with charging stations.

The DP World Chairman concluded: “The building is eco-friendly and sustainable in line with Dubai’s green building initiative. Over 75% of the building structure was reused from a steel structure sourced from demolished warehouses duringthe building of Jebel Ali’s new container terminal, which recently opened for business.

“The new terminal offers visitors world class services and efficient customs and handling facilities with streamlined immigration and entry procedures coordinated by the General Directorate of Residency and

Foreigners Affairs. Features include duty-free outlets, shops, currency exchange, ATM machines and a VIP business centre.

“It also provides office facilities to related organisations including the police, customs, immigration, shipping agents and airlines.”

A 70,000 square metre car park can also accommodate 36 buses and 150 taxis in addition to private cars and parking bays for employees and visitors.

Mina Rashid has been voted the Leading Cruise Port at the World Travel Awards for seven years in a row. The port also handles ferry passengers between Dubai and port cities across the Arabian Gulf handled at Mina Rashid Ferry Terminal.

10 c r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s f o r a b e t t e r t o m o r r o wCover Story

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has added another prestigious

award to its list of achievements by winning Best Sustainable Project of the Year Award at the Climate Control Awards 2014 held at the Al Murooj Rotana hotel recently.

The award was presented in recognition of the non-profit organisation’s commitment to green building and the pioneering sustainability initiatives it has implemented at its head office.

Dubai Chamber’s green building initiatives have managed to reduce potable water use and energy consumption per person by approximately 92 percent and 63 percent respectively between 1998 and 2013, leading to accumulated

savings of around Dhs21.2 million ($5.8 million).

While the majority of these gains came from simple low cost initiatives, such as turning off the AC and lighting after hours, a number of innovative practices with attractive payback periods were also applied including the using of an in-house designed pony or half-chiller system, ‘free cooling’ of outdoor air during the cooler winter months, using recycled water for toilet flushing and landscaping, using the outdoor fountain as a heat exchanger to cool the server room, and capturing condensate for the fountain and other systems.

Dubai Chamber also encourages its stakeholders, including suppliers, members and contractors, to adhere to the latest standards of health,

safety and environment. It does this through its Centre for Responsible Business and also through contracts, trainings, tours, conferences and other means to inspire hundreds more existing buildings to go green.

In recent years Dubai Chamber has won several awards related to CSR and sustainability, including the Saudi Environment Management Award, H20 Water Award from CPI Industry, the Big Project, BGreen Award, CSR Company of the Year Award and Best CSR Project Award.

Dubai Chamber’s head office became the first existing building in the Arab world to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) existing building certification fromthe US Green Building Council (USGBC) in 2009.

Dubai Chamber wins BestSustainable Project of the Year Award

11c r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s f o r a b e t t e r t o m o r r o w


Held under the theme: “Energy and Arab Cooperation” from December 21-23, 2014, the 10th Arab Energy Conference that concluded in Abu Dhabi offered an ideal chance to exchange oil expertise among the Arab countries and discuss issues of common interest.


The 10th Arab Energy Conference that concluded recently in Abu Dhabi provided a platform for dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders in the energy sector in Arab countries and also for introducing potential investment opportunities in the Middle East, said Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, the UAE’s Minister of Energy and Chairman of the conference.

Held under the patronage of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Tenth Arab Energy Conference began at the Viceroy Hotel on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on December 21, with events focusing on the theme ‘Energy and Arab Cooperation’.

The conference, held until 23rd December under the Chairmanship of

Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy, was attended by oil and energy ministers from Arab countries, OPEC Secretary-General Abdalla S. El-Badri, Abbas Ali Al-Naqi, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries, OAPEC, as well as representatives from regional and international organizations specializing in the field of energy, along with representatives and experts from Arab and international companies operating in the oil, gas and energy industry.

The three-day discussions tackled current developments in the oil and natural gas markets and the implications on the Arab countries and investment requirements to develop the energy sector in Arab World, in addition to issues on

energy, environment, and sustainable development.

Participants also addressed energy resources, consumption and conservation in the Arab countries, as well as Arab electricity interconnection and technological developments. The conference sought to establish an Arab institutional framework to review oil and energy issues in order to develop a Pan-Arab perspective, besides coordinating relations among Arab institutions concerned with energy and development.

The gathering also sought to harmonize energy policies with development issues, investigate present and future Arab energy requirements and the means of meeting them.

10th Energy Conference bolsters Arab oil cooperation

Cover Story


THE THREE-DAY conference was held at Viceroy Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, under the theme of “Energy and Arab Cooperation.”

Oil markets to recover soonSpeaking at the 10th Arab energy conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohammad Al Mazroui said the decision of the Organisation of the Petroleum Countries (Opec)’s not to cut production was correct and the oil markets will recover soon, adding that drop in oil prices will have a definite impact and will create pressure in the Arab region.

“Oil prices reduced due to massive oil production by non-Opec members and other countries who have entered the market recently,” said the minister. “UAE has full confidence in the last decision of Opec, which decided not to reduce production to enable the market to balance itself. It was a correct decision and will be beneficial to the world market.”

Al Mazroui underlined the importance of cooperation among Arab countries for a strong strategy on oil. “We need to look into this issue and agree on a comprehensive strategy for the Arab world. The key objective is to boost cooperation and enhance our relationship among member countries. We have high expectations in terms of mutual cooperation.”

Lambasting media reports that spoke of a conspiracy theory behind the falling oil prices, Minister Al Mazrouie said, “The recommendations of the conference represent a guiding framework for addressing the changes in the (energy) sector.” The gathering, he added, addressed the issues of various energy resources and not only oil and gas.

“The UAE is pursuing an excellent

approach in dealing with (energy) waste, using technology-dependent rationalization,” he said. Minister Al Mazrouie also called upon the media “to strive for accuracy and stop being driven by wrong information disseminated through certain media outlets that either have misunderstandings or purposefully seek to create confusion in the oil markets.”

“The minister reiterated that that the “conspiracy theory is a lie because all involved parties suffer damage as a result of falling oil prices.”

The conference was sponsored by OAPEC, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, AFESD, the League of Arab States, LAS, and the Arab Industrial Development and Mining Organisation, AIDMO.


Saudi Arabia participationSpeaking on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s petroleum policy and Arab cooperation at a time of change, the Saudi Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Naimi, who headed the Kingdom’s delegation said that since the 9th Arab Energy Conference which was held in Doha, Qatar in mid-2010, there have been dramatic changes in the global economy which grew from about US$63 trillion to $77 trillion.

Emerging countries, such as China, India and Brazil, have become increasingly important to the global economy and have come to represent about half of the global economy while earlier they used to represent only 30%, the Saudi minister was quoted by the Saudi press agency, SPA, as telling the conference.

Economic growth in the majority of Arab countries has exceeded the global economic growth rate. Demand for oil has increased by about six million barrels per day, and oil prices stayed unprecedentedly stable from 2010 to mid-2014, he added.

“2014 has been a year of significant developments in the global economy and in oil markets. The year started with great optimism about the global economy and the growing demand for oil. Global economic growth and oil demand growth were estimated at 3.7% and 1.2 million barrels per day, respectively.”

However, in the third quarter of the year, this optimism proved to be misplaced. Global economic growth did not exceed 3%, as economic problems continued to plague some

key European countries, as well as Japan and Russia, and many emerging countries such as China, India and Brazil experienced lower-than-expected economic growth, according to him.

As for oil, the projected increase in demand was lowered to 700 thousand barrels per day. This fall comes as a result of the global economic slowdown at a time when oil production is increasing from several sources, such as shale, oil sands, ultra-deep water (below the salt layer), and some OPEC countries. These are mostly high-cost areas, but the high prices and technological developments over the past three years have contributed to the expansion of their production.

All these factors together have

14 c r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s f o r a b e t t e r t o m o r r o wCover Story

resulted in a steep and rapid plunge in oil prices. Saudi Arabia and OPEC countries have sought to restore balance to the market, but lack of cooperation from major non-OPEC producing countries, combined with the greed of speculators, contributed to the continued decline in prices, said Al-Naimi.

Arab energy investments projected for next five yearsEnergy capital investments in the Arab world will total $685 billion over the next five years, according to a new report by the Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (Apicorp), which was presented to officials and delegates at the 10th Arab Energy Conference in Abu Dhabi.

Set against the backdrop of continuing regional turmoil, uncertainty in many

global and regional economies, and a declining oil price, Apicorp’s latest Arab Energy Investment Outlook predicted lower investment levels compared to the previous year’s report.

It stated that energy sector investments would have dipped even further had it not been for an apparent catch-up effect, particularly evident in the power sector, as well as ever-increasing project costs.

Apicorp’s report highlighted the

growing divide between the GCC and rest of the Arab region in terms of their credit ratings, and it pinpointed three primary constraints on energy investments.

These were: the unrelenting cost of project inflation; the paradoxical scarcity of fuel and feedstock such as natural gas and ethane; and the accessibility of funding, which will be exacerbated if oil prices remain low and below national break-even levels over the long term.

The 10th Arab Energy Conference

provided a platform for dialogue and

cooperation among all stakeholders in

the energy sector in Arab countries.



Dubai’s experts on green economy discuss focus areas and deliberate the foundation of sustainable development through the Green Jobs programme.

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Dubai’s thought leaders, heading the green economy revolution, met over the

Emirate’s status and outlook at a high level panel discussion, at the Raffles Hotel on 18th December.

The event was organized by Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence (DCCE) who has taken the lead in creating a collaborative Green Jobs programme to educate and transfer the necessary knowledge to the public when trying to establish a green economy.

“The transition to a Green Economy in Dubai has commenced. There are many initiatives planned for the coming years, which firmly positions Dubai amongst the leading cities to fuel the transition. The UAE Vision 2021, the UAE Green Economy for Sustainable Development Strategy,

the announcement of Dubai to become a Smart City, the strong impulse of the ESCO market, the leading role of the Government in the deployment of renewable energies, Expo 2020, etc. will drive green growth in areas such as clean energy, retrofitting, green production processes, waste management and public transport.

This will provide new business opportunities and create green jobs,” expressed Waleed Salman, Chairman, Dubai Carbon.

The ‘greening’ and transformation of existing techno parks into breeding grounds for future-proof innovation and sustainability is one way forward, explained Eng. Muammar Al Katheeri, EVP Engineering Management from Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Other speakers involved in demand side management, such as ALEC-Smart4Power expanded on the difficulties in seeding energy efficiency in Dubai’s villa communities. They have identified a very real opportunity for residents to save on their monthly utility bills, a matter that the firm discussed along with the concept of the methods for saving power such as Negawatt.

Negawatt power represents an amount of energy (measured in watts) saved. The energy saved is a direct result of energy conservation or increased energy efficiency, a factor that can be achieved with robust green initiatives.

Eng Waddah Ghamem, Chief EHSQ Compliance Officer, elaborated on how the Emirates National Oil

Dubai launchesGreen Jobs programme

Launchc r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s f o r a b e t t e r t o m o r r o w

AMONGST THE PANELISTS and delegates were many authors and contributors to the recently released ‘State of Green Economy Report 2015’.

Company (ENOC) is diversifying its energy mix and has high hopes on being able to switch a part of Dubai’s private transport to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in the near future. CNG is an alternative to conventional fuels producing less carbon emissions per kilometer driven.

Following the first session, a high-level panel discussion shed light on Dubai Carbon’s Green Jobs Programme, which speaks about the specific educational requirements to create a data repository of green jobs, and to connect the education sector andthe industry to better understand the skill needs.

However, to ensure the smooth transition to a green economy, it is pivotal that the supply and demand of skilled workers need to complement

each other. Skill gaps, skill shortages and certain occupations that do not find suitable takers are considered as a major barrier for the transition. Hence, there is a need to identifying the skill requirements and new occupational demands at an early stage.

“Dubai Green Economy Partnership is committed to working with Dubai Carbon to create an environment where potential employers and green job seekers have the necessary support for green employment facilitation. There is no doubt that we will achieve a green economy in the UAE, and all parties concerned are working together to realise this,” commented Fahad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of Dubai Green Economy Partnership.

Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence

has taken the lead in this endeavor, with the support of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), Dubai Green Economy Partnership (Dubai GEP), Allen & York, DSOA and Chalhoub, creating a collaborative Green Jobs Programme. The Programme aims at shedding light on the specific education required, and create a data repository of green jobs, with a focuson connecting the education sector and the industry to better understand skill needs.



The campaign will strive to improve the standard of living and facilitate participation for residents to become an active part of the city’s green vision, and to help effectively manage its continued growth.

18

Dubai Municipality has announced the large scale re-launching of its recycling

awareness campaign: ‘My City… My Environment’, under the theme: “Recycle Me… Join the Recycling Movement”, following a positive response from the Dubai community. The new initiative will reach more areas in the Emirate and will focus on the collection and segregation of recyclable waste at source, thus reducing waste to landfill.

Dubai Municipality is regarded as one of the largest governmental institutions in terms of services rendered and projects executed, and are consequently the leading driver of growth and evolution of the Emirate of Dubai. The Municipality works tirelessly to keep the city green and focuses a great deal of attention and

effort to educate the community, to ensure pollution-free, liveable and safe environments.

Rapid economic growth in Dubai has emphasised the need for Dubai Municipality to re-launch the environmental campaign in response to the key recycling challenges facing Dubai residents. The campaign will strive to improve the standard of living and facilitate participationfor residents to become an active part of the city’s green vision, andto help effectively manage its continued growth.

Aims of the re-launch include continuing the successful momentum of the initial campaign while further promoting awareness of recycling, by reaching out to communities in a more focused manner to help them

Dubai Municipality reveals plan to re-launch environmental campaign

Campaignc r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s f o r a b e t t e r t o m o r r o w

The recycling awareness

campaign, ‘My City… My

Environment’, will be

relaunched to strive to

improve the standard

of living and facilitate

participation

for residents to become

an active part of the city’s

green vision.

THE RE-LAUNCH OF the recycling awareness campaign aims to drastically reduce waste by focusing on the collection and segregation of recyclable waste at source.

recycle at home. Campaign elements are varied and targeted: a powerful marketing campaign will focus upon public relations, a media burst, a road show at selected malls and Union Coops, social media activation, two organised events with competitions, live entertainment, and awareness sessions. All are designed specifically to enhance the overall impact and results of the new campaign.

Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, has long been an advocate for sustainable living and is a driving force behind the current initiative to reduce waste to landfill in Dubai.

Speaking at the re-launch he said: “Expats and visitors from every corner of the globe are attracted to Dubai. As active members of this community we

have an obligation to maintain our city, protect its admirable reputation and preserve the environment and living standards for both present and future generations.”

He continued: “My City… My Environment’ will prove highly effective thanks to the new communicative approach adopted for the re-launch. Enhancing the city is a group effort, and we have worked hard to ensure we connect with all members of the community, in order to share this message and create a pollution free emirate. The coming weeks and months will be very exciting as the campaign gets under way and the benefits begin to appear.”

The campaign will target the following areas of Dubai: Nad Al Hammar, Jumeirah 1, 2 & 3, Al Safa 1 & 2,

Umm Suqueim 1, 2 & 3, Al Manara, Umm Al Sheif and Al Barsha 2 & 3. The positive response from residents throughout the initial campaign led Dubai Municipality to develop the follow-up campaign in a bid to capitalise on the momentum created through prior environmental efforts.

The re-launch is expected to achievea significantly greater impact withinthe community and has been strategically planned to attract increased attention through improved communication tools.

Keeping up with the latest news and developments can now be accomplished using the social media hash tags: #mycity_myenvironment and #Our_Aim_is_You, in a new approach to maintain maximum exposure with the community.



The Emirates Group publishes its 4th annual Environmental Report which measures and tracks its environmental performance.


The Emirates Group has published its fourth annual Environmental Report which

measures and tracks the Group’s environmental performance, as well as identifies examples of best practice across the 75,000 strong workforce.

Covering the 2013-2014 fiscal year, the report, audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, presents environmental performance data from a range of Group activities, including airline operations, dnata’s cargo and ground handling businesses and a wide range of commercial activities on the ground – from engineering to catering.

Airline operations constitute the main environmental impact of the Emirates Group, and the latest report highlights ongoing improvements in Emirates’

fuel efficiency as the airline continued to add new aircraft to its fleet and prioritise fuel-saving operational techniques.

Key to the Group’s environmental strategy is the airline’s eco-efficient fleet, which is at the leading edge of fuel efficiency and environmental performance. The improvements have been driven by deliveries of 24 new passenger aircraft and freighters, and the removal from service of four older aircraft, together with ongoing efforts to drive operational efficiencies across a fleet which is already one of the world’s youngest and most efficient.

With an average fleet age of only 6.2 years versus the global IATA wide body fleet average of 11.7 years, Emirates’ fuel efficiency results are 14.5% better than the IATA average.

Total fuel efficiency for all passenger and freighter flights improved by 0.5%, dropping to 0.3089 litres per tonne kilometre (L/TK). Similarly, carbon dioxide emissions dropped to 0.764 kilograms of CO2 per tonne kilometre (gCO2/TK), improving efficiency by 0.4%.

“As the Emirates Group continues to expand its global operation and build its workforce, we endeavour to meaningfully fulfil our environmental responsibility wherever we operate. We do that by looking for environmental efficiencies in the air and on the ground. The Environmental Report is a report card for our continuing efforts in this regard, and also a performance benchmark against the previous year and with the industry. It illustrates our successes, as well as areas for improvement,” said His Highness

Report

Environmental report highlights key efficiencies improvement

“


AIRLINE OPERATIONS CONSTITUTE the main environmental impact of the Emirates Group, and the latest report highlights ongoing improvements in Emirates’ fuel efficiency.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group.

Other report highlights include:- Continued improvement in noise performance. The A380 is one of the world’s quietest aircraft, and as Emirates takes delivery of more A380s and Boeing 777s, the fleet’s average noise levels continue to fall. We calculate noise efficiency factors for take-off and landing to measure our overall noise impact, and these showed improvements of 2.4% and 10.1% respectively.

- Reduction in CO2 emissions in ground operations. In the Group’s ground operations, a major efficiency initiative for our Dubai ground transport fleet enabled reductions of 2,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.

- Recycling. dnata’s Airport Operations team recycled 1,700 tonnes of paper products from Emirates aircraft cabins in Dubai, contributing to a total of 7,555 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill across the Group.

- Conservation programmes. Emirates continues to make significant progress on its conservation programmes in Dubai and Australia, with both wildlife and plant life benefiting from its efforts. In cooperation with the Dubai Engineer’s Office, 15,000 indigenous ghaf trees were planted in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to enhance the habitat for wildlife. The Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa in Australia won awards for its sustainability achievements, and worked with research institutions to expand knowledge of the valley’s

wombat and kangaroo populations.

- In 2013 Emirates launched ‘A Greener Tomorrow’, a programme to support not-for-profit environmental or conservation organisations through the provision of a funding award. The funding for ‘A Greener Tomorrow’, which was raised through recycling programmes across the Emirates Group, was awarded to organisations in Malawi, Pakistan and the Philippines.


NBAD-CNBC panel on Future of Energy concludes in Kuala Lumpur as panelists agree that low oil prices is a short-term concern; and that there is a good opportunity to de-subsidise energy and economic reforms.


The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the Middle East’s leading bank, and CNBC, the

leading business and financial news network, hosted a panel of leading energy experts to discuss the future of energy for Asia, in Kuala Lumpur on 15 December.

The panelists agree that low oil price is a short-term concern and the demand will grow in the medium-to-long term. They highlighted that oil production is no longer cheap citing the high funding costs of some producers. They also agreed that low oil prices represent a good opportunity to many governments to de-subsidise energy and make the necessary economic reforms.

The expert panel discussed how the fastest growing economies in the West-

East corridor, which stretches from West Africa to East Asia, will finance future energy projects, both fossil fuel and renewable. They reached a conclusion that investment opportunities in this super region are ample, and commercially-sound projects will attract investors and financing.

Marc Mollema, Global Head of Energy & Resources at NBAD referred to Shams 1 in Abu Dhabi, which is one of the world’s largest concentrated solar power projects, as an example of innovative projects that have secured financing.

The panelists discussed the growing dependence on sustainable energy resources in many parts of the world, and particularly in the West East Corridor economies, noting the increase in demand for both fossil and

renewable resources to fuel the growth of these economies. They added that high growth economies in emerging markets such as India would take on different kinds of energy resources to meet the growth demands over the medium to long term.

The panel, “The Future of Energy; West East Corridor”, was convened at a time when Asia is at the centre of the changing global energy landscape, with Asia expected to account for 88% of the growth in global oil demand to 2035 (source: OPEC).

The expert panel comprised Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa, CEO of the Institute of Strategic & International Studies; Datuk Torstein Dale Sjotveit, CEO of Sarawak Energy; Anthony J. Jude, Chairman of The Asian Development Bank’s Energy Committee; and Marc

Energy

Challenges for fossil fuel, renewableenergy, and future of energy for Asia discussed


THE 2015 GFMF, to be held in Abu Dhabi on 1-2 March, will showcase a high-caliber mix of regional and international speakers, facilitating thought-provoking discussions both on and off stage.

Mollema, Global Head of Energy & Resources at NBAD. Lisa Oake, CNBC seasoned news anchor, moderated the session.

Alex Thursby, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NBAD said, “Lower oil prices will boost trade and consumer spending which, in the medium term, will stimulate economic growth, particularly among emerging markets that are net importers of oil. It will also allow some governments to address the distortion caused by fuel subsidies.

“The UAE has worked hard to successfully diversify its economy by developing its non-oil sectors which now accounts for nearly 65% of GDP. Lower oil prices may raise short-term speculation over the ability of some governments to maintain their spending programmes, but the UAE

economy is very resilient and the medium term outlook remains strong.”

According to Susan Yuen, NBAD’s Asia CEO and Country Head of Malaysia, “Our speakers presented a wide-angled perspective on challenges for fossil fuel, renewable energy, financing opportunities, energy sustainability and the impact of urbanisation on both demand and supply of energy for the future”.

“I believe the panel discussion was thought provoking and laid the foundations for the Global Financial Markets Forum (GFMF), taking place in Abu Dhabi in March 2015.”

“The Future of Energy; West East Corridor” was the first in a series of events taking place around the world as part of NBAD’s Global Financial

Markets Forum (GFMF). The next Global Financial Markets Series events will be held in London in February 2015 and will explore the potential for Islamic finance. This will be followed by an event in Mumbai in June 2015.


The staff and students of Regent International School (RIS) collaborated with the Emirates

Environmental Group for a Clean-Up Campaign specially organised for RIS students on 15th December, 2014. The Clean-up campaign began at 8:30 am at the Nad Al Sheba area and concluded at 10.30 am.

Around 200 students from grade 7 to grade 9 collected around 1.5 tonnes of waste. The collected waste mostly consisted of tyres, old and used carpets, general waste, sweet wrappings, plastic bottles, paper, tin foil etc. Volunteers of the Clean Up campaign were equipped with bio-degradable trash bags, gloves, caps and t-shirts as they set out for making Dubai a cleaner city.

“Campaigns such as these play an

important role in creating awareness about littering and protecting the environment at large and the immediate the ecosystem around us,” said Ms. Katrina Mankani, Head of Education in HumanValues Department, Regent International School.

“In Regent International School we believe that the end of education is character. Through education in Human Values programme we aim to inculcate strong values and service mindset in our students.

“Simple act of cleaning the desert of man-made rubbish brings students to realization of the extent to which people influence the nature with its day to day to day activity. Throw a plastic bag today and you may find it in the desert 10 years later,” she added.

“I am extremely pleased that our school and students participated and contributed successfully in this campaign. At RIS, we regularly partner with NGOs and other charitable organisations in doing our bit to give back to the community that we are a part of. I am confident that today’s event will help raise awareness among the young generation to contribute proactively towards a cleaner and sustainable environment,” said Janet O’Keefe, Director of Operations,Fortes Education.

200 students of Regent International Schoolcollected 1.5 tonnes of waste in a Clean-Up campaign


200 students of Regent International Schoolcollected 1.5 tonnes of waste in a Clean-Up campaign

German manufacturing giant Terex Fuchs will take centrestage at EcoWaste

2015, showcasing material handlers that incorporate powerful and reliable hydraulics capable of handling heavy waste loads. The machines are designed for in-port handling, recycling management, scrap handling and timber handling.

With a variety of machine variants capable of working in the radii of 8.2 meters to 23 meters and supporting operating weights of 19 to 90 tons, each Terex Fuchs handling machine is optimally designed to efficiently provide reliable day-to-day performance and outstanding quality and durability.

The company seeks to offer specific advantages to the end-user: the

machine can be customized by the Terex Fuchs Application Center (APC) to individual client specifications.

Terex Fuchs’ participation at EcoWaste 2015 comes at a time when the GCC region annually accounts for more than 120 million tons of solid waste – a figure that is set to increase in the short term. Abu Dhabi alone is responsible for six million tons of all waste, a figure that could eventually reach 30 million tons given current growth projections.

Waste by-products, such as discarded metal, electrical and plastic goods, can leave behind substances that drip-feed into the environment causing irreversible harm. Given the urgent need for innovative solutions to this growing problem, the EcoWaste exhibition will cover

the entire spectrum of solid waste management services in the context of the dramatic increase in per capita waste production in the GCC region.

Organized by Reed Exhibitions as part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), EcoWaste 2015 will be co-hosted by Tadweer (Center of Waste Management – Abu Dhabi) and Masdar at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Running from January 19-22, the exhibition is expected to draw 50 leading companies, key industry experts and more than 2,000 buyers from around the world.

EcoWaste 2015 will be staged alongside the World FutureEnergy Summit (WFES) and the International Water summit (IWS) as part of ADSW.

EcoWaste 2015 to showcase next-generationwaste handling technology from Germany



At the 20th Conference of the Parties in Lima, Peru, negotiations for the Kyoto Protocol successor were high on the agenda for students from the UAE.


A high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), led by the UAE Ministry of

Foreign Affairs, participated in the 20th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) annual Conference of Parties (COP 20) meeting held in Lima, Peru.

The UNFCCC is the primary international negotiating forum for countries to discuss and agree on actions to address the global challenge of climate change.

One of the key items on the agenda of the twelve-day conference was discussing the successor of the Kyoto Protocol. A delegation from the UAE, including Dubai Carbon, and more importantly, the next generation of sustainability and low

carbon experts - students from the Carbon Ambassador Programme - participated in the conference to share the Dubai perspective.

The Kyoto Protocol - adopted in Kyoto, Japan, on 11th December 1997 and which became effective on 16th February 2005 - is an international treaty, which extends the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that commits State Parties to reduce greenhouse gases emissions, given the threat of global warming and the fact that it is caused by man-made CO2 emissions. There are currently 192 Parties to the Protocol.

Dubai Carbon showcased the Carbon Ambassador Programme and was represented at the negotiations

with two students being nominated to attend the conference as part of the official UAE delegation led by the Department of Energy and Climate Change at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They had the opportunity to network with industry experts, follow the negotiation process and gain key professional experience, which the students will be applying after graduation within Dubai’s burgeoning green economy.

“We are happy to be present and actively participate in COP 20 at Peru, and, we are particularly proud to be backing a few crucial initiatives. Most importantly, the ‘Put a Price on Carbon Policy’ that goes in tune with initiatives such as Carbon Charge (wherein companies are charged for their CO2 emissions in the atmosphere). Dubai Carbon, ever

COP 20

UAE youth draw attention togreen policies on the world stage


COP 20 CONCLUDED on14 December, following more than 30 hours of negotiations after the scheduled closure of the session.

since its foundation, has advocated a carbon policy, which seems to be shaping up well in Dubai. The challenge seems to be to advance the policy across the world,” said Waleed Salman, Chairman of Dubai Carbon.

In Poland last year, the conference drew over 8,300 participants, including 4,022 government officials, 3,695 representatives of UN bodies and agencies, intergovernmental organizations and civil society organizations.

“Along with the ‘Put a Price on Carbon’ campaign, we are also supporting the market based mechanisms and participation of private sector in the implementation of climate deals. In Dubai, we are pleased to see government bodies come forward in support of the green

initiatives. However, with privates companies adopting the green jobs programme, Dubai Carbon is looking at championing the ultimate uptake of green initiatives from the public and private sector,” said Ivano Iannelli, CEO of Dubai Carbon.

UAE participationThe outcome of the climate change negotiations is critical to the UAE and the wider Middle East region. The latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states hotter temperatures and declining precipitation will pose significant challenges to an already arid region with rapidly declining groundwater resources. Projected sea level rises will also pose a threat to low lying areas.

During COP 20, the UAE encouraged

all countries to join the effort in mitigating climate change. The UAE stressed that for these negotiations to lead to an effective agreement in Paris, there is a need to focus on practical win-win opportunities that will cut emissions and, at the same time, achieve mutual development objectives.

The UAE highlighted its strong track record of partnering with developed and developing countries to find effective solutions to help address climate change, including: Mobilising over half a billion dollars in renewable energy aid for projects in developing countries, most notably through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and IRENA’s $350 million soft-loan facility and $50 million UAE Pacific Partnership Fund, as well as through direct grants for renewable energy

UAE youth draw attention togreen policies on the world stage


projects in Africa and Asia. It also highlighted major investments in commercial renewable energy projects, through Masdar, amounting to almost US$2 billion and touched upon the UAE’s growing role as the center for global cooperation and debate on energy and sustainability as the host country of IRENA.

Furthermore, the UAE underlined actions taken at home that include the diversification of its economy and energy resources, to ensure the UAE’s sustainable development, and recognizing that diversifying into clean energy will lead to more jobs, more innovation, and more prosperity.

Delegates highlighted the UAE’s leading role in the region in deploying clean energy, with pioneering projects in renewable and nuclear energy,

energy and water efficiency, and carbon capture and storage.

They also pointed out the deployment of energy saving infrastructure, from green buildings to a light rail system in Dubai and significant investments in human capital for future industries, with world-class innovation centers such as Masdar Institute, developed in partnership with Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In Lima, the UAE also underscored its leadership on climate change at a series of events, held on the sidelines of COP 20. These included a ministerial panel hosted by IRENA on the role of renewable energy in addressing climate change and a discussion on the role of carbon capture and storage in fulfilling sustainable development and low-

carbon development goals, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute. The delegation also participated in an event organized by the International Energy Agency, World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the Inter-American Development Bank.

28 c r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s f o r a b e t t e r t o m o r r o wCOP 20

The International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) participated at the Third

International Falconry Festival (IFF) held from December 11 to December 13 at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi.

At this gathering of hundreds of falconers, exhibitors and performers from around the world, IFHC put its holistic conservation programme on display in order to educate the global falconry community on the importance of reviving the Houbara bustard to sustainable numbers.

Taking stock of IFHC’s third appearance at IFF, Mohammed Saleh Al Baidani, Director General of IFHC, said, “For any conservation programme to succeed, its efforts need to be in tune with culture, not

at odds with it. Events such as the International Falconry Festival allow us to show visitors that the preservation of falconry and the protection of the Houbara are two sides of the same coin; one cannot thrive without the other. It is only through communicating this message that we have managed to raise the Houbara from an endangered species.”

Now the world’s largest conservation programme, IFHC has bred more than 206,000 Houbara since 1996 and released more than 140,000 into the wild since 1998, marrying its rigorous scientific program with education and awareness-raising initiatives.

“Future generations deserve a chance to experience our heritage as the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al

Nahyan imagined it, but that legacy will never see the light of day if we do not understand where we come from and what we may leave behind if we do not change our behaviour today,” Mohammed Saleh added.

During the International Falconry Festival, IFHC guided visitors through IFHC’s breeding and release programmes across its four centres in the UAE, the Kingdom of Morocco, and Kazakhstan, and highlighted what more can be done to bring the Houbara bustard back to being.

IFHC’s stand also catered to children with a host of activities such as egg decorations at a workshop called, “Give Houbara Eggs Your Colour.” Inquisitive children even got their questions answered by IFHC’s resident ecologists at the stand.

‘Preservation of falconry and the protectionof the Houbara are two sides of the same coin’



Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone signs an MoU with the Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA) of Ras Al Khaimah in order to support environmental sustainability.

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Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ), a special commercial centre that

makes it easier and faster to set up profitable companies in the Middle East region, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA) of Ras Al Khaimah that will increase cooperation between both organisations to protect the earth’s resources and support the setup of industrial businesses in RAK FTZ.

The MoU was co-signed by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Humaid Bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Managing Director, RAK FTZ, and Dr Saif Mohammed Al Ghais, CEO, EPDA.

“The MoU that we have signed with EPDA is the latest in a long

list of initiatives that RAK FTZ has undertaken in order to support environmental sustainability.

“We consider sustainability to be an essential ingredient in doing business responsibly and successfully at the free zone. Our cooperation with EPDA through this MoU will increase our efficiency in helping industrial projects establish their base in RAK FTZ,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“RAK FTZ has been working on many environmental initiatives this year, including the Low Fat Zone programme to encourage recycling, planting trees in the RAK FTZ premises with the participation of our employees, district cooling plants and water-saving measures including the installation of new faucets, among other activities,” he added.

As a result of the MoU signing, industrial projects and businesses will receive extensive support when registering their companies with RAK FTZ. The support will come in the form of pre-approvals for certain activities, such as processing and re-processing of oil and gas, smelting and manufacturing of minerals including steel, aluminium and gold, waste handling projects and others.

RAK FTZ and EPDA will work hand in hand to check all the requirements of establishing industrial businesses, assure faster processing of approval certificates’ issuance, and ensure that industrial projects which fall under RAK FTZ’s umbrella are environmentally safe and friendly.

The MoU encourages cooperation between both authorities in

RAK FTZ to boostenvironmental cooperation with EPDA

MoUc r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s f o r a b e t t e r t o m o r r o w

THE MoU ENCOURAGES cooperation between both authorities in the exchange of knowledge and best practices to preserve the environment.

the exchange of knowledge and best practices to preserve the environment. It encompasses EPDA’s readiness to deliver seminars at RAK FTZ’s request that are related to saving the environment, as well as the participation of RAK FTZ in organising and coordinating environmental awareness campaigns, workshops and competitions.

The MoU will also spread awareness in the community on the best environmental practices that RAK FTZ and EPDA follow.

Additionally under the MoU, RAK FTZ will sign agreements with other government authorities in Ras Al Khaimah to ensure that its environmental programmes are implemented and executed in a convenient and timely manner, with

the coordination of EPDA.

The MoU signing comes about a year after the EPDA recognised RAK FTZ with its prestigious award for Best Environmental Practices in Ras Al Khaimah. The award honoured RAK FTZ for numerous conservation initiatives including the installation of recycling stations across all its business parks, an Environmental Performance Card seminar for its Industrial Park clients, and an EHS penalty system to monitor the environmental impact of all RAK FTZ-based companies.

Additional RAK FTZ conservation measures included a competition that encouraged clients to cut back on energy usage, encouraging renewable energy companies to join as clients, the installation of energy-saving lights,

and other measures.

With RAK FTZ’s regular social and environmental initiatives, including its EHS projects, Clean-Up UAE campaign, Healthy Employee Lifestyle Programme (HELP), numerous blood donation campaigns, support to cancer research in the UAE and several sports and educational programmes within the country, RAK FTZ is well-known for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) work in the community.



The International Water Summit (IWS), a unique global platform for promoting water sustainability in arid regions, kicks off in Abu Dhabi on January 19, bringing together world leaders, field experts and business innovators to accelerate the development of new sustainable strategies and technologies.

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Global water leaders representing private industry, the public sector and non-

governmental organizations (NGOs) will convene in Abu Dhabi this month to attend the International Water Summit (IWS).

The global platform enables key industry players to exchange ideas, share the latest innovations in water management and to learn about the growing commercial opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

“IWS is a meeting of the minds,” said Hassan A. Arafat, a professor at the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the world’s first graduate-level, research-driven university dedicated to advancing real-world solutions to issues of sustainability.

“No other conference unites the full spectrum of stakeholders – from researchers and economists to end users – required to seriously solve the world’s pressing water issues. Water security is a common problem and IWS enables the exchange of ideas that enables effective, viable action.”

Entitled ‘Promoting Water Sustainability in Arid Regions,’ IWS will examine the water-energy nexus and its long-term implications on regional and global food security and energy savings.

The exhibition and conference being held from January 19-22, takes place during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company. IWS is also supported by Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority, the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi, the

Regulation and Supervision Bureau and Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company.

IWS comes at an important time as MENA governments are ramping up desalination capacity in order to meet rising demands – a result of the region’s economic growth and expanding populations. Experts say part of the solution to addressing water security is through the deployment of innovative, new technologies that increase desalination capacity, while reducing the energy needed to process seawater into potable water.

H.E. Dr. Abdurrahman M. Al-Ibrahim, governor of the Saline Water Conversion Corporation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is sending a delegation

Premier global forum to drive actionable water security solutions

Water Summitc r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s f o r a b e t t e r t o m o r r o w

IWS BRINGS TOGETHER world leaders, field experts, academia luminaries and business innovators to accelerate the development of new sustainable strategies and technologies.

of senior energy ministers and officials, observed that IWS is “an opportunity to bring together – at one platform – engineers, researchers, scientists, developers, technologists, manufacturers, public utilities, companies and more to discuss emerging opportunities to tackle regional and global water challenges.

“The platform, which encourages public-private cooperation, results in meaningful research and joint actions that accelerate projects into the field.”

Leading NGOs view IWS as a premier event to facilitate the dynamic commercial partnerships needed to implement to goals set by policy makers. Najib Saab, secretary general of the Arab Forum for Environment and Development, said: “IWS plays a crucial role to bring together

policy makers and experts from the corporate sector to exchange ideas and to propose actions. It’s also a perfect platform to disseminate public awareness on the issues of water management and security.”

Adrian Sym, executive director for the Alliance for Water Stewardship, agreed: “IWS provides space for frank and open discussions and the sharing of lessons – positive and negative – on engagement at a variety of levels.

This has helped to build more trusting relationships over time, leading to better cooperation between all the players required to support sustainable water solutions.”

Industry leaders familiar with IWS appreciate the commercial opportunities the event can generate.

“As an important international water summit with high-level participants, IWS plays a vital role in putting water security issues on the global agenda, while demonstrating that a broad spectrum of technical solutions exist,” Soeren Hvilshoej, the director of International Water for Ramboll Engineering Company.

IWS is a key element of ADSW, which also includes the eighth World Future Energy Summit and the second EcoWaste, in association with Tadweer, Abu Dhabi’s Centre of Waste Management.

The fifth assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency and the seventh Zayed Future Energy Prize Awards ceremony will also take place during ADSW.



Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, in partnership with Cyacle, introduces the nation’s capital to a new cost-effective and energy-saving method of transport for recreational and leisure purposes.


Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) has announced the UAE’s first public bicycle

sharing system, ADCB Bikeshare, a similar scheme to the one that operates in London. In partnership with Cyacle, a private bike-sharing venture seeded by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, ADCB introduces the nation’s capital to a new cost-effective and energy-saving method of transport for recreational and leisure purposes.

Initially offering 75 bicycles for hire at 10 locations on Yas Island and Al Raha Beach, ADCB Bikeshare aims to offer both transportation benefits and support a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle in Abu Dhabi.

Martin Scott, Chief Marketing Officer of ADCB said: “Supporting the

community and its growing ambitions lies at the heart of ADCB’s vision. Through our partnership with Cyacle, we hope that ADCB Bikeshare will play a small part in encouraging a healthy, more economical and environmentally sustainable lifestyle for people in Abu Dhabi.”

ADCB Bikeshare is powered by Cyacle, an initiative co-founded by entrepreneurs, Mohammed Bashkeel and Hani Akasha to bring the exciting concept of bike-sharing to Abu Dhabi. The founders established Cyacle after visiting New York and London and using the successful bike share systems in operation in both cities.

Away from the city traffic and hustle bustle, both Yas Island and Al Raha Beach feature a well-constructed, purposeful cycling path that lend

themselves to a great location for a family activity this season.

What is Bikeshare?Bikeshare is a global innovative transportation programme that helps commuters get around the city in an easy and convenient manner. Members of a bikeshare programme have access to bicycles through self-service stations located across the city. Bikes can be picked up or returned to any station, creating an efficient network with many pick up and drop off spots.

Costs to use ADCB BikeshareThe first 30 minutes of using ADCB Bikeshare is always free as long as the initial one-off fee is paid. The one-off fee varies as per the different packages. If the bike is not docked after the first half an hour, then

UAE’s first public bicyclesharing system launched

Launch


PHASE ONE WILL SEE 75 bicycles be installed at 10 locations on Yas Island and Al Raha Beach in the new project, which is titled ‘ADCB Bikeshare’.

charges apply and increase as the hours increase. This price system is put in place to encourage riders to dock their bikes when bikes are not in use in order to make the bikeshare more available.

Riders can either purchase a one day pass at AED 15/- or a three day pass at AED 40/-. Monthly membership is also available for a one-off fee of AED 99/- and an annual membership costs AED 499/- per year.

These memberships are subject to the first hour of riding being free as opposed to the first 30 minutes when purchasing the daily packages. Users are encouraged to carry their helmets and ride safely, while enjoying the ADCB Bikeshare experience.

Spotlight on water and life in Arabia at Al Ain conference Historic environment experts from eight countries across the Middle East, Canada and Europe converged in Al Ain – Abu Dhabi emirate’s heritage heartland last month for a three-day conference to probe the role of water in the life of Arabia.

Held at the Qattara Art Centre from December 14-16, the regional conference traced the beginnings of oasis life in north-west Arabia and early water management techniques.

“Attendees traced the water engineering and management practices throughout Arabia from ancient to pre-modern times,” said Mohamed Al Neyadi, Director of the

Historic Environment, TCA Abu Dhabi. “At the same time they also learnt of the water sustainability opportunities inherent across the Arabian Peninsula, the challenges of water management in fast growing cities and water saving irrigation strategies for improving food security across the Peninsula,” he added.

Delegates were given an introduction to the water management lessons passed down by the Bedouin of Jordan’s Southeastern desert and the water irrigation systems is some historical cities in Saudi Arabia.

A special session was also dedicated to the ancient and unique Al Falaj irrigation system which characterises the oases of Oman and Al Ain.


Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) to present EGBC 2015 Awards in seven categories including special honour for exceptional student research work around green building.

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Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the

environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, has launched the EGBC 2015 Awards to honor excellence in sustainability initiatives by organisations and individuals from across the Middle East and North Africa region.

Following the strong response to the first two editions of the Awards, this year’s EGBC Awards will include four new additional-subcategories within the Green Building of the Year Award, to highlight the efforts by the different types of buildings and sectors to green their facilities and operations.

Saeed Al Abbar, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, said: “Emirates Green Building Council has been at the

forefront in promoting awareness of best practices in sustainable built environments over the past years, and we have seen tangible results, highlighted by the increasing number of initiatives implemented across the construction and building industries.

“As the MENA region continues its strong efforts on implementing sustainable practices, it is important that the innovative approaches are recognised, to encourage future initiatives in promoting sustainable built environments. Through the awards, we aim to highlight and celebrate those best practices in sustainable building, as well as provide a knowledge-sharing platform among the various stakeholders,” Al Abbar added.

The six main categories of the

EGBC 2015 Awards include: Green Facility Management Organisation of the Year for a UAE-based FM organisation for its commitments towards sustainability; Green Building Material/Product Award for the successful introduction to the MENA region of a construction material or product/component which addresses green building principles; Green Building System Award for a building system that provides a more sustainable solution to green building construction than traditional construction methods; Green Building Research Award for research that establishes dependable data, in an area not previously available, related to green building performance; Training Initiative of the Year for the best sustainability training initiative in the MENA region; and Green Building

EGBC 2015 Awards to recognizeexcellence in sustainability initiatives

Awardsc r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s f o r a b e t t e r t o m o r r o w

of the year, for finalised buildings in the MENA region that respected the highest sustainability standards and included innovation in design and processes in its construction and completion. This honour will be presented in four new sub-categories this year including Green hotel, Green School, Green Commercial Building and Green Residential Building.

A special Dr. Owainati Award for Students, sponsored by EmiratesGBC co-founder Dr Sadek Owainati, will also be awarded to a UAE university student for exceptional research work on a subject related to green buildings in the Middle East. To qualify for the Dr. Owainati Award for Students, the research topic must be directly applicable to green building design, technology, construction or operation with emphasis on its applicability in

the MENA region.

The EGBC Awards 2015 were announced at an EmiratesGBC networking event in Dubai on December 9, where 2014 winners The Change Initiative, Royal City Contracting LLC and Johnson Controls presented their winning projects to the participants.

Deadline for submissions to EGBC Awards 2015 is February 19, 2015 by 5pm (UAE time). More details on fees, application form and guidelines are available on the EmiratesGBC website (www.emiratesgbc.org/awards ). The award winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony in May next year.

EmiratesGBC regularly hosts and participates in multinational

events, conferences and forums. EmiratesGBC has also developed a suite of activities, inclusive of networking events, technical workshops, focus days and facilitated training based around specific issues related to the built-environment that meet the needs of its members, of the UAE community, and the wider Middle East.

ENTRIES FOR the awards are welcomed from across the Middle East and North Africa region; deadline for submissions is February 19, 2015.

EGBC 2015 Awards to recognizeexcellence in sustainability initiatives



Panasonic’s regional headquarters building in Jebel Ali Free Zone scores a total of 45 points out of 110 to become the first company in the UAE electronics industry to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

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Panasonic Marketing Middle East & Africa (PMMAF) has become the first company in the UAE

electronics industry to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by Middle East Centre for Sustainable Development (MECSD). According to USGBC (United States Green Building Council) – the governing body for LEED, a total of 6 companies in UAE have been LEED certified under the existing building category.

PMMAF’s regional headquarters building in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) scored a total of 45 points out of 110 available under ‘LEED for Existing Building Operations & Maintenance’ category to obtain the prestigious certificate. The certificate is awarded to operators of existing buildings who implement sustainable practices and

reduce the environmental impacts of their buildings, while addressing the major aspects of ongoing building operations that include exterior building site maintenance programs, water and energy use, environmentally preferred products and practices for cleaning and alterations, sustainable purchasing policies, waste stream management and ongoing indoor environmental quality.

Some of the highlights that earned Panasonic the certification include a 36.28% in water use reduction, 69.63% on purchase of sustainable consumables, 77.0 % on energy performance through intelligent design & energy consumption and 87.85 % in solid waste management of consumables and 100% on waste management of durable goods. According to Shinichi Wakita,

Managing Director, Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa, “This is a milestone achievement for us and we are extremely happy that it is in line with our support of the UAE leadership’s vision of a more sustainable future for the country in the coming years.

“Being LEED Certified is the embodiment of our commitment as an electronics company to promoting the concept of sustainability. We will continue to seek ways to improve the sustainability of our building.

“As a company, we believe in implementing sustainable environmental practices, enhancing operational efficiency, and embracing social responsibility; and certifications like LEED are a step in the right direction,” he said.

First LEED certification for Dubai’s electronics industry under Existing Building category

Certificationc r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s f o r a b e t t e r t o m o r r o w

THE BUILDING IS designed, constructed and operated utilizing high efficiency heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment and has an Energy Star performance rating of 77 %.

“Attaining LEED Certification for existing buildings is always a challenge and we would really like to congratulate the management of PMMAF for their concerted efforts towards implying policies and procedures effectively towards fulfilling the LEED criteria,” said Thom Bohlen, Chief Technical Officer, MECSD.

As part of the LEED initiatives, 50% of parking spaces at PMMAF building is covered using materials with Solar Reflective Index (SRI) value of 81 and 100% of the roofing materials installed meet the SRI requirement. The building uses special pipe fixtures that have helped 36.28 % reduction in water usage and 57.84 % reduction of potable water for landscaping.

The building is designed, constructed and operated utilizing high efficiency

heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment and has an Energy Star performance rating of 77 %. The energy efficient LED lighting in the building reduces the lighting load with a savings in electricity consumption of 73,970 kWh/year; Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) and occupancy sensors are installed for further energy saving- all helping in reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions to 468 MtCO2/year.

To improve indoor environmental air quality Panasonic implemented a ‘No Smoking Policy’ inside the building to provide healthy indoor environment to all the occupants. Panasonic also implemented Green Cleaning Program using sustainable cleaning. The company developed a management programme to manage major sources of pollution in buildings.

The company not only promotes sustainability through its products, but has also implemented eco awareness activities on ground level to educate children about the importance of conserving energy and environment.

Through its adherence to ecologically friendly initiatives like LEED certification, Panasonic endeavors to create “A Better Life, A Better World” for generations to come.



The Petroleum Institute students will proudly represent the UAE and compete with international teams during the solar-powered challenge.


The Petroleum Institute (PI), on December 11, 2014 launched the solar-powered car that will

represent the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the inaugural Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge to be held from January 15-19, sponsored by ADNOC and hosted by Masdar. The super-sleek, high-tech vehicle will compete against 20 international teams in a multi-day, timed road competition across 1,200 kilometres of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The public launch follows the unveiling of the car by H.E. Abdulla Nasser Al Suwaidi, director general of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and chairman of PI, at a ceremony attended by the PI Governing Board members.

Also in attendance were representatives of the car’s sponsors,

including Japan Oil Development Co, Total, SunPower and Michelin.

Young PI students will battle against elite international teams, including entries from Japan, United States, Middle East, Australia and Europe. This is the first time the UAE has entered the competition, which for almost three decades, has showcased the technology and speed of cars powered only by solar energy.

The PI solar car team leader, 23-year old Emirati student, Alatqa Al Hanaee, said: “We are honoured to carry the UAE flag and compete against talented, international teams from around the world, here in Abu Dhabi. While this is the first time the UAE has entered the solar challenge, we have built a fast, cutting-edge car that has a strong chance to win.

“Our team has been training for months,” added Al Hanaee. “We’re fine-tuning the motor, making last-minute adjustments and, of course, practicing our driving skills. We have worked extremely hard and are excited to compete and make the UAE proud.”

The PI team is backed by the UAE’s leading motor-sports heroes. Sheikh Khalid bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and Khaled Al Qubaisi will be ambassadors and advisors to the team throughout the competition – from qualification and time trials to the chequered flag.

Sheikh Al Qassimi said: “I have been hugely impressed by the dedication and commitment of everyone involved in this project. The fact that this is the first time a solar car from the

Competition

UAE team’s Abu DhabiSolar Challenge Car launched


THE ABU DHABI Solar Challenge is a competition which brings together universities from across the globe in order to design, build and drive solar-powered cars across Abu Dhabi.

UAE has participated in an event of this kind makes the achievement even more remarkable.

“My hope is that this historic endeavour will inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers to push the boundaries of automotive technology still further, for the benefit of everyone.”

“The UAE should rally around its young drivers and this historic event,” said Ben Sulayem. “The PI team will carry our flag in an international road competition, which is being held for the first time in the Middle East. I know first-hand how much the UAE loves its motor sports, and this event will I am sure, spark our nation’s interest and support.

“But these cars represent more than

just raw speed. They are also a symbol of our country’s innovative spirit.”

Dr. Fahad Almaskari, PI Solar Car Project director and team leader, said: “Today is an important milestone. The students in the team have worked to the best of their abilities and pushed themselves to the limit in utilizing their knowledge and experience and applying it to the project in hand. I’m proud to be a part of all they have achieved so far, and I would like to thank everyone for their support at the event today.”

ADNOC’s and Masdar’s support for the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge is an investment in innovation, human capital development and the advancement of science – fundamental pillars in Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic diversification.

Qualifications and time trials will take place January 15 at Yas Marina Circuit. The next day, cars will speed through the heart of the capital and head toward Abu Dhabi’s desert terrain.

During the final leg of the challenge, January 19, teams will drive back to the city centre, crossing the finish line at the First Gulf Bank Arena.

The Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge will be part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, an Abu Dhabi government initiative to address the interconnected challenges affecting energy, water and sustainable development. The largest gathering on sustainability in the Middle East, the event attracts more than 32,000 delegates and visitors from more than 170 countries. It will take place from January 17-24.

UAE team’s Abu DhabiSolar Challenge Car launched


Michelin and Petroleum Institute sign Technical Partnership for UAE’s first solar racing car Michelin, the world’s leading tire company, has entered into a technical partnership with the Petroleum Institute (PI) in Abu Dhabi, and will equip the UAE’s first solar racing car for the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge (ADSC); the flagship solar car race in the Middle East.

Michelin will be fitting PI’s car with its industry-leading solar tire, the MICHELIN Radial X 95/80 R16, for the race, which is a multi-day cross-country road competition taking place from 15 to 19 January 2015, starting and finishing in Abu Dhabi.

According to Nour Bouhassoun, Chairman and President of Michelin

Africa, India and Middle East Zone, “At Michelin, we are determined to be at the forefront of mobility technology, and are extremely happy to be the technical partner of a forward-looking organisation such as the Petroleum Institute.”

Dr. Fahad Almaskari, Director of the Solar Car project at Petroleum Institute commented: “It’s certainly an exciting time for Petroleum Institute as we launch the UAE’s first solar racing car. We believe that bringing

together the best components will bring our car much success in this competition and it therefore makes sense for us to partner with the world’s leading tire company, Michelin, and use its industry leading solar tire.”

Also present to witness the Partnership Signing ceremony were Ahmed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, Chairman, Al Fahim Group; Frank Bernthaler, CEO of Al Fahim Automotive; and Bilal Al Ribi, General Manager of Central Motors & Equipment.

42 c r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s f o r a b e t t e r t o m o r r o wCompetition


The plastics industry in the GCC is evolving into a larger, more diverse and sustainable

industry opening up channels for more consumers and new revenues, based on the latest research by the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA).

“The region’s plastic manufacturers have shown a consistent level of growth despite market fluctuations and increased competition,” said Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA. “The region’s polymer producers and converters have demonstrated a sense of agility, flexibility and stability in the face of regional and global challenges.”

In 2014, the GCC’s polymer capacity reached 25.5 million tons, a 6% increase from the previous year,

according to the GPCA. The United Arab Emirates holds the region’s second largest plastic production capacity, representing 13% of the region’s polymer capacity.

The region’s plastic industry currently includes the production of 13 products. By the end of the decade, the Gulf’s plastic manufacturers will add 16 additional products to their portfolio for applications in the aviation, transport and food packaging sectors. Similarly, the GPCA forecasts that plastic capacity will reach 33.8 million tons by 2020, an estimated 25% increase from current capacity.

“Over the next five years, the Gulf’s plastic producers have the potential to create a distinct identity for themselves, where their products are seen as cost- effective, reliable and high value,”

continued Dr. Al- Sadoun. “By the end of the decade, we foresee a growing influence of this sector globally, when a ‘Made in the GCC’ label will be the norm, rather than an exception.”

The evolving plastics industry will be a key focus at the 6th edition of PlastiCon, the annual international conference for plastics conversion. From January 11- 12, 2015, the conference will feature top executives from key plastic manufacturers in the region including Abdulaziz Alhajri, CEO of Borouge; Ziad S. Al-Labban, CEO, Sadara Chemical Company; Abdullah Bin Saleh Al Suwailem, CEO, PetroRabigh Company; and Mosaed Al-Ohali, Executive Vice-President – Polymers, Sabic among others. PlastiCon 2015 will also dedicate a special session to the effect of crude prices sharp decline on the polymer market.

World-class plastics products areincreasingly ‘Made in the GCC’, says GPCA

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With the opening of Al Wathba Wetland Reserve to the public, the residents of Abu Dhabi have been given the opportunity to reconnect with the natural heritage that exists within the Emirate.


The phase one of Al Wathba Wetland eco-reserve project has been completed and visitors

are being welcomed to experience this important reserve in Abu Dhabi. The concept of eco-reserves was introduced to the public during the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2014.

Throughout the past few months, terrestrial biodiversity team at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) have made significant developments to ensure the interactive and friendly atmosphere of the reserve, while preserving its natural heritage. Upon arrival at the reserve, visitors have the opportunity to check in at the newly built Visitor Experience Centre, watch a short movie about the significance of Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and then

embark on one of the self-guided trails that have been mapped out by EAD’s specialist team.

The trails, with interpretive signage, provides visitors with the opportunity to walk through the reserve’s natural terrains and familiarize themselves with the various bird species that reside in Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. The track ends at the bird hide facility which offers visitors a unique experience to observe Al Wathba’s flamingos up close and personal. Additional facilities such as restrooms and parking spaces have also been integrated within the eco-reserve to facilitate to the visitors’ needs.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Executive Director, Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD

commented: “Abu Dhabi presents a rich and diverse terrain which is home to various species across air, land and sea. With the opening of Al Wathba Wetland Reserve to the public, the residents of Abu Dhabi have been given the opportunity to reconnect with the natural heritage that exists within the Emirate. Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, in specific, is considered to be an important area for biodiversity conservation for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.”

“By opening the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve to the public, we are providing our community specially the school and university students with greater access to these protected areas, to enhance their environmental awareness and to connect with nature that will help them to conduct scientific studies and research, while

Conservation

Environment enthusiasts welcomedto Al Wathba Wetland Reserve


SINCE 2011, FLAMINGOS have regularly bred in Al Wathba, making it the only site in the UAE and in the Arabian Gulf where this species regularly breeds.

witnessing how EAD is protecting its rich biodiversity,” Dr. Shaikha added.

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve was officially declared as a protected area in 1998 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as it proved to be the ideal habitat for migratory birds and a significant breeding site for the Greater flamingos.

Since 2011, flamingos have regularly bred in Al Wathba, making it the only site in the UAE and in the Arabian Gulf where this species regularly breeds. In 2013, the reserve achieved its international recognition when it joined more than 2,000 worldwide wetlands as a Ramsar site, making it Abu Dhabi’s first Ramsar site. With over 200 migratory birds, 11 mammals, 10 reptiles and over 35 plant species, Al Wathba Wetland Reserve offers

visitors a complete experience and a true understanding if the importance of conservation in Abu Dhabi.

Visitors could be lucky to see the newly discovered metallic-colored Cuckoo Wasp (Hedychridium anithaae) which was recently discovered at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and was added to the list of hundreds of invertebrates recorded at the reserve. Other species that are found at Al Wathba include Greater spotted eagle, Salvadora, Red fox, Egyptian Spiny-tailed Lizard “Dhub”, Desert monitor lizard, Cape desert hare, Purple-blushed darter, Cheesman’s gerbil and Ethiopian hedgehog.

Since last November, EAD has welcomed number of visitors at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, defining

the group to a limited number, so as to ensure the safety and well-being of the rich and diverse habitat at the reserve. In order to build strong visitor experiences, EAD encourages visitors to fill out surveys at the Visitors Experience Centre to provide feedback about their experience.

Additional developments are set in place to further enhance the eco-reserve experience for visitors at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. Key developments will include an additional bird hide near the freshwater pools to offer visitors another opportunity for bird watching, the elongation of the current self-guided walking trails to cover different habitats on the reserve, the introduction of an educational botanic garden to include key native plants of Abu Dhabi and the adaptation of the site for the handicapped.

Environment enthusiasts welcomedto Al Wathba Wetland Reserve


Dubai Police and Al-Futtaim Motors launch world’s first “Innovation Lab” to ensure closer interaction between the Police force and the community at large.


On December 22, 2014 Dubai Police, in-line with the UAE government’s ‘UAE Vision

2021’ and ‘Dubai Plan 2021’ initiatives, launched the world’s first “Innovation Lab” which is aimed at ensuring closer interaction between the Police force and the community at large.

Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributor of Toyota in the UAE, joined forces with the Dubai Police by supplying a specially modified Toyota Coaster bus. This will

essentially be a ‘suggestion-box-on-wheels’ and will travel around Dubai communities to record ideas, suggestions and complaints from UAE residents about how Dubai Police can better serve citizens and residents. The Toyota Coaster bus

will be equipped with tablets to record ideas, suggestions and complaints from UAE residents in an effort to better serve the citizens of the city and encourage better cooperation with the Dubai Police.

“The ‘Innovation Lab’ offers a platform that encourages bright and creative minds to develop solutions to societal issues by increasing productivity and reducing cost, in turn adding value and increasing customer satisfaction.

The ‘Innovation Lab’ provides an opportunity to people from all walks of life to adopt creative thinking, using a simple-to-use platform than enables the exchange of ideas and information within the organization and with the public at large,” said Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Commander-In-Chief of Dubai Police.

“Al-Futtaim Motors has been part of the fabric of the nation for almost six decades, and we are honoured to be the partner of choice for Dubai Police in this creative initiative.

“Both entities have a shared objective of the betterment of society through innovative mobility solutions, and the ‘Innovation Lab’ is a world-first that will allow Dubai Police to be closer to Dubai residents by providing them with the best platforms to make their opinions and ideas heard,” said Jon Williams, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Motors.

“This ‘Innovation Lab’ is truly a spectacular initiative that will assist Dubai Police in their endeavours by allowing them to reach out to larger numbers of the community to engage and work together in creating a

Launch

Dubai Police launches‘suggestion-box-on-wheels’


THE ‘INNOVATION LAB’ provides an opportunity to people from all walks of life to adopt creative thinking.

safer society and more responsible community.”

Elham Younis Ahli, Director of the Innovation Centre at Dubai Police, said: “Al-Futtaim Motors has been a truly supportive partner in this initiative, providing us with a fa highly customized Toyota Coaster bus, with a further expansion of our fleet planned in the future. We appreciate and value the efforts of Al-Futtaim Motors as our creative partner, and their ability to transform new ideas into reality that will stand out around the world.”

Other modifications include seven swivel-capable seats with power outlets and tables that make them suitable for meetings, one large plasma screen for presentation and video displays, and a refreshment scorner equipped with a coffee

machine to serve visitors. The luxurious fit and finish, including colour-themed interior for the Dubai Police, was made to order using premium leather and wood finish.

All modifications were made by Al-Futtaim Motors’ long term partners, NSV, whose excellent technical expertise, skills and precision played an important part in the success of this project.

“We worked closely with Dubai Police to provide an all-in-one proposition that will cater to the needs of stakeholders, both within the Police Force and externally, by adopting a holistic approach to creative thinking and providing the tools to innovate,” said Mr. Yousuf Ali Al Raeesi, General Manager, Government Relations, Health Security, Safety and

Environment at Al-Futtaim Motors.

Over the past ten years, Dubai Police has provided the knowledge resources required to develop innovative thinking via the Innovation Centre, developing an infrastructure and a complete system that adopts international standards for the benefit of the community.


International public and private sector experts to address ‘climate-smart agriculture’ at three-day exhibition and conference held from March 9-11, 2015.


The second edition of the Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture (GFIA) is set to take

place in Abu Dhabi from March 9-11, 2015. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), the exhibition and conference will feature more than 300 next-generation agricultural solutions that could shape the future of sustainable farming around the world.

With global policy makers and scientists tasked with identifying innovative ways to feed a population of more than nine billion people by 2050, GFIA will aim to accelerate the

development of solutions that meet the world’s pressing challenges.

GFIA will bring together participants from the entire agricultural value-chain - from agribusiness and academia to policy and investment - to witness more than 400 presentations of game-changing ideas with the potential to fundamentally change the way food is produced, processed, stored, distributed and consumed.

“As the world looks to support sustainable economic and social development into the 21st century and beyond, the solutions we identify to our food and water security challenges today will define the future of our nations,” said Mohamed Jalal Al Rayssi, Chairman of the Organising Committee, at Abu Dhabi Food

Control Authority. “Furthermore, with climate-smart food production being a critical factor for the UAE andother water-constrained parts of the MENA region.

“Abu Dhabi is strongly committed to driving the global dialogue on food security and climate resilience and this event reinforces that commitment. We look forward to welcoming some of the world’s leading experts in this field.”

The inaugural Global Climate-Smart Agriculture Summit will serve as key element of the 2015 event. The summit has been developed under the guidance of the Global Alliance for Climate Smart Agriculture launched during the UN Climate Summit in New York in September 2014. Climate-Smart Agriculture is a

Forum

Abu Dhabi to host second edition of‘Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture’


GFIA IS A CONGREGATION of the world’s leading academics, technologists and agricultural experts to discuss and advance solutions to the world’s pressing food challenge.

strategic farming approach designed to raise agricultural productivity whilst mitigating the effects of climate change.

The alliance includes more than 20 governments, 30 organizations and companies including the World Bank, The Netherlands government, and the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

It represents millions of farmers, at least a quarter of the world’s cereal production, 43 million undernourished people and 16 percent of the total agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

“GFIA is unique in that it attracts all the players – from across the full food value chain – needed to effect real change in the way we feed

the world,” said Mohamed Jalal Al Rayssi. “From policy-makers and governments to food producers, commercial organizations, bilateral and multilateral development agencies and investors, GFIA is a stage that helps actualize real progress. This harmonization approach is essential if we are to meet the challenge of feeding a rapidly growing global population.”

The second edition of GFIA will also include newly-launched ‘Hosted Scientist Programme’ an initiative that will assemble 300 of the world’s leading scientists in Abu Dhabi, to establish a scientific crucible for discussion, knowledge sharing and the advancement of research.

A ‘Research & Collaboration Zone’ will allow academics from across the

developed and developing world to meet, share knowledge, collaborate, and network with investors to commercialize breakthrough ideas.

In addition, the GFIA conferences – featuring 250 speakers – will address a range of key issues critical to the future of global agriculture and food production. These include: Solutions for the reduction of post-harvest losses and food waste; ICT in agriculture: how ICT can promote sustainable and climate resilient agriculture; Land restoration and agroforestry: restoration of the world’s degraded arable land; Non-conventional water use and agriculture in arid climates; Edible cities: growing the food where the majority of the world’s population lives; and Workshops on aquaculture and indoor agriculture.


Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa hosted a one day conference for school students to create

awareness on the impact of global warming and the importance of sustainability. The conference “My Planet, My Life”, the first initiative of its kind in the region, had the objective of encouraging the future generation towards caring and saving the environment.

The conference was opened by Karin Hofer, Executive Assistant Manager of Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa. Presenting the key note address of the seminar was Mariam Saeed Hareb, Director of Environmental Education and Awareness at the Ministry of Environment and Water, who talked to the students about the depletion of natural resources, the impact of the current society

lifestyle on the environment as well as the effects on the aquatic life of the region.

Ms. Mariam suggested a sustainable life style as the way to save and protect for the future. The initiatives taken by the UAE Government for preserving the aquatic life were presented through videos to motivate the students to be environmentally conscious.

Mohammed Ihsanulla (Cluster Director of Environment Health and Safety, Al Bustan Rotana & Al Murooj Rotana Dubai) presented the idea of sustainable development in hospitality. Rotana’s corporate sustainability platform “Rotana Earth” and actions laid down through the platform were admired by the delegates of the conference.

During the session “Waste a Burning Issue” insights about the country’s current waste generation situation were shared with the students. Alberto Germani, Director of Operations at CAP Centre for Waste Management, asked the children to follow and educate others on the 4 Rs of waste management “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover”.

The Quiz competition inspired the students to learn more about environment and sustainability. “Our sustainability theme for 2014 is “Educate and Engage”. We wanted the message to pass on from generation to generation, so no doubt we chose to educate the younger generation,” said Ajmal Bavakutty Moyante – Environment Health and Safety Manager at Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa.

School kids learn to embrace globalsustainability at Fujairah Rotana

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Around 30 professionals from diverse industry sectors participated in an innovative

workshop on water consumption calculation that was co-organized by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) and DNV-GL Business Assurance Middle East and supported by the Water Footprint workshop and Arabia CSR Network.

The workshop was facilitated by the Water Footprint Network, which is a leading international organization that teaches organizations and individuals to evaluate their water consumption in an effort to consume this precious natural resource in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Water is increasingly seen as a critical issue on which sustainable development, which is defined

as the combined development of the economy, society and the environment, depends on. The consumption of water has increased six-fold since the beginning of the 20th century as a result of human civilization and growth, and is predicted to rise further in the coming decades.

The pressures on the earth’s natural systems like ecosystems, climate, etc. are interlinked and exacerbated by the unsustainable consumption of water and water pollution. Statistics shows that the GCC is home to two per cent of the global population and having high growth economies but it is geographically situated in a naturally water scarce region.

According to a Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) report, the

proportion of renewable water withdrawn from the Middle East and North Africa regions exceeds 50-75%.

With the population and growth projected to rise in the next 40 years, both domestic and commercial use of water is expected to grow, causing the region to experience significant levels of water stress and water inequity. This will also challenge the efforts to attain food security and food sovereignty, and reduce vulnerabilities associated with low rainfall, drought and desertification.

The Water Footprint (WF) workshop was aimed at disseminating knowledge about the need to conserve water and protect its quality, and share tools that can be used to exactly measure one’s consumption of this precious resource.

Efficient water management strategieshighlighted in ‘Footprint Assessment’ workshop


160 university and high school students gather at the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) for the inaugural Youth Earth Summit.


Around 160 university and high school students and their mentors from across the

UAE gathered at the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) recently for the inaugural Youth Earth Summit (YES!) – the first research-based enviro-competition of its type to be held in the UAE.

Organised by UOWD’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, the Summit saw 32 student teams present their research on how population growth is challenging the Earth’s resources and propose new alternatives to reduce its impact to a panel of expert judges from government and non-government organisations, including Wadi Wurayah National Park, Dubai Municipality’s Dubai Zoo, Al Ain Zoo, Dubai Desert Conservation

Reserve, UAE University, Abu Dhabi’s Environment Agency, the American University of Sharjah, Towheed Iranian School, EWS-WWF, Masdar Institute and Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority.

Attendees were also joined by guest of honor HH Dr. Majid al Qassimi, one of only four Emirati Doctors of Veterinary Science in the UAE and founder of Middle East and North Africa Tech Blog, The MENA Scientist.

UOWD student delegates had carried out a semester-long research project to prepare for the event.

Haider Rizvi, Ramy Omran, Manka Dutta and Shravika Behl were awarded the Best Paper title for University students at the conference and were praised by the judges for

their presentation skills, depth of research and focus on innovation in their discussion surrounding water shortage.

In the run-up to the event, high schools across the UAE had competed for a spot at the Summit. Involving a grueling round of double-blind reviews by top environmental experts, the shortlisting process concluded with the top five schools attending the occasion and presenting their findings.

The team from Emirates English Speaking School was crowned high school winners for their study and suggestions surrounding the effects of coastal manipulation on wildlife, whilst second place was awarded to Towheed Iranian School for their proposal to use solar powered energy

Competition

UAE youth present research on impactof population growth on environment


THE INAUGURAL YOUTH Earth Summit (YES!) is the first research-based enviro-competition of its type to be held in the UAE.

to treat water supplies. Bronze medals were presented to the team from Abu Dhabi Indian School for their research into air quality. The commended high school teams were awarded with excursions to Al Ain Zoo and Resort, whilst the winning team bagged an overnight eco-fieldtrip to Wadi Wurayah National Park.

Addressing the Summit, HH Dr Majid al Qassimi said: “Our time on earth is fleeting… we are only custodians for the coming generations. Environmental literacy is critical in bringing the topic of the environment to the forefront of public consciousness and events such as the Youth Earth Summit are the right steps towards that goal… we must bring this subject to the rest of the people that share the environment and the earth with us.”

Ms. Zeenath Khan, lecturer at UOWD and founding convener of the Youth Earth Summit added: “We organised the event in order to grow a culture of environment and sustainability research among school and university students and raise awareness of government and NGO environment initiatives in the UAE.

“The students who took part in this year’s Summit read academic publications, conducted field visits and put forward their findings and recommendations –preparing them for a future in academic research and helping them to believe that they have a voice when it comes to environmental issues.”

Dr. Mohamed Ali Reza Khan, a fellow judge and Specialist of Wildlife and Zoo Management at Dubai

Municipality concluded: “The students identified the problems and came out with some plausible solutions that could be implemented in the future.”


The Lima Climate Conference achieved a range of important outcomes and decisions and “firsts” in the history of the international climate process.


A new 2015 agreement on climate change, that will harness action by all nations,

took a further important step forward in Lima following two weeks of negotiations by over 190 countries.

The UN Climate Change Conference (UNCCC) in Peru held from 1st to 12th December, 2014 had earlier kicked off in the Peruvian capital with inspiring calls to climate action.

Nations concluded by elaborating the elements of the new agreement, scheduled to be agreed in Paris in late 2015, while also agreeing the ground rules on how all countries can submit contributions to the new agreement during the first quarter of next year.

These Intended Nationally Determined

Contributions (INDCs) will form the foundation for climate action post 2020 when the new agreement is set to come into effect.

During the two week 20th Conference of the Parties (COP), countries also made significant progress in elevating adaptation onto the same level as action to cut and curb emissions.

Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, the Minister of the Environment of Peru and the COP President, said: “Lima has given new urgency towards fast tracking adaptation and building resilience across the developing world-not least by strengthening the link to finance and the development of national adaptation plans.

“Meanwhile here in Lima, governments have left with a far

clearer vision of what the draft Paris agreement will look like as we head into 2015 and the next round of negotiations in Geneva,” he said.

The Lima Climate Conference achieved a range of other important outcomes and decisions and “firsts” in the history of the international climate process.

Pledges were made by both developed and developing countries prior to and during the COP that took the capitalization of the new Green Climate Fund (GCF) past an initial $10 billion target.

Levels of transparency and confidence-building reached new heights as several industrialized countries submitted themselves to questioning about their emissions

COP 20

The Lima call forClimate Action


GOVERNMENTS AGREE TO ground rules on contributions to Paris 2015 agreement and to boost adaptation.

targets under a new process called a Multilateral Assessment.

The Lima Ministerial Declaration on Education and Awareness-raising calls on governments to put climate change into school curricula and climate awareness into national development plans.

Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC), said: “Governments arrived in Lima on a wave of positive news and optimism resulting from the climate action announcements of the European Union, China and the United States to the scaling up of pledges for the Green Climate Fund.

“They leave Lima on a fresh wave of positivity towards Paris with a

range of key decisions agreed and action-agendas launched, including on how to better scale up and finance adaptation, alongside actions on forests and education,” she said.

Ms. Figueres also thanked Ollanta Humala, the President of Peru, along with the government and the people of Peru for hosting the United Nations and some 11,000 delegates from all over the world.

“The negotiations here reached a new level of realism and understanding about what needs to be done now, over the next 12 months and into the years and decades to come if climate change is to be truly and decisively addressed,” she said.

Ms. Figueres thanked the Peruvian Environment Minister and President

of the Conference of the Parties for his leadership.

“The cooperation of over 190 countries in securing many positive outcomes owes much to the patience and persistence of the COP President-Manuel Pulgar-Vidal-and the spirit of Lima as we look forward to Paris-the city of lights and the city of love for our shared future and shared environment,” said Ms. Figueres.

The Lima Adaptation Knowledge InitiativeProgress was made in Lima on elevating adaptation onto the same level as the curbing and cutting of curbing greenhouse gas emissions. This will be done through:

Recognition that National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) offer an important way

The high-level segment opened in the company of (L-R) President of Chile Michelle Bachelet; President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos; COP 20/CMP 10 President Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, Peru; President of Peru Ollanta Humala; UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon; and UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres


of delivering resilience. NAPs will now be made more visible via the UNFCCC website which should improve the opportunity for receiving backing.

The green light was given for discussions with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) on how countries can be supported with their NAPs which should increase the number of these plans coming forward for support.

Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, the COP President, launched a NAP Global Network involving Peru, the US, Germany, the Philippines, Togo, the UK, Jamaica, and Japan.

The Lima Adaptation Knowledge initiative - a pilot project in the Andes under the Nairobi Work Programme - has underlined that establishing the adaptive needs of communities can

be successfully captured. Countries supported the idea of replicating this in Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States and Africa.

The Executive Committee of the Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage was confirmed for two years with a balanced representation of members from developing and developed countries.

A work programme was also established under the Committee-it has an array of actions areas, including enhancing the understanding of how loss and damage due to climate change affects particularly vulnerable developing countries and populations including indigenous or minority status ones.

It will also seek to better the understanding of how climate change impacts human migration and displacement.

Financing the response to climate changeGovernments made progress on coordinating the delivery of climate finance and of the various existing funds. Further pledges were made to the Green Climate Fund in Lima by the governments of Norway, Australia,

56 c r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s f o r a b e t t e r t o m o r r o wCOP 20

Belgium, Peru, Colombia and Austria - the pledges brought the total sum pledged to the Green Climate Fund to close to USD 10.2 billion.

In a further boost to the adaptation ambitions of developing countries, Germany made a pledge of 55 million Euros to the Adaptation Fund. China also announced $10 million for South-South cooperation and mentioned they would double it next year.

More Countries Accept the Kyoto Protocol Doha AmendmentNauru and Tuvalu submitted their instrument of acceptance to the Doha amendment, bringing the number of Parties to 21. (144 are required to bring it into force). The United Nations is encouraging governments to speed up their acceptance of the second

commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, the international emissions reduction treaty, in order to provide further momentum for globalclimate action for the years leadingup to 2020.

New climate action portal launched as part of Lima Climate Action AgendaThe government of Peru launched a new portal, with support from the UNFCCC, to increase the visibility of the wealth of climate action among cities, regions, companies and investors, including those under international cooperative initiatives.

The portal - named the Nazca Climate Action Portal - is designed to inject additional momentum into the process through to Paris by demonstrating the wealth of non-state action.

Providing transparency of developed country actionThe first ever Multilateral Assessment (MA) was launched in Lima marking an historic milestone in the implementation of the Measurement, Reporting and Verification of emission reductions under the UNFCCC as a result of decisions taken at previous COPs in Cancun, Durban and Doha.

Over two days, 17 developed countries with quantified economy-wide emission reduction targets were assessed by other governments or ‘Parties’ to the Convention.

The Multilateral Assessment showed that the number of success stories and best practices in policy and technology innovation alongside nations decoupling emissions from economic growth is increasing.

Climate change could mean

longer, more unpredictable

monsoon ceilings – seasons and

more extreme weather events.



Forests and the Lima Information Hub for REDD +Countries meeting in Lima made progress on providing support to avoid deforestation.

Colombia, Guyana, Indonesia, Malaysia and Mexico formally submitted information and data on the status of their greenhouse gas emission reductions in the forest sector to the UNFCCC secretariat following a similar submission by Brazil earlier in the year.

These baselines are likely to increase the possibility of obtaining international funding under initiatives like Reduced Emissions from Deforestations and Forest Degradation (REED+).

In support of this, the COP President

announced that an ‘information hub’ will be launched on the UNFCCC web site, spotlighting actions by countries carrying out REDD+ activities.

The aim is to bring greater transparency on both the actions being undertaken, including safeguards for communities and the payments being made.

Providing technology to developing countriesThe Lima meeting sent an important signal that the transfer of climate technologies with the assistance of the UN and other international agencies is picking up speed.

The Climate Technology Centre and Network reported that it had received around 30 requests for assistance this year, and expects the figure to grow to more than 100 next year.

The UNFCCC’s Technology Mechanism was further strengthened through the consideration of a link

58 c r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s f o r a b e t t e r t o m o r r o wc r e a t i n g g r e e n c o m m u n i t i e s f o r a b e t t e r t o m o r r o wCOP 20


to the Green Climate Fund and the UNFCCC Finance mechanism.

The first research project funded under the technology mechanism was announced just prior to the Lima climate conference, involving the monitoring of climate change’s impact on biodiversity in Chile.

In addition, the Lima conference agreed a Lima Work Programme on Gender to advance gender balance and to promote gender sensitivity in developing and implementing climate policy. The Lima Ministerial Declaration on Education and Awareness-raising was also announced. It is aimed at developing education strategies that incorporate the issue of climate change in curricula, while also raising awareness on climate change in the

design and implementation of national development and climate change strategies.

Peru and France launch Lima-Paris Action AgendaThe governments of Peru and France, as the incoming COP Presidency, launched a Lima-Paris Action Agenda to catalyze action on climate change, to further increase ambition

before 2020 and support the 2015 agreement. Building on the UN Climate Summit in September 2014, the agenda is designed to galvanize national, city and private sector action.

Among other things, the agenda will help to convene key global, national, subnational and local leaders and to showcase key significant partnerships and actions of non-state actors.


Progress was made in Lima on

elevating adaptation onto the same

level as the curbing and cutting of

curbing greenhouse gas emissions


UAE permanent representative to IRENA assesses progress of student-led clean energy project in Peru


His Excellency Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi permanent representative of the UAE to

the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Director of Energy and Climate Change at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Vice Chair of the Zayed Future Energy Prize Review Committee, visited the 2014 and 2015 Zayed Future Energy Prize finalist high school – Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Lima, Peru – to assess the progress of the school’s mixed renewable energy project.

Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, President of the General Women’s Union, President of the Higher Family Development Foundation and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, bestowed a generous donation to

each of the five finalists of the Global High Schools category in January 2014.

Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt was among the five beneficiaries of the grant. The school’s grant winning proposal includes the implementation of solar-water heaters, solar panels and the on-site production of biofuels for their school bus.

During his visit to the school, Dr. Al Zeyoudi attended a talk on climate change, arranged by the school for students of grades 11 and 12. Addressing the audience on climate change solutions were Maria van der Hoeven, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency,and Joseph Robertson, Global Strategy Director of the Citizen’s Climate Lobby.

Commenting on his visit to the school, Dr. Al Zeyoudi said: “Through the Zayed Future Energy Prize, the UAE leadership is enabling young people around the world to experience the value of renewable energy and sustainability. The students of Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt are setting an example in their community by pursuing these environmental initiatives. Their commitment and enthusiasm is inspiring.”

Dr. Al Zeyoudi led the UAE delegation to the United Nations COP20 Climate Change conference in Lima, Peru. From 1-12 December, the 12-day meeting invited representatives from almost 200 nations to finalise negotiations on an agreement to curb global carbon emissions. The UN will then seek to achieve a binding agreement between the international

A school with anenvironmental mission

Clean Energy


NEARLY 15 PERCENT of the Peruvian population currently lives without reliable electricity.

community at the COP21 UN Climate Change Conference in Le Bourget, Paris between November 30 and December 11, 2015.

“Delegates at the COP20 conference in Lima are discussing solutions to the global climate challenge. As we address issues that will affect the next generation, students here at Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt are taking responsibility and building upon the foundations we are now laying,” added Dr. Al Zeyoudi.

Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt is among this year’s three finalists from the Americas in the Global High Schools category. The school’s current project proposal centres on a renewable energy-powered research lab, known as the Generating Energy Alternatives Research building or

‘GEAR Box’. In the lab, students will experiment with different energy and transport technologies. The initiative aims to inspire students to pursue careers in alternative energy.

The GEAR Box project will provide a place for students to develop practical skills in relation to renewable energy. The classrooms are expected to be almost entirely energy self-sufficient. The project was inspired by Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City and its pioneering work in energy conservation. The school’s vision to develop Peru’s significant natural resources for the wider benefit of the environment is the driving force behind the project.

Nearly 15 percent of the Peruvian population currently lives without reliable electricity. The government plans to increase the electrification

rate to 95 percent by 2016 through the deployment of solar technologies. The ‘National Photovoltaic Household Electrification Programme’ will facilitate the delivery of 150,000 solar PV systems to homes in remote areas of the country. Solar energy projects in Peru attracted more than $400m investment in 2011 and 2012.

The Zayed Future Energy Prize established the Global High Schools category in 2012 to fund projects that would accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and sustainability in schools around the world.


Pine needles, considered a forest fire hazard, have been transformed into an environmental asset by researchers at the American University of Beirut as they effectively test it for water purification opportunities.


Researchers at the American University of Beirut (AUB) have turned dry pine needles—

usually a forest fire hazard—into an environmental asset.

Led by civil and environmental engineering professor George Ayoub, the AUB group was the first scientific team to use dry pine needles to produce activated carbon, a material that is used to purify water, air filters, and several production processes. The team was also the first to scientifically test the effectiveness of the pine-needle-produced-activated carbon in removing heavy metals from water.

In theory, all organic material can be turned into activated carbon, but coal and wood are the most commonly used source materials.

However, AUB researchers, inspired by the abundance of pine trees on campus, decided to test a new source: dry pine needles.

The results have been positive, prompting researchers to push for collecting dry pine needles from forests, instead of leaving them as the spark that could consume Lebanon’s dwindling trees.

While activated carbon is used to remove heavy metal contaminants from industrial wastewater, its decontamination effectiveness varies from one material to another.

The AUB experiment showed that the newly prepared pine-needle activated carbon is effective in absorbing toxic heavy metals under various operating conditions.

Research

AUB researchers turn pineneedles into water purificator

The AUB experiment

shows that the newly

prepared pine-needle

activated carbon is

effective in absorbing

toxic heavy metals

under various operating

conditions.


THE AUB EXPERIMENT showed that the newly prepared pine-needle activated carbon is effective in adsorbing toxic heavy metals under various operating conditions.

“The advantages [of pine needles] are that they are available worldwide and in large quantities,” said Ayoub. “They are very simple to collect, and they’re already dry so they don’t require a lot of breaking down in order to convert them [into activated carbon]. In other words, it’s much cheaper to turn pine needles, instead of wood, into activated carbon.”

Professor Ayoub added that relying on pine needles would reduce the use of pinewood that is sourced by cutting down pine trees for the purpose of producing activated carbon. This current practice leads to forest destruction and environmental degradation.

“By turning pine needles into activated carbon,” Ayoub added, “we would be turning a ubiquitous, potentially

harmful material, into an economically advantageous product.”

Ayoub conducted the experiment along with Ahmad Damaj, also of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mahmoud Al-Hindi of the Chemical Engineering Program at AUB, and Houssam El Rassy from AUB’s Department of Chemistry. Their findings on the removal of Nickel and Cadmium from water were presented at the international conference WIN4Life on Tinos Island in Greece, in 2013, and published in Balaban Desalination Publications, in 2014.

While local Lebanese regulations on the treatment of industrial contaminants are hardly enforced, Ayoub believes there is still a large market for activated carbon, which makes the collection and conversion

of pine needles a viable business.

“Activated carbon is used very much in the water treatment industry,” he said. “It’s the best adsorbent material that you can think of. It’s also used in medicine.”


Working in environments with natural elements, such as greenery and sunlight, leads to 13% higher level of wellbeing, says study.


The Human Spaces Report, commissioned by global modular flooring experts,

Interface and led by Organisational Psychologist Professor Sir Cary Cooper, has revealed that Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) employees who work in environments with natural elements report a 13% higher level of well-being and are 8% more productive overall.

Two fifths (42%) of EMEA office employees have no natural light in their working environment, over half (55%) don’t have access to any greenery in their working environment and even 7% of EMEA workers have no window in their workspace.

Spain reported the highest number of office employees with no window (15%), and also had the most

stressed workforce. In contrast, Germany and Denmark reported the least number of workers with no windows (2% and 3% respectively), and had the happiest workforce.

The academic study looked at the impact of the physical office environment on employee well-being across 3600 office workers in eight countries throughout EMEA.

With nearly two-thirds (63%) of EMEA office workers now based in either a town or city centre and spending on average 34 hours per week in the office, their interaction with nature is becoming increasingly limited.

Despite city dominated lives, the research found workers have an inherent affinity to elements that reflect nature.

Interestingly, 40% of workers across EMEA said they would feel most productive at their own desk in a solitary office, while 31% would feel most productive at their own desk in an open plan office. Flexible working was a surprisingly low preference, with just 11% of workers choosing a space that suits their needs as their productive way to work.

The top five natural elements EMEA office workers put on their wish list for their ideal office space:

1. Natural light 2. Quiet working space 3. A view of the sea 4. Live indoor plants5. Bright colours

Commenting on the research findings, Professor Sir Cary Cooper said: “The work environment has always been

Nature-starved offices affect health of employees

Report


TWO FIFTHS (42%) of EMEA office employees have no natural light in their working environment and over half (55%) don’t have access to any greenery in their working environment

recognised as essential to employee well-being and performance but often purely as a ‘hygiene factor’.

“The Human Spaces report clearly illustrates the connection between the impact of working environments and productivity. It’s no coincidence that the most modern employers now take a new view, designing environments to help people thrive, collaborate and be creative. Being connected to nature and the outside world, biophilic design, to give it its real name, is a big part of that.”

Commenting on what the research findings could mean for design in the office space, Mandy Leeming, Design and Development Manager (UK) at Interface, said: “Contact with nature and design elements which mimic natural materials has been shown to positively impact health, performance

and concentration, and reduce anxiety and stress.

“When it comes to creating office spaces that achieve this, it’s about taking the nuances of nature that we subconsciously respond to, such as colours and textures, and interpreting them. Ultimately improving the well-being, productivity and creativity of the workforce is key to the success of market leading organisations.”

Collecting responses from 3,600 office workers across the EMEA, the Human Spaces Report research quantifies the benefits of biophilic design, specifically for well-being and productivity, and also provides a practical introduction to how to achieve those benefits. In doing so, the study adds to the existing evidence base and provides a blueprint for natural, high performing organisations.


Is the UN climate process going to survive the Paris negotiations?December 2015 is the last hope for Mother Earth. In order for the Paris talks to succeed in achieving the needed agreement, major economies of the world must undergo very big cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.

The credibility of the UN process to curb global warming is at stake. The Paris Climate Change talks in December 2015 will determine if the ongoing international efforts are of any value. Countries of the world are expected to sign an agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions from 2020 onwards. We hope that China, the US, Europe and other big economies agree to hold global warming within the safe limits which were determined by scientists. Otherwise, these international efforts are just a waste of time and money.

The Copenhagen Summit in 2009 reached the most significant agreement on climate change to date. Developed and major developing countries agreed for the first time to curbing their greenhouse gas emissions. Prior to that the US, China, India, Europe and major emerging economies were fighting over who should act. The Civil Society organizations have always criticized the outcome for falling far short of expectations.

China, Europe and the US have come forward at the preparatory Peru talks in Lima, with proposals on reducing emissions that must be strictly implemented with no delay. The UN needs to receive commitments beforehand in order to add up all of them to see if that will be enough to bridge the gap between current emissions and the cuts needed to keep the global warming below 2° C.

China’s decision in November 2014 to set a peak year on its emissions has brightened the prospects for a global agreement in Paris. China is now accepting the fact that their emissions are of major significance to the global situation. The UN is hoping that India will also reconsider its strategy and follow suit. In fact, for the Paris meeting to succeed, all major economies of the world would need to be very serious in curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

The US also set new post-2020 carbon targets which were announced jointly by the Presidents of the US and China. These are the world’s biggest emitters and though none of them was willing to act ahead in 2009 at the Copenhagen summit, they are now moving forward hand in hand, recognizing their huge responsibility. Accordingly, now we have good reasons to be optimistic.

In addition to India, this will also need a big push from Russia, Japan, Korea, Brazil, Argentina and South Africa.

Let us all work together to push them into the needed agreement as a last chance for saving life on Earth.

Dr. Eisa M. AbdelllatifChief Technical AdvisorZayed International Foundation for the Environment


Documents

Chairman’s · projects in the GCC. Sustainable construction has become an underlying principle in the UAE and driving the low carbon future of the UAE is the commitment to green