MoU Signing Ceremony between RECSO and MOEW

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In statement following the signing of the MoU H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad the Minister of Environment and Water said. "The Memorandum of Understanding signed today set the bases for the needed long-term cooperation and coordination between the Ministry and RECSO in one of the significantly important sectors that is the protection of our Marine environment, taming pollution and preservation of the country's marine natural resources. This is a well-studied step, which reflects one of the Ministry's important tasks in the field of environment protection and fighting pollution.

He added. "The Ministry of Environment and WaterMinistry of Environment and Water is fully aware of the significance and the importance of the effective response to human and marine activities which result in byproducts and hazardous material that harms marine environment. Swift actions in this respect are one of the Ministries fundamental tasks."

The Minster declared that the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Regional Clean Sea Organization RECSO in its first clause considers the development of the first Comprehensive National

Speaking in this occasion H.E. Khamis Juma Bu-Amim President and CEO of the Regional Clean Sea Organization "RECSO" expressed his pleasure for signing the MoU with the Ministry of Environment. This Agreement is significant and advanced step towards protecting and preserving the national Marine, waters and shores of the United Arab Emirates, which considered one the world busiest regions in terms of oil industry, shipping and human activities .

H.E. Saleh Bin Abdul Rahman Alshamekh, President of the National Shipping Company of Saudi ArabiaNational Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia-Dubai, and the President Oil & Gas, thanked Dr Rashid Ahmed bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water for the confidence given to the organization. He said. stressing "Signing of this memorandum will put more emphases on the organization role in the national interest and its contribution towards the concept of maintaining clean seas. Alshamekh reiterated that the UAE has a very important feature in maritime transport as its coast lines extends along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. He also stressed on the economical importance of the UAE and its central role in maritime transport.

ALshamekh added that the memorandum of understanding has identified areas of joint cooperation in the implementation of comprehensive national plan to combat pollution, which will be developed by the Ministry of Environment, Water in cooperation with the regional Clean Sea organization "RECSO" which is designed to combat oil pollution and other harmful substances in the UAE territorial waters.

Mr. Bu-Amim concluded that the Memorandum of Understanding signed today endorses the development of Comprehensive National Environment Protection Plan, which will be developed by the Ministry and "RECSO". The National Comprehensive Environment Plan focuses

He added." The venues of cooperation between the Ministry of Environment and the Regional Clean Sea Organization "RECSO" stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding cover a wide spectrum of activities. It includes cooperation in conducting joint studies to evaluate the environmental impacts of marine pollution resulting from accidents, environment studies of the countries marine characteristics and developing a comprehensive database for it. Besides extending assistance to on shores development facilities activities in order to fight pollution and protect the environment in the United Arab Emirates and draft emergency plans for it. Develop Environment Sensitivity and Economic Plan for on shore facilities, gathering and compiling accidents statistical data and cooperation in the areas of training, exchange of experts, technicians and promote environment awareness.

"The Memorandum of Understanding signed today by the Ministry of Environment and WaterMinistry of Environment and Water and the Regional Clean Sea Organization is one of the fruitful products of cooperation which bind the two parties "Offshore Arabia Exhibition and Conference" event scheduled from 11 to 13 January 2009 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Information about the Ministry of Environment and Water

Ministry's Vision:

Conserve the country's environment and its natural resources for sustainable development.

Ministry's Mission:

We altogether work to keep environment clean and safe for living and work of the existing and future generations through integrated management of balanced -

ecosystems and sustainability of water resources and animal, fish and agricultural wealth in cooperation with partners and within the international accepted criteria.

Information about the Regional Clean Sea Organization "RECSO".

RECSO officially set up in 1972 by the oil companies in the region at that time recognized a need for collective response to major oil pollution incidents and thus came together to achieve a common objective - protecting the Gulf's resources from oil pollution. These days are significantly different from the conditions that prevailed in the period from 1972 to 1990 consequently; RECSO has had to expand its activities in a more pro-active direction.

MISSION:

The prime responsibility of RECSO today is to protect the marine environment in the Gulf from oil pollution emanating from operations of RECSO member oil companies in the region.

The RECSO vision is to:

• Achieve "Clean Gulf" environment in the regional sea;
• Prevention of operational oil spill;
• Stoppage of tanker discharges;
• Safety on ships leading to cleaner seas; and
• Total stoppage of industrial waste discharge in the sea.

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© Press Release 2008