Abu Dhabi, 5th Nov. 2008 (WAM) Bunya, the resident regulatory authority and regional infrastructure developer for Reem Island in Abu Dhabi, unveiled today its Construction Environmental Management Plan to ensure a sustainable urban development on the Island.

Bunya, which was established and is owned by the three master developers of Reem Island, Tamouh Investments LLC, Sorouh Real Estate PJSC and Reem Investments, conducted a study to establish a framework of environmental management for all on-going development work on Reem Island.

Tariq Hatim Sultan, Bunyas Chief Executive Officer, said today at a gathering attended by over 100 delegates from the developers and contractors of Reem Island that the new environmental framework is a result of months of working closely with Abu Dhabis Urban Planning Council (UPC,) Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD) and in consultation with all relevant government departments and institutions as well as other stakeholders.

"We are working together towards achieving sustainable development goals as set by Abu Dhabis 2030 strategy. As such, implementing an effective environmental management system on the island is part of our mandate." "Towards this goal, we are promoting a culture of innovation and participation engaging Reem Island developers to contribute to sustainable development of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi," he added. "We are committed to continuous improvement in health, safety and environment issues, working with our clients, partners, suppliers and all employees towards achieving this goal." While the study showed that the terrestrial wildlife on the young island is not very varied and is limited to a few species of mammals and reptiles and that the diversity of fish assemblages was relatively low, a shorebird survey focusing on migratory birds recorded 38 species.

Bunya and its team of consultants conducted the workshop to provide developers and contractors working on the island with a systematic approach for implementing environment management plans. These include systems of environmental monitoring and inspection, performance indicators and auditing systems.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2008.