Center of Waste Management - Abu Dhabi Organises an Awareness Seminar titled "Indiscriminate Disposal of Waste and Wastewater, a Risk that Threatens Future Generations"

Event held in collaboration with ZonesCorp and the Department of Municipal Affairs

Abu Dhabi, 21 September 2012

In line with its ongoing commitment to the protection and conservation of environment and the UAE's natural resources, the Centre of Waste Management organised recently an awareness seminar entitled "Indiscriminate Disposal of Waste and Wastewater, a Risk that Threatens Future Generations", in collaboration with the Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) and the Department of Municipal Affairs in the cultural centre hall in its ICAD 1 industrial zone in Abu Dhabi.

The seminar, which is a part of the "STOP Illegal Dumping of Waste" campaign, sought to promote awareness among workers, plant operators and providers of waste management services on the negative environmental impacts of overlooking the proper procedures and policies adopted in this area. In addition, it introduced them to the environmental damages resulting from the illegal dumping of waste and wastewater in natural habitats or beaches in particular. The seminar also discussed the impact of illegal dumping on the public health and economy, and the fact that this practice was caused by the lack of awareness of the proper methods and means for handling of waste or a neglect of the concerned regulations.

The seminar commenced with a welcoming speech by Abdul Rahman Al Jahoushi, Facilities Management Manager at ZonesCorp, followed with a presentation by Engineer Hani Hossni, Director of HSE Sector at the Center of Waste Management, on the effects of illegal dumping of waste and wastewater in addition to an interactive discussion aimed to enhance the knowledge of audience members on the importance of this subject and the proper means for waste and wastewater management. Moreover, the seminar highlighted the laws and legislations for the management of waste and touched upon the licensing and tariff system imposed on concerned parties.

Commenting on the seminar, HE Mohamed Hasan Al Qamzi, CEO of ZonesCorp, said: "The awareness seminar emphasises ZonesCorp's commitment to playing a prominent role in achieving Abu Dhabi's Vision 2030.  ZonesCorp realizes the importance of preserving the environment and protecting natural sources and the strong correlation between these resources and their effect on the maintenance of a healthy work environment and lifestyle for the community, which present and future generations should enjoy."

Al Qamzi added: "Throughout the seminar, we wanted to emphasize the responsibility borne by all parties in the application of laws and regulations that limit the illegal dumping of waste and environmental pollution caused by failure to follow proper means of waste and wastewater disposal in Abu Dhabi. Thus, we aim to begin promoting good practices through organising such seminars and strengthening cooperation with the concerned parties in order to raise awareness on the regulations aimed at maintaining the civilized appearance of Abu Dhabi and its environmental safety at the same time. "

The seminar falls in line with ZonesCorp's efforts in the field of environment protection, where it organised this week another educational seminar titled "Improving Energy Efficiency & Carbon Reduction" in collaboration with DNV Kema Energy and Sustainability.

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About ZonesCorp:
The Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones (ZonesCorp) is a government-backed entity that was established in Abu Dhabi in 2004 to enhance and develop the industrial sector. ZonesCorp is directly responsible for the establishment and management of specialized economic zones in Abu Dhabi, committing to develop the industrial infrastructure in the capital, cultivating a business climate conducive to growth and driving the diversification of the economy. ZonesCorp is also the EHS Regulatory Authority for the Industrial Sector within the Abu Dhabi Emirate. The Corporation provides customer-centric services including a One-Stop Shop, a foreign labor service center, and quality workers' accommodation. ZonesCorp targets to leverage on an enhanced financial capability by procuring new specialized clusters through Public-Private Partnership management structures and involvement of the ZonesCorp Infrastructure Investment Fund. ZonesCorp's current and future projects include 5 industrial cities in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, in addition to a construction and building materials production city and other quality worker' accommodation cities.

© Press Release 2012