In line with the UAE's efforts to activate the implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) will be organizing a workshop on March 11-12 at Hilton Hotel, Abu Dhabi. The workshop is designed primarily to provide guidance on how to implement environmental investment projects, under this mechanism.
Workshop discussions will focus on the sustainable development criteria, approval procedures and project submission. It is worth mentioning that all local or foreign investors must prepare documentation for the CDM projects based on these criteria. The procedure to submit requests for CDM projects and the evaluation procedures do not exceed 45 days to study the project and approve it by the CDM Designated National Authority (DNA).
In the first session of the workshop, speakers will give an introduction about CDM and how the UAE can benefit from this mechanism. The UAE efforts in combating Climate Change will be highlighted.
The roles of the Designated National Authority Committee will be highlighted in the second session, where two presentations will be presented by Dr. Rabia Ferroukhi, (Organization Advisor - CDM, Masdar on "Sustainable Development Criteria for the CDM in the UAE" and "Approval Procedures for the CDM in the UAE." During the workshop, international experiences will be discussed. Moreover, sustainable development criteria that should be applied in the UAE will also be presented. The second presentation will inform attendees about the approval procedure and the recommended steps to be applied in the UAE.
The first day will conclude with a panel discussion, led by Dr. El Waleed Hamad El Malik, Legal Advisor for EAD, which will be attended by stakeholders from the Executive Committee, NGOs and project developers. The aim of the discussion is to gauge stakeholders' opinions on the sustainable development criteria and the approval procedures as proposed.
On the second day of the workshop, Mr. Yousif Al Ali, Project Engineer, Masdar will chair a session where presentations will be delivered on "Flaring Reduction at DAS Island" and "Installation of Heat Re-claimers Units on the Gas Turbines at Emirates CMS Power Company." The first presentation will give an overall picture of the CDM project opportunities in the UAE, as perceived by a project developer. The second presentation will deliver more detailed information about two specific CDM project activities developed in the UAE.
Carbon market dynamics will be also highlighted in the second day by Philip Moss from Masdar. This session will explore the different types of carbon markets and their effects on pricing of credits originating in the UAE. Topics covered will include the interaction between the EU, ETS and Kyoto Protocol markets, the market for Verified Emissions Reductions, forward sales of credits and outlets for selling to the market.
On the final day, discussions will focus on the way forward for the Designated National Authority Committee. Topics to be discussed include determining how the sustainable criteria should be put in place, the importance of a transparent and effective approval procedure, raising awareness and the development of a CDM website.
How Will CDM Benefit the UAE?
CDM is one of the flexible mechanisms set by Kyoto Protocol and targets Non-Annex I countries. It helps address the issues of global climate change through a market-based concept. CDM will assist the UAE in achieving sustainable development and in contributing to the ultimate objective of the convention.
Through CDM, countries like the UAE will benefit from CDM project activities resulting in certified emission reductions and developed countries included in Annex I may use certified emission reductions accruing from such project activities to contribute to compliance with part of their quantified emission limitation and reduction commitments.
Why did the UAE Establish a CDM National Higher Permanent Committee?
- To ensure that any activity within the framework of CDM will help in achieving sustainable development in UAE and will lead to the transfer of environmentally safe and sound technologies and serve UAE purposes.
- To monitor CDM projects in UAE through collection of related data.
- To follow-up of the decisions issued from CDM Executive Board.
Who is the Focal Point for all CDM issues in the UAE?
For the purpose of implementing CDM projects in UAE a "National Higher Permanent Committee for CDM" was established in 2005. This committee is chaired by the Ministry of Energy and includes members from different concerned parties. It acts in the capacity of Designated National Authority (DNA) for CDM. An Executive Committee for CDM, chaired by EAD, was also formulated as part of the Higher Committee in February 2006.
What is the Composition of the Designated National Authority (DNA)?
The DNA is composed of the main federal and local government bodies which include:
- Ministry of Energy
- Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
- Federal Environmental Agency
- Al Ain Municipality.
- Supreme Petroleum Council
- Ministry of Finance and Industry
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For Further Information, Please Contact:
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi
Environmental Education and Awareness Division
Laila Y. Al-Hassan or Sobhia El Masri
Tel: +9712 4454777
Fax: +9712 4463339
Email: lalhasan@ead.ae or selmasri@ead.ae
Website: www.ead.ae
© Press Release 2008
