- Reform of EIA process and creation of more MPAs, vital elements in checking coastal degradation -

Abu Dhabi, September 13, 2006: Conservation experts and officials from the GCC, Iran and Yemen who are taking part in the Marine Conservation Forum 2006 being held in Abu Dhabi, have called for urgent action to combat the effects of coral reef degradation in the Gulf being exacerbated by the rapid rise of coastal developments in the region.

The Forum is taking place at the Crowne Plaza, Abu Dhabi, September 11th to 14th, 2006 under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Environment & Water and is organized by the EWS-WWF (Emirates Wildlife Society - World Wide Fund for Nature).

"Unrestrained development of coastal areas in the region has had a major adverse impact on the coral reefs which are prime habitats in terms of biodiversity. The Forum called for significant reform of the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) process being followed in the region including a transparency in its process; strengthened role for environment protection agencies; and stakeholder input into the decision-making process" said a statement released by organizers of the Forum.

"Guidelines also need to be established for reclamation and dredging in sensitive zones. It is also critical that data that results from EIAs be published and be open to public scrutiny and comment".  

Calling for sensible compromise, the Forum's participants acknowledged that both economic development and environmental protection were not mutually exclusive. "We understand that large coastal development projects have been conceived with the aim of significantly benefiting a nation's or region's economy. We would however like to see environmental concerns being factored in at the planning stage rather than as a mitigation strategy mid-way through project implementation".

"More MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) need to be established based on recommended locations and criteria, with adequate consultation of all stakeholders. Where applicable, legal mechanisms need to be developed for MPA implementation".

Other recommendations made at the Forum included the improvement of collaboration and communication between national and regional conservation organizations, public outreach, media education, building awareness among the public and business sectors and the creation of teams to revise existing environmental laws and making them more effective and participatory.

Participants at the Forum also proposed establishment of a participatory environmental council at provincial and national levels to tackle marine environmental issues as well as involvement of fishermen and environmental NGOs in committees formed at regional and national levels.

The first two days of discussions at the Marine Conservation Forum 2006 were dedicated to coral reefs followed by two days of presentations and discussions focused on turtle conservation in the region.

-Ends-

For further information:
Rashmi De Roy
Communications Officer
EWS - WWF
Tel: 009714 353 7761
Fax: 009714 353 7752
Email: rderoy@wwfuae.ae
http://www.panda.org/
 
Brian Carvalho
ASDA'A Public Relations
Ph: 009712 6334133
Fax: 009712 6334233
Mob: 00971 50 3117167
Email: b.carvalho@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2006