Nakheel, one of the world's largest real estate developers, and Environment Health & Safety (EHS), the regulatory arm of Dubai World will jointly develop a marine biology laboratory as part of its environmental monitoring programme for the waters of the Arabian Gulf.
A Memorandum of Understanding signed between Nakheel and EHS establishes a framework to enhance the marine ecological monitoring capability for the existing EHS laboratory through the support of Nakheel and United Nations University - International Network for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH). UNU-INWEH is a United Nations entity created to strengthen global water management capabilities. Serving as a not-for-profit organization, UNU-INWEH provides unbiased and objective analysis and support for the efforts of Nakheel and EHS in this endeavor. In addition to the laboratory space, EHS will also provide laboratory staff to sustain the analysis undertaken across all Nakheel marine developments. UNU-INWEH will work closely with EHS and the Nakheel Environment Department to train staff on the latest ecological monitoring technology.
With the new marine biology laboratory, and major new analytical instrumentation at the existing lab, EHS will have the critical resources needed for coastal monitoring activities in Dubai waters and the wider region. The laboratory will be made available for the use of Nakheel and UNU-INWEH personnel to undertake the laboratory analysis and training associated with the joint monitoring program for the Strategic Management of Coastal Ecosystems established in January 2007. The new EHS laboratory work will complement the field-work of the joint monitoring program which analyzes and assesses water quality parameters, physical oceanography and ecological characteristics to develop an empirical model that will help predict ecosystem dynamics and consequent water quality and environmental sustainability for the waters surrounding the novel coastal structures being developed by Nakheel.
UNU-INWEH has extensive international development experience in projects that monitor and build sustainable management for coastal marine environments, and it draws on both leading academic and industrial expertise as necessary for each project. This expertise will be a tremendous benefit to the efforts of EHS and Nakheel to develop international best practices in sustainable development, and the joint project will provide environmental research findings of value to the entire region.
Dr. Peter F. Sale, Assistant Director UNU-INWEH, said: "This is a big step forward for the future of the Strategic Management of Coastal Ecosystems Program. We look forward to working closely with Nakheel and EHS on this project."
The signing took place between Amin Al Mulla, Chief Operating Officer of EHS, on behalf of Ahmed Hussain, Chief Executive Officer of EHS, and Shaun Lenehan, Head of Environment, on behalf of Mr. Abdulrahman Kalantar, Director of The Design Group. This achievement forms the basis for the establishment of a sophisticated ecological laboratory to implement the UNU-INWEH project on "Strategic Management of Marine Ecosystems in Nakheel Projects".
Abdulrahman Kalantar, Director of The Nakheel Design Group, said: "This latest agreement confirms Nakheel's dedication to enhancing the environmental sustainability of our coastal development projects, as well as providing comprehensive environmental data for the entire region."
Amin Al Mulla, CEO of EHS, said: "By partnering with these two organizations we can expand our abilities to promote environment protection and build an enlightened community. Through this unique cooperation we will continue to be leaders in the region in our ability to ensure sustainable development."
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About Nakheel
Nakheel is one of the world's largest privately held real estate developers, and a key player in realising the vision of Dubai for the 21st century: creating a world class destination for business and tourism.
Nakheel currently has a portfolio of developments, across a range of sectors, including The Palm trilogy, The World, Waterfront, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Park, Jumeirah Heights and Ibn Battuta Mall. Spreading across 2 billion sq ft of land, Nakheel's projects aim to redefine the concept of property development whether residential, tourist, commercial or retail. Further information can be found at www.nakheelmediacentre.com.
About EHS
Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) is the regulatory arm of Dubai World. EHS controls, regulates and enforces rules and regulations related to all aspects of Environment, Health, Safety and Fire Protection.
It covers all Dubai World Business Units such as Nakheel, DMCC, DMC, Limitless, DP World, JAFZA, Istithmar amongst others. EHS has played an important role in the demonstrating and leading in a wide range of areas from environmental sustainability and occupational safety to chemical, radiation and biological controls.
The activities are performed in line with Local, Federal and International high standards in order to support all Dubai World Business Units and to make them a safe, healthy and environmentally responsible place to live and work.
About United Nations University
Established by the U.N. General Assembly in 1973, United Nations University is an international community of scholars engaged in research, advanced training and the dissemination of knowledge related to pressing global problems. Activities focus mainly on peace and conflict resolution, sustainable development and the use of science and technology to advance human welfare. The University operates a worldwide network of research and post-graduate training centres, with headquarters in Tokyo.
UNU-INWEH was created in 1996 to strengthen water management capacity, particularly of developing countries, and to provide on-the-ground project support. With core funding provided by the Government of Canada, it is hosted by McMaster University, Canada.
For more information please contact:
Nakheel:
Lashley Pulsipher
Senior PR & Communications Executive
Tel: +971 4 368 6946
E-mail lashley.pulispher@nakheel.ae
Fax on +971 4 361 2677
Four Communications
E-mail: Nakheel@fourcommunications.com
Tel: +971 (0)4 362 5129 / +44 (0) 870 444 4568
© Press Release 2007