Under the patronage of the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Minister of Environment and Water, Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, launched the UAE celebrations marking the 17th National Environment Day during a press conference held today (Thursday January 30, 2014) in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. The event was attended by a the directors of municipalities and representatives of environment authorities as well as Masdar officials.
Bin Fahad stated that the efforts to protect the environment and its development in the UAE receive a wide support of the wise leadership. This has had a great impact on the prestigious stature achieved by the UAE within the map of global environmental action. He further noted that the economy, society and environment comprise the three foundations of sustainable development. Despite the benefits of economic growth, many harmful consequences have led to serious problems such as pollution and climate change. He said that careful attention has been paid to the “green” economy as an alternative to the traditional economy that can rectify the imbalance between growth and environmental protection.
He also said that the UAE has kept pace with, and paid close attention to the green economy trend. He stated that the Ministry of Environment and Water has led in this approach since 2009 by holding annual conferences about the green economy which were actively participated in by many experts, interested parties and economic and environmental specialists from both public and private sectors. He added that the UAE has launched a number of pioneering initiatives related to clean production, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and green architecture, all of which resulted in the official adoption of the green economy approach in early 2012 via the launching of the UAE Green Growth Strategy.
Bin Fahd further noted that even amidst rapid architectural growth, massive population increase, and substantial economic diversification, the protection of the environment and the preservation of natural resources have remained priorities for the UAE’s government. Through its various authorities and bodies, the government has been supporting various public and private entities in fulfilling their ecological commitments and integrating environmental elements into all stages of the planning and execution of developmental projects.
H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmad bin Fahd, Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, The director of sustainability at Masdar City, and other participants toured Abu Dhabi after the press conference. They visited Masdar’s sustainable facilities and the laboratories of the Masdar Institute for Science and Technology.