Sama Dubai outlines plans to protect Dubai Creek at Wetland Forum in China

Sama Dubai, the international real estate investment and development arm of Dubai Holding, was represented by its environment studies manager, Dr Ghida Sinawi.

Held at the Xixi National Wetland Park in the city of Hangzhou, the forum on "Wetland Parks and Wetland CEPA" focused on the planning, designing, development and management of wetland parks. It also tackled issues related to public awareness programs as well as the education and dissemination of information regarding the cultural, environmental and aesthetic values of these diverse ecological ecosystems with an aim to promote the sustainable use of wetland resources.

Dr Sinawi said: "The Lagoons' recently conducted an extensive environmental study on the development surrounding Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary as part of its ongoing ecological initiative. Our concern for the protection of the adjoining wildlife habitat resulted in implementing significant changes in the master plan of 'The Lagoons'.

"The international forum gave us an opportunity to share the study's invaluable findings and Sama Dubai's proactive measures for the preservation of wetlands."

The assessment conducted by the Ramsar Convention mission to Dubai during June 2006, is likely to confirm the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary as the UAE's first internationally recognised and protected wetland area.

'The Lagoons' is one of the first projects in Dubai to undertake a comprehensive Integrated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) across all phases of the project. The development's environmental initiatives include the establishment of a Dhs 10 million visitor centre for the sanctuary in collaboration with Dubai Municipality, as well as the preservation of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and its wetlands.

Dr Sinawi added: "The recommendations of the Ramsar and EIA studies were conducted as part of Sama Dubai's commitment of long-term cooperation with Dubai Municipality and other stakeholders to benefit from the useful and practical measures gained from the extensive research work that we have conducted.

"Our aim is to enhance the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and improve the water quality of the Dubai Creek through environmental management and monitoring plans across all phases of 'The Lagoons'."

Protection of the environment is a key component of 'The Lagoons' development, which will boast a wide range of parks and green belts as well as reduced density housing and lowered building heights in the ecologically sensitive buffer zone.