Environmental symposium calls for deeper awareness and involvement in the community

The symposium organized by the Environmental Center for Arab Towns (ECAT) in cooperation with Dubai Municipality emphasized the importance of controlling waste from the time it is generated until ultimate disposal, that is 'from the cradle to the grave', and stressed the health dangers and impacts of hazardous waste and toxins on community surroundings, i.e. soil and water.

It also highlighted the economic significance of waste management programs, thus showing the importance of communication between policy makers and the community.

The symposium was addressed by ten world class speakers in the field of environment including environmental engineers and consultants from Luxembourg, Turkey, Australia and the USA, environmental health professors from the University of Texas and Wageningen University (Netherlands), researchers from Egypt and the UAE, in addition to waste management specialists from Greece, Germany and Kuwait.

"We are very proud to have an exceptional turnout at this symposium with over 150 participants mainly policy makers from Arab and GCC countries. This is a sign of deep interest and is a step forward in the long path towards environmentally conscious and involved societies, which is our vision here at ECAT," Dr. Radhiya Al Hashimi, Director of ECAT.

"Last but not least, I would like to thank our Strategic Sponsor, Sama Dubai, our Main Sponsor, TADWEER, and our Partial Sponsors, DULSCO and WSP Environmental. Their support was an integral part of this event and we look forward to many such successes in the future," she said.
"The objectives of the event was to provide a forum for the exchange of knowledge and expertise among environmental specialists and concerned parties, to explore innovations and developments in hazardous and non-hazardous waste management practices, and study methods through which we can benefit from past environmental practices and address the needs of the future." said Al Hashimi.

The opening ceremony of the event, which also witnessed the official launch of ECAT, was attended several dignitaries and government officials including the Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, UAE Minister of Environment, Mr. Ahamd Al Adassani Deputy Secretary General of the Arab Town Organization in Kuwait, Eng. Hussein Nasser Lootah, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality, Dr. Habib El Habr, the Director & Regional Representative of the UNEP-ROWA in Bahrain and HH Prince Dr. Abdelaziz Bin Ayaf Al Moqren of Riyadh.