First Project under Clean Development Mechanism in UAE gets approval

The meeting was chaired by H.E Mohammed Bin Dhaen Al-Hameli, Minister of Energy. The landfill project will be executed by a private company, following the Government of Sharjah's approval.

In 2005, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) was nominated as the Designated National Authority for CDM. According to Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD, the advanced technology, known as the SWS SMELL WELL SYSTEM, that will be used in this project is certified by Japan and Germany. This technology will help solve any problems associated with odors emanating from any bacteria.

Al Mansouri added that the Supreme National Committee for the CDM seeks to encourage investment projects under the mechanism, whether carried out by the government or by the private sector.

The Supreme National Committee for CDM is tasked with ensuring that activities of CDM projects help achieve sustainable development, lead to the transfer of environmentally safe and sound technology. The Committee will also monitor activities of CDM projects.

What is clean development mechanism?

CDM is a voluntary mechanism that helps address the issues of global climate change. The purpose of CDM is to:
a)Assist parties not included in Annex I (such as UAE) in achieving SD and in contributing to the ultimate objective of the Convention.
b)Assist parties included in Annex I (developed countries) to achieve compliance with their quantified emission limitation and reduction commitments under Article 3 of the Convention.