Sama Dubai showcases environmental programmes at COPEDEC 2008 Summit in Dubai

Taking place in Dubai, more than 1,000 marine engineers and scientists from developing countries have come together at the conference that is built around the theme of 'Best Practices in Coastal Environment'. The conference which opened on 24 February will conclude on 28 February.

In her presentation on marine water quality, Dr. Ghida Sinawi, Senior Environmental Manager, Sama Dubai, detailed the company's initiatives being implemented at 'The Lagoons' project, which aims to incorporate extension works on Dubai Creek while protecting and enhancing the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary to encourage ecotourism.

Farhan Faraidooni, Executive Chairman of Sama Dubai, said: "By implementing active environmental initiatives, Sama Dubai assures its commitment towards building sustainable projects with 'The Lagoons' that will be regarded as industry benchmarks. The project is one of the first in the UAE to undergo a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study."

As a member of the UN Global Compact programme, Sama Dubai accords utmost consideration to environmental protection and manages its performance in line with local and international guidelines, regulations and best practices. The UN Global Compact programme is the world's largest voluntary corporate responsibility initiative.

In her presentation, Dr. Sinawi discussed the environmental sensitivity of protecting and enhancing the wildlife sanctuary and the need to improve water quality in the Dubai Creek, adjacent to 'The Lagoons' project.

She said: "A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study with hydrodynamic modelling and water quality modelling along with sanctuary enhancement plans became important planning tools for Sama Dubai to ensure the sustainability and success of the development.

"Subscribing to international guidelines and national laws, the EIA process involved consultations with local regulatory authorities as well as international organizations. As a main outcome of the EIA, an extensive Water Quality Environmental Management Plan (EMP) amongst nine other EMPs, which need to be implemented during the pre-construction, construction, and operational phase of the project, was developed."

To assure the appropriate implementation of the EMPs in general and address water quality issues in particular, 'The Lagoons' is currently implementing a water quality monitoring programme. The programme encompasses two main elements - local monitoring for all activities on site at the locations, and a site-wide global monitoring programmes.

As many as 226 papers from 43 countries, of them 14 from the UAE, were discussed at COPEDEC 2008.