Ministry of Environment and Water, Regional Clean Sea Organization sign MoU

This MoU is the first of its kind that binds the Ministry with a national and regional non-governmental organization.

In statement following the signing of the MoU H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, the Minister of Environment and Water, said:

"The Memorandum of Understanding signed today set the bases for the needed long-term cooperation and coordination between the Ministry and RECSO in one of the significantly important sectors that is the protection of our Marine environment, taming pollution and preservation of the country's marine natural resources. This is a well-studied step, which reflects one of the Ministry's important tasks in the field of environment protection and fighting pollution."

He added, "The Ministry of Environment and Water is fully aware of the significance and the importance of the effective response to human and marine activities which result in byproducts and hazardous material that harms marine environment. Swift actions in this respect are one of the Ministries fundamental tasks."

The Minster declared that the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Regional Clean Sea Organization RECSO in its first clause considers the development of the first Comprehensive National Environment Plan that addresses all marine issues in cooperation with the Regional Clean Sea Organization. The Plan will effectively respond to all urgent incidents of marine pollution derived by oil and marine industrial operations including shipping and pollutions with unidentified sources in the Gulf waters and shores of the United Arab Emirates.

Speaking in this occasion H.E. Khamis Juma Bu-Amim President and CEO of the Regional Clean Sea Organization "RECSO" expressed his pleasure for signing the MoU with the Ministry of Environment. This Agreement is significant and advanced step towards protecting and preserving the national Marine, waters and shores of the United Arab Emirates, which considered one the world busiest regions in terms of oil industry, shipping and human activities.

"The MoU has also specified the areas for cooperation between the Ministry and "RECSO" in implementing the Comprehensive National Environment Plan and acquiring the machinery, equipment and needed qualified work force and identifying the areas of operation and centers. This will facilitate the quick, efficient response and actions in cases of emergency and incidents and when required," Bu-Amim said.

H.E. Saleh Bin Abdul Rahman Alshamekh, President of the National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia-Dubai, and the President Oil & Gas, thanked Dr Rashid Ahmed bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water for the confidence given to the organization. He said. stressing "Signing of this memorandum will put more emphases on the organization role in the national interest and its contribution towards the concept of maintaining clean seas. Alshamekh reiterated that the UAE has a very important feature in maritime transport as its coast lines extends along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. He also stressed on the economical importance of the UAE and its central role in maritime transport.

ALshamekh added that the memorandum of understanding has identified areas of joint cooperation in the implementation of comprehensive national plan to combat pollution, which will be developed by the Ministry of Environment, Water in cooperation with the regional Clean Sea organization "RECSO" which is designed to combat oil pollution and other harmful substances in the UAE territorial waters.

Mr. Bu-Amim concluded that the Memorandum of Understanding signed today endorses the development of Comprehensive National Environment Protection Plan, which will be developed by the Ministry and "RECSO". The National Comprehensive Environment Plan focuses
primarily on the efforts and on the scientific and practical methods, which we will be employ to preserve the country's marine and natural resources.

He added, "The venues of cooperation between the Ministry of Environment and the Regional Clean Sea Organization "RECSO" stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding cover a wide spectrum of activities. It includes cooperation in conducting joint studies to evaluate the environmental impacts of marine pollution resulting from accidents, environment studies of the countries marine characteristics and developing a comprehensive database for it. Besides extending assistance to on shores development facilities activities in order to fight pollution and protect the environment in the United Arab Emirates and draft emergency plans for it. Develop Environment Sensitivity and Economic Plan for on shore facilities, gathering and compiling accidents statistical data and cooperation in the areas of training, exchange of experts, technicians and promote environment awareness."

The Memorandum of Understanding signed today by the Ministry of Environment and Water and the Regional Clean Sea Organization is one of the fruitful products of cooperation which bind the two parties "Offshore Arabia Exhibition and Conference" event scheduled from 11 to 13 January 2009 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.