UAE Business Forum discusses best practices

They were also updated on WWF's conservation work and ecological issues in the UAE.

The subject of the annual EWS/WWF Business Forum was "Sharing Environmentally Friendly Best Practices and Initiatives in the UAE." Chairing the event was Graham Rae, HSE Vice President of Dolphin Energy Ltd, which is implementing the Dolphin Gas Project designed to supply natural gas from offshore Qatar to the UAE. Besides being a WWF Corporate Club member, Dolphin Energy is also sponsor of the EWS/WWF project on conservation of coral habitats in the Arabian Gulf.

Nakheel, mega property developer of creations such as the Palm (Jumeirah, Jebel Ali and Deira), the World and Dubai Waterfront, communicated its environmental agenda to the business forum. Speaking on 'Environmental Sustainability - A Corporate Culture of Nakeel,' Dr. Imad Haffar, Manager, Research and Development, focused on conservation methods and the use of environmentally friendly materials and technologies in the company's projects.

A prominent participant was HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd whose Regional Director Corporate Affairs, Steve Martin, elaborated on how businesses can manage Corporate Social Responsibility expectations. Internationally, HSBC is a WWF Corporate Partner having committed to protecting global freshwater systems. "Investing in Nature" is a partnership over five years (commencing 2002) to fund conservation projects round the world.

Dr. Frederic Launay, Director, WWF-UAE Project Office, highlighted the perception of environmental responsibility in the UAE and the experience of WWF with projects and sponsorships. Wildlife trade issues, environmental education and coral reefs and nature reserves were some of the on-going conservation programmes he discussed.

The Forum concluded with corporations re-affirming their commitment towards socially and environmentally responsible action; and the EWS/WWF pledging to work with corporate leaders for promoting best practices.