New guidelines for coastal development introduced

The Coastal Zone and Waterways Management Section of the Environment Department of Dubai Municipality has launched a comprehensive technical manual on guidelines to be followed in infrastructure development in an effective well planned way in the coastal zones in Dubai.

Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality said the manual, a first of its kind in the region, is for all developers of projects in the emirate, as well as consulting firms specialised in the field of coastal engineering and marine construction.

He pointed out that this manual aims to assist those involved in coastal development to understand the nature of the coastal areas of the emirate of Dubai so that they can properly plan for their business requirements and achieve sustainable environmental development at the same time.

Lootah stressed that the manual contains a summary of the in-depth technical studies on the emirate's coast, which was completed during the past two years.

He added that the coastal areas are not strips isolated from the marine environment and they have a direct impact on the environment and marine organisms. Therefore the coastal management and engineering and the development of marine facilities must take this into account and consider adopting a different model of development based on newer, cleaner technologies and feasible projects in the economic, social and environmental spheres at long term and medium term.

Lootah noted that integrated planning and effective management are not theoretical issues or environmental concerns, but, they should evolve purely from the heart of economic interests because of their direct impact on wealth and resources and human health.

He said sustainable coastal development is a strategic goal, which the Municipality is working to establish its values and concepts through the preparation of plans and legislation that contribute towards achieving the integrated management of coastal zone and waterways in Dubai.

Lootah said that Dubai Municipality through its Coastal Zone and Waterways Management Section has started implementation of several initiatives and projects as well as the adoption of many of the best global practices that aim to strengthen this role.

Hamdan Al Shaer, Director of Environment Department said the manual includes sections on the legislative status in the emirate related to management and planning of coastal zone, coastal situation assessment, coastal development controls, coastal environment, Dubai coastal zone monitoring programme, and coastal hazards.

The launch of the manual coincided with a specialised technical seminar on "Management of Dubai coastal zone and waterways". During the seminar, the specialists from the Coastal Zone and Waterways Management Section shed light on the Dubai coastal monitoring programme and methods and techniques applied in this area and enlightened in brief on the main sections and the contents of the manual.

Al Shaer stressed the municipality's keenness on other emirates sharing the best practices and expertise possessed by the Municipality in coastal management and engineering.

He praised the attendees of the seminar from all municipalities and government departments in the UAE in addition to the various federal institutions and private companies.

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