Dubai guidelines for coastal area projects

The Coastal Zone and Waterways Management Section of the Environment Department of Dubai Municipality (DM) launched the manual containing comprehensive technical guidelines with an aim to assist those involved in coastal development to understand the nature of the coastal areas of the Dubai so that they can properly plan for their business requirements and achieve sustainable environmental development at the same time.

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

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

Noting that that the coastal areas are not just strips isolated from the marine environment and that they have a direct impact on the environment and marine organisms, Lootah said 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 in the long term and medium term.

He stressed the municipality’s keenness sharing the best practices and expertise possessed by the municipality in coastal management and engineering with other emirates.

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.

“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 the emirate of Dubai, Lootah said.

The 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. — news@khaleejtimes.com