Introduction:
In a remarkable display of commitment to environmental preservation, Dubai Municipality has achieved a significant milestone by successfully retrieving around 820 tons of marine debris from Dubai Creek waters. This noteworthy accomplishment marks the completion of the first phase of the Municipality’s annual strategy, aimed at cleaning and preserving the water canals across Dubai. The initiative, led by Dubai Municipality, is geared towards optimizing waste management, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing the sustainability of Dubai’s marine ecosystem. As a result, an impressive 95 percent of the retrieved waste has been diverted to waste recycling businesses, showcasing the city’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
Dubai Municipality’s Marine Hygiene Plan:
Spearheading the initiative, Saeed Abdul Rahim Safar, the Director of Waste Operations Department at Dubai Municipality, reaffirmed the Municipality’s commitment to ensuring the hygiene and cleanliness of Dubai’s water canals. The first phase of the plan was launched last year, covering key locations such as Dubai Creek, Vessel Anchors No. 6/7/8, Jaddaf Dubai Area, Dubai Water Canal, Business Bay Canal, and Waterfront. Encouraged by the success of this phase, Dubai Municipality is now focused on extending this plan to encompass 11 other maritime sites, with a targeted completion date set for the end of 2024.
Marine Ecosystem Preservation and Sustainability:
The comprehensive strategy adopted by Dubai Municipality aligns with its vision of providing integrated and effective municipal services, promoting sustainable waste operations, and undertaking vital marine hygiene work. The core objective of the plan is to safeguard Dubai’s marine and natural environment while enhancing its sustainability and attractiveness as a global destination.
Safar emphasized the importance of removing canal waste that obstructs the navigation of boats, disrupts trade and tourism traffic, and poses risks to Dubai’s marine life. Additionally, the plan addresses environmental threats arising from the residues of engines and hazardous industrial products that could endanger the delicate marine ecosystem. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders from the public and private sectors ensure the strategy’s seamless implementation within the specified timeframe.
Dubai Municipality’s Ongoing Cleanup Endeavors:
Under the first phase of the cleaning operations, Dubai Municipality’s dedicated team has successfully removed three ships and sea boats, totaling approximately 310 tons, since the start of the year. The Municipality’s proactive approach includes deploying a field team to oversee cleaning procedures, ensuring compliance with precautionary measures and public safety requirements at the sites.
Dubai Municipality adheres strictly to internal procedures and field tasks, as mandated by Administrative Decree No. 1 of 2010. Additionally, as the local environmental authority, Dubai Municipality is entrusted with determining the most effective methods for recovering debris from sunken ships, as per the Cabinet Decision No. 71 of 2021.
Past Accomplishments and Future Goals:
Dubai Municipality’s commitment to marine hygiene and waste management has yielded promising results in previous years. The successful recovery of 37 sunken shipping vehicles, coupled with effective mitigation of polluting debris, oil spills, and other environmental challenges, showcases the Municipality’s proactive stance in preserving the marine environment.
Conclusion:
Dubai Municipality’s relentless efforts to retrieve marine debris from Dubai Creek waters demonstrate its steadfast commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. By setting an example in waste management and ecological preservation, the Municipality reinforces its position as a global leader in environmental stewardship. As the plan to clean 11 additional maritime sites by 2024 takes shape, Dubai Municipality continues to pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for the emirate.
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