Environmental Management Challenges in Dubai

Presentation Outline

History Laws and Regulations Present-day Environment Department Environmental Challenges Conclusion

Dubai’s Environmental Management Origins

1986: explosion at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station

1988: Leaders of Dubai formed environmental section in Health Department

1991: Dubai Municipality (with help of United Nations Environment Programme) create the Environment Department

Environment Dept

Environmental Planning Unit

The Unit is responsible for: the preparation and review of relevant

Policies and Technical Guidelines on environmental protection

evaluating the environmental soundness of all proposed developmental projects …

Environmental Environmental Regulations

Federal Laws Basic Regulations for Protection Against Ionizing Radiation 2004 Air Pollution Law 2006 Regulations for Radioactive Waste Management 2004 Regulations for Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials 2004

Local Orders Local Order 61 of 1991 - Environment Protection Regulations Local Order 11 of 2003 - Public Health and Community Safety Local Order 07 of 2002 - Waste Disposal Sites

Information Bulletins Approved Hazardous Waste Transporters March 2006; Environmental

Standards And Allowable Limits of Pollutants May 2003 Codes of Practice

Management of Legionella; Management of Dangerous Goods; Management of Medical Wastes; Good Environmental Practice for Hotels and Tourism Operators

Environment DepartmentResponsibilities

Waste collection, delivery & disposal to landfill / treatment sites

Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal

Air quality monitoring Marine water monitoring

Environment DepartmentResponsibilities

Public areas cleaning (streets, souqs, beaches)

Dubai Creek cleaning Inspections of

residential, public, and commercial premises

Inspection of industrial facilities

Product & services licensing Ex: Chinese origin Toys

containing high levels of Lead.

Some Environmental Challenges

Environmental Challenges: Excessive coastal developments

Issue High impact on the local marine ecology. The typically

crystalline waters have become severely clouded with silt. Construction activity is damaging the marine habitat, Concerns

about the long-term viability of the projects. Rising sea levels from global climate change

Possible Solutions 4 stakeholders to act responsibly Corporate sector: Due diligence; EIS Remediation measures Transparency

Environmental Challenges: Lack of Recycling & Conservation

Issue Over consumption Recycling and conservation principles are totally absent (U.A.E.

found to have largest ecological footprint) Possible Solutions

Children identified as the primary target for environmental awareness programs

Diversifying awareness tools to suit the mix of cultures and background

Increase the number of conservation site and protected areas. Recycling stations Leading by the example

Environmental Challenges: Waste Disposal Sites

Issue Rapidly running out of landfill space

Possible Solutions Explore successful practices and technologies such

as waste to energy systems Establish centralized facilities for general waste

sorting, construction and demolition debris waste recycling, and tires utilization

Environmental Challenges: Ozone

Issue High ozone levels at ground-level (becomes an air

pollutant with harmful effects on the respiratory system)

Ample emissions (industries and mobile sources) Favorable weather (sunlight, land/sea breeze)

Possible Solutions Utilize LNG/LPG in Power Plants and large transport

fleets (taxis, busses)

Environmental Challenges: Noise levels in urban areas

Issue High noise levels

Air traffic Road Traffic Industrial

Possible Solutions Regulations (Zoning, Speed limit, Aircraft engine,

etc.) Technology Polluters pay

Environmental Challenges: Air Quality

Issue High concentration of fine particles in the air due to sand storms,

burning of fossil fuels, power plants and extensive construction activities

Stink in most luxurious housing estates caused by poor water quality, septic tanks

Possible Solutions Monitor air quality, establish standards Introduce legislation / regulations Polluters pays Increase green cover and public & community parks Introduce technology Increase sewerage processing capacity Use means to neutralise the odours and the smell

Conclusion

Lack of institutional capacity, civic engagement, corporate responsibility

Public sector: Inadequate organisation structure Some good Initiatives:

The Dubai International Award for Best Practices US$ 360,000 (= Database)

PC recycling program: partnership between Dubai Municipality, NGOs and corporate sector

The environmental and health awareness office: disseminates environmental and health awareness in order to improve the health status of all community members.