Abu Dhabi: Marking this year’s World Environment Day under the theme ‘Our Land, Our Future’, NMDC Group has partnered with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) to launch an innovative beach cleaning technology aimed at tackling plastic pollution and safeguarding marine ecosystems along Abu Dhabi’s coastline.
The project’s first phase involves deploying two specialised beach cleaning machines capable of processing various types of waste, particularly plastic pollution. According to the United Nations, plastic pollution is expected to triple globally by 2040.
This initiative reflects NMDC Group’s and EAD’s shared commitment to environmental preservation and aligns with the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’ 2024. It supports ongoing efforts to uphold sustainable practices and protect the natural environment.
In the initial phase, NMDC Group will deploy its innovative beach cleaning machines along Abu Dhabi’s shores. These machines can operate in shallow waters, reaching depths of up to half a metre. Each machine features a 15-metre-long and 4-metre-wide hydraulic arm, enabling efficient waste collection from the water’s surface. Despite their powerful capabilities, these machines are relatively lightweight at approximately 9 tonnes, facilitating easy movement and deployment.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, stated, “This initiative aligns with our strategic objectives and national directives. It is part of our citizen science education programme, ‘Sahim’, and aims to create a healthy, clean, and safe environment for Abu Dhabi’s community. It advances the UAE’s efforts at local, regional, and global levels to promote sustainability practices essential for preserving diverse ecosystems.”
She emphasized the importance of protecting marine waters and supporting national and global environmental efforts to restore ecosystems for comprehensive sustainable development. “Each community member has a responsibility towards their ecosystems and natural resources to prevent pollution and adopt eco-friendly habits,” she added.
Engineer Yasser Zaghloul, Group CEO of NMDC Group, highlighted the initiative as a testament to their commitment to green solutions and sustainable practices. He announced plans to expand the deployment of the beach cleaning equipment in the second phase to ensure the safety of seawaters and beaches from contaminants, particularly plastic particles.
“Our partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi on World Environment Day 2024 signifies our collective commitment to tackling environmental threats. This cooperation stems from our national and social responsibilities to protect diverse ecosystems. By adopting swift and adaptable sustainability-driven actions, we support the quality of life for people and communities,” Zaghloul added.
NMDC Group has implemented several environmental initiatives across the UAE. Projects like the Eastern Mangroves in Abu Dhabi exemplify their commitment to environmental health, where they dredged channels and created additional irrigation, recycling a million cubic tonnes of water.
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