Nakheel, the developers of Dubai's offshore island development the Palm, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations University, International Network on Water, Environment and Health (UNU/INWEH).
The agreement provides an umbrella under which both Nakheel and UNU/INWEH shall undertake a series of specialized projects, for monitoring and enhancement of the marine environment adjacent to The Palm, as well as education activities linked to it.
The UNU/INWEH's core global mission is to contribute to the resolution of global water issues relating to environment and human health, through education, training research and dissemination of information.
In addition to UNU/INWEH's Palm activities, they will also collaborate with the Palm management team to organize a triennial UNU-led conference on Marine Coastal Zone Management. This conference is expected not only to bring global visibility to Dubai but also position Dubai as a focal point to promote the protection of the world's marine near shore resources.
The Palm has appointed a number of internationally recognized experts both internally and as consultants to carry out a range of activities in the area of bio-resource management and environmental engineering. One such appointment is the Dubai-based International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) that was announced last month. The ICBA will implement practices that enhance the conservation and management of natural resources for the landscaping and greenery components of the island projects.
In total there will be two Palm islands, the first is the Palm, Jumeirah, which is expected to open towards the end of 2005 and the second is the Palm, Jebel Ali which is expected to open towards the end of 2007. Each island will create a large number of residential, leisure and entertainment opportunities all within a unique and inspiring setting. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
