THE FOLLOWING ARE BLOG POSTS FROM THE VARIOUS MEMRI BLOGS DEALING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN THE MIDDLE EAST THAT MEMRI HAS PUBLISHED OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS.
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A SELECTION OF ENTRIES FROM DAILY REPORTS OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS CAN BE FOUND BELOW.
Mauritanian Environmental Program Receives UNDP Funding
Nouakchott, the Mauritanian Capital. Source: www.msnbc.msn.com
Mauritania and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have signed a memorandum of understanding under which $5.43 million will be earmarked to a local environmental management program, Agence Mauritanienne d'Information reported.
The program will facilitate access to drinking water and health. It would be implemented in areas that are witnessing a decline in natural resources due to mismanagement.
Source: Magharebia, Germany, May 5, 2008
http://www.memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=2110
Bahrain Collects Air-Conditioning Condensates at Airport for Reuse
Walid Zibari, professor of hydrology and water resources at the Arab Gulf University, has said that the water problem is more significant in the Gulf area than elsewhere because it is located in a dry region, and that this will require a different approach to water use by the population of the Gulf states. In Bahrain, companies pay $1 for a cubic meter of water, in contrast to the $0.06-$0.50 paid for residential consumption.
A Bahraini engineer has designed a system that collects condensates from air conditioning systems at Bahrain International Airport for reuse elsewhere. The air conditioning system at the airport produces between six to 29 cubic meters of water (three liters per second), depending on humidity, temperature and the pattern of use. The reuse of the condensates reduces the need for desalinated water.
Source: Al-Hayat, April 25, 2008
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=1986
Morocco Launches "Green Plan" for Agriculture and Food Production
Morocco has launched its "Green Plan" for the development of its agricultural and food production, at a cost of 100 billion dirham ($13.8 billion) in partnership with the public sector and with domestic and foreign investment, to be enacted over a period of 10 years.
The "Green Plan" projects investment in the order of $1.4 billion annually for the construction of 1,500 agricultural projects to improve rural production of olive oil, vegetables, fruits and grains, and to benefit from the free trade agreements with the US and the European Union.
Source: Al-Hayat, April 24, 2008
http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/7016.htm
Iraq: Low Water Inflows in Tigris and Euphrates Rivers Due to Rainfall Scarcity
The Tigris flows from Turkey to Iraq and Iran (through some of the tributaries), while the Euphrates flows from Turkey through Syria to Iraq. Source: email.asce.org
Water inflows in the Euphrates and Tigris rivers and their tributaries plummeted this year as a result of the severe scarcity of rainfall across Iraq, the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources (MWR) said. Rainfalls were very low compared with previous years, hitting 30% of the overall rate of rainfall in Iraq, the ministry added.
"Water inflows depend on the amount of rain and snow falling on the basin feeding the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers and their tributaries, as well as on the number of dams and reservoirs built upstream on rivers shared with neighboring countries," the statement said.
It is essential that the Ministry of Environment monitor the rivers' sources of pollution (contamination) by chemical and biological pollutants, and prevents the contamination from happening, the MWR statement noted, adding that the Ministry of Electricity had to instruct its departments in the provinces to continue power supply to irrigation and drainage stations.
Source: Aswat Al-Iraq, Iraq, April 23, 2008
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=1980
Maghreb Countries Discuss Marine Pollution
Source: www.yasour.com
A forum of national authorities' representatives from Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco responsible for combating marine pollution in the Mediterranean Sea met in Tunisia to discuss the issue, the Tunisian Agency for Environmental Protection said. The experts on anti-marine pollution will assess the activities and achievements of the last decade and will outline an action-plan for the 2008-2009 year.
Source: Magharebia, Germany, April 21, 2008
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=1938
Environment Protection Strategies Take Center Stage at 2008 Arabian Hotel Investment Conference
The 2008 Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), to be held in Dubai in May, will include intensive discussions on environmental buildings' standards, say AHIC organizers. The topic discussion came following the initiative of Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid al-Maktoum. It aims to position Dubai as the first city in the Middle East to adopt a "Green Building Strategy" and develop a performance rating system that reflects the region's specific climate and constructive environment.
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Energy consumption accounts for nearly 6% of the running costs of one hotel, and recent research revealed that five-star city hotels in Dubai consume 225% more energy than their counterparts in Europe.
Among the topics for discussion at the conference is how companies and regions perceived to be "green" and environment-friendly could capitalize on a market advantage as awareness on environmental issues develops worldwide.
Source: Maaloumat Al-Sharq Al-Awsat Al-Tijariya, UAE, April 17, 2008
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=1921
Dubai to Construct World's First "Green Energy"-Producing Plant Using Glass
Dubai is planning to construct the world's first "green energy"-producing plant using glass. The director of the UAE for Glasses firm said that energy prices have become a great source of concern to his firm due to their continuing rise in the world's oil market, which prompted his company to think of self-producing energy to be sold to others.
The energy production cost using glass is estimated to be less than half the cost of energy from traditional sources. It provides green energy that goes along with the world's development, focuses on lowering heat emissions, and supports "green buildings" that save on energy and water consumption.
Source: Al-Hayat, London, March 24, 2008
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=1625
Climate Change Will Expose Near East to Water Shortage by 2050
Oasis in the Libyan Desert
A study on "Climate Change and its Impact on Agriculture" in the Near East, that includes 32 countries, suggests that by 2050, most of the region "will suffer from a decrease in water availability at an average rate of 40 mm/year, and that the decrease will be twice as high in the Anatolian Plateau." However, water availability could increase by up to 40 mm/year in southern Egypt, most of Sudan, Somalia, and southern Algeria in Africa, the southern Arabian Peninsula, and in the south of southern-western Asia.
Source: al-Hayat, London, March 5, 2008.
[To view the entire report, visit the full blog post]
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?article=145
World Bank Report: Adaptation to Climate Change in MENA
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is particularly vulnerable to climate change. It is one of the world's most water-scarce and dry regions, with a high dependency on climate-sensitive agriculture and a large share of its population and economic activity in flood-prone urban coastal zones. On the other hand, societies of this region have been under pressure to adapt to water scarcity and heat for thousands of years, and have developed various technical solutions and institutional mechanisms to deal with these environmental constraints.
As such, MENA is a valuable repository of traditional and institutional knowledge, which, if preserved and made accessible, could prove an important contribution, globally, to efforts to address climate change. These are gaining new momentum in the aftermath of the recent Bali conference of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (December 12-14, 2007). In addition to setting out a roadmap for a new international agreement on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the conference launched a series of initiatives to help countries adapt to climate change, including the activation of an "Adaptation Fund" to be entrusted to the World Bank, with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) operating as Secretariat of the Fund.
Source: The World Bank, February, 2008
[To view the entire report, visit the full blog post]
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?article=131
Arab Water Security and Related Challenges
Many are the dangers that surround the necessities of Arab national security, and many are the challenges that are intensifying viciously and aggressively to undermine the elements of this national security. Perhaps the element of water in the Arab world is today at the forefront of the fundamental pillars that make it vulnerable to loss, and it portends disaster in the next few years if the causes are not remedied and [safety] precautions are not taken.
Source: al-Thawra, Syria, February 13, 2008
[To view the entire report, visit the full blog post]
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?article=123
Egyptian PM Reviews Energy and Technology Policy
Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Ahmad Nazif reviewed the Egyptian energy and technology plan with a delegation from the Rand Corporation of the U.S. He said his country's strategy is built on increasing its energy reserves, rationalizing energy use, and switching to new and renewable energy. He said that nuclear energy is one of the options to meet the demand for power, which is increasing at a rate of 8% annually. The prime minister also reviewed the plan for the development of the technological and scientific sector, which is growing at 15% annually.
The prime minister said that economic relations with the U.S. are growing, particularly in terms of the volume of trade and investment. He added that Egypt and the U.S. agree on the principles of human rights, democracy, and the war against terrorism, but that it is incumbent on each country to take the measures in these areas that are consistent with its social, cultural, and nationalist principles.
Source: Al-Ahram, February 11, 2008
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=1082
Abu Dhabi Seeks Sustainable Economy
Abu Dhabi will spend $175 billion in the next six years to establish a sustainable economy. The diversification is aimed at developing the production and service areas of the economy, encompassing tourism, energy, industry, real estate, and social programs. This assessment was made in "The Report: Abu Dhabi 2007," the annual economic profile of the Emirate published by Global Publishing, Research and Consultancy Services Organization.
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton is quoted as saying that "Oil producers should work to expand into renewable energy because it is good for economic development, good for the environment and good for political security all across the world… Investment in alternative forms of energy will not only create many new high-paying jobs and help diversity Middle Eastern technologies but will create incredible political benefits throughout the region."
Source: Business Intelligence Middle East, January 23, 2008
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=832
Abu Dhabi to Invest $15bn in Green Energy, Hydrogen Plant
Source: energy-enviro.fi
The Abu Dhabi government yesterday announced the most ambitious sustainability program ever launched by a government – an initial investment of $15 billion to develop green energy and build the world's largest hydrogen power plant, with a capacity of 500 megawatts.
The investment would be part of the Masdar initiative, set up to develop sustainable and clean energy, said Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed ibn Zayed Al-Nahyan during the inaugural session of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES). Next month, ground will be broken on Masdar City, the world's first carbon neutral city.
The $15 billion Masdar commitment will be directed to investments, manufacturing future energy solutions, education, and R&D, carbon management, sustainable development and planning, and renewable energy infrastructure projects.
The establishment of the Zayed Future Energy Prize was also announced, with an annual prize pool of $2.2 million, designed to reward achievements in energy innovation.
Source: Gulfnews.com, January 22, 2008
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=822
UAE To Start Construction Of Environmentally Friendly City in the Desert
Source: greenprogress.com
The UAE plans to start building, in the first quarter of this year, a multi-billion-dollar green, environmentally friendly city in the desert, as the Abu Dhabi government seeks to develop sustainable and clean energy city and become a pioneer of alternative energy. The carbon-free, waste-free city will be the residence of up to 15,000 people, and a workspace for another 50,000. Transportation will be via special cars that do not consume gasoline. Solar and wind energy will power the city and its water desalination plant, as the UAE government looks to reduce some of the world's highest per capita greenhouse gas emissions.
According to a UN Development Program report issued last year, UAE greenhouse gas emissions were 34.1 tons per capita in 2004, the third highest in the world after Qatar and Kuwait, and well above U.S. per capita emissions of 20.6 tons.
The project will be partially funded by the Abu Dhabi government with partners investing the rest. The earliest stage of the project involves the construction of a graduate research institute, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and will be dedicated to alternative energy.
Source: Al-Quds Al-Arabi, London, January 18, 2008
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=789
Abu Dhabi to Set Up World's Greenest City
On January 13, the WWF (World Wildlife Fund in the U.S., and Worldwide Fund for Nature internationally) and Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, launched a "Sustainability Action Plan" to deliver the world's greenest city – Masdar City – to be the first zero-carbon, zero-waste, car-free city. The six square-kilometer city will abide by the 10 sustainability principles of "One Planet Living," a global initiative launched by the WWF with the direction of environmental consultancy from BioRegional.
Electricity will be generated by photovoltaic panels, while cooling will be provided via concentrated solar power. Water will be provided through a solar-powered desalination plant. Landscaping within the city and crops grown outside the city will be irrigated with grey water and treated waste water produced by the city's water treatment plant.
Abu Dhabi's multifaceted investment, the Masdar Initiative, is exploring the development and commercialization of future energy sources and clean technology solutions. The city, growing eventually to 1,500 businesses and 50,000 residents, will be home to international business and top minds in the field of sustainable and alternative energy.
A model of the Masdar City will be unveiled on January 21 at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi. Groundbreaking for the construction of the city is slated for the first quarter of 2008, and it is to be completed and fully functioning in 2015.
The announcement comes at the same time that Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC), Turret Middle East, and event sponsor Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company are preparing for the inaugural World Future Energy Summit on January 21-23, which is set to attract more than 5,000 attendees – among them presidents, royalty, and government officials from more than 25 nations.
Source: Arab News, January 14, 2008
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?news=751
Damascus Environmental Pollution
Two years have passed and the [Syrian] industrialists are still refusing to fill out a specific form relating to their facilities' pollution, despite a request from an externally funded study. The purpose of the form is to allow the people in charge to know where and how [the industrialists] would start to address Damascus environmental pollution, after global permissible limits have been exceeded fivefold.
Source: Al-Baath, Syria, November 12, 2007
[To view the entire report, visit the full blog post]
http://memrieconomicblog.org/bin/content.cgi?article=63
Palm Trees – Future Biological Fuel in Oman
An Omani investor and his partners in The Oman Company for Green Energy have developed a method to transform date palms extracts into biological fuel. The investor has been using the biological fuel for months. As a result, the company was approved to establish a factory for the production of ethanol in Oman, with an investment of $28 million and a production capacity of 900,000 liters a day.
The company expects to export up to 80% of its final product to meet the growing global demand for alternative energy, as well as to establish a number of filling stations for biological fuel in Oman by 2010.
Source: Al-Khaleej, UAE, June 29, 2007
