Dubai: The UAE is taking the right steps to protect its environment and the eco system, the Minister of Environment and Water has said.
In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Dr Mohammad Saeed Al Kindi also answered wide-ranging questions on animal welfare and illegal trading in protected species.
He also shed light on steps to improve the living conditions of fishermen and to help them continue their trade.
Gulf News: What do you see as the five most important sectors that must be expanded by your ministry?
Dr Mohammad Saeed Al Kindi: The main concern of the Ministry of Environment and Water (MEW) is to achieve sustainable development goals in all environmental fields relevant to the ministry's interests.
The Federal Environmental Agency (FEA) has prepared the National Environmental Strategy (NES) and the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) with all relevant environmental authorities in the UAE. This took three years and was completed in 2000 and represents the UAE NEAP/Agenda 21 of the United Nations programme.
Our vision in this regard is to expand and develop the five most important sectors outlined in the NES/NEAP. These sectors are water resources, environmental pollution, marine environment, urban environment and land resources and biodiversity.
Gulf News: What are you working on immediately for the environment, agriculture and water of each of the seven Emirates?
Dr Al Kindi: It is well-known that the administrative system in the UAE has its own remarkable characteristics i.e. each federal authority meets with a local one in each of the seven Emirates. At the same time this is applied in the environmental sector, too.
The MEW is responsible for all environmental issues, besides issuing laws and regulations and the overall policy and strategy of the UAE environment. All these issues and other relevant ones are looked into by environmental authorities through the Environmental Coordination Committee (ECC) which includes an executive member from different governmental authorities.
There are many on-going projects such as: the Development of Drinking Water Quality from natural resources; Expansion in Water Resources Exploration; Assessment of Ambient Air Quality; Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Developing Projects; and Enhancement of Fish Wealth (fishery) Projects.
Gulf News: Why has it taken so long for an animal welfare law to be approved?
Dr Al Kindi: Many residents and expatriates are anxiously waiting for the law which could give the UAE a better reputation.
There is a huge demand on animals and their products in the UAE. This demand cannot be fulfilled by the local production only, because of continuous increase in development and the increasing population rate. The UAE has taken action through the ministry, the municipalities and all the concerned authorities to set a criteria for the treatment of live animals and determining mechanisms for implementation of this law.
Gulf News: Dog fights are happening very often and animals are being smuggled into the UAE. How do you think the illegal animal trade can be stopped?
Dr Al Kindi: It is clear to all that we have to protect the animals in general so they are not harmed in anyway. Although, we know that there are certain groups of people who practice this "fight" as traditional activities, we would like to ask for their understanding to stop this kind of "fights" which will harm or might lead to the death of the animals.
Regarding illegal animal trading, federal law number (11) for 2002 for control and supervision of trading endangered species, consist of several restricted articles that can prevent the illegal animal trade.
Gulf News: National fishermen demand more facilities like cold stores and better regulations within the fish market, when and how do you think this can be achieved?
Dr Al Kindi: We are doing our best to follow up and solve all issues related to fishermen in the country such as following up their conditions, problems and demands, and also implementing a national competency development programme.
We try to support fishermen by improving their boat engines, offering training and help them with equipment. In addition to this we cooperate with local, regional and international authorities related to marine resources. We also coordinate with the fishermen association to enhance techniques of national fishermen and encourage them.
