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Alert on dipping shark numbers in Bahrain seas

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:53:54 GMT

Experts have sounded the alarm over a massive decline in the number of sharks populating the waters around Bahrain - saying the Gulf was in danger of becoming a "marine desert".

Overfishing and pollution are among a raft of factors driving down the shark population around Bahrain, with some species on the verge of vanishing from the Arabian Gulf altogether as the sea reaches tipping point, said a report.

The UK-based Shark Conservation Society (SCS) has just completed a three-week survey of the country's waters, which found that many larger species of the sea's most famous predator were in danger of disappearing from the region altogether.

Unchecked construction, sedimentation, a lack of fresh water, overfishing and pollution have been cited as the key threats to the Gulf's shark population.

Experts are now warning the Gulf could actually become a "dead" area of water unless urgent legislation is passed in all countries bordering it, with decades of rapid development taking a huge toll on the marine ecosystem.

"The Gulf has always been a tough place to live, but now pollution, construction, increased salinity, habitat depredation and overfishing are all putting pressure on marine wildlife," SCS chairman Richard Peirce told our sister publication, the Gulf Daily News.

"In terms of sharks there is evidence that this pressure is proving too much for many species.

"Several hundred hours chumming (luring with bait) and fishing has shown an alarming lack of sharks and an almost total absence of mature animals from the large predatory species like the great hammerheads, bull sharks, tigers, pig eyes and black tips.

"Most sharks mature late and produce few young, and the absence of breeding age animals may indicate that Gulf stocks of some species have already collapsed. I would say that the Gulf would be near the tipping point of marine health, which is hugely sad as this area has been built on a history of maritime culture, such as dhow building, fishing and seaside developments."

The study on sharks in the Gulf was commissioned by the Bahrain government and was carried out by a 14-member team, including registered volunteers from Holland and the UK, advised by SCS scientific adviser for the Arab region Alec Moore.

They have been scouring the waters around Bahrain for sharks, having conducted similar studies in Qatar and Kuwait.

During the survey they identified 16 species of shark in Bahraini waters - the snaggletooth, milk, sliteye, spottail, blacktip, hooktooth, slender weasel, hardnose, whitecheek, great hammerhead, pigeye, spinner, grey sharpnose, whale shark, Arabian carpet shark and Arabian smoothhound.

The team also identified the giant guitarfish, Halavi's guitarfish and six species of ray, which all belong to the same elasmobranch family of marine life as sharks.

Five of the species recorded in Bahraini waters had never been listed before.

However, rather than celebrate their discovery Mr Peirce said the alarm bells should be ringing - since species could be vanishing from local waters without anyone even realising.

"A sixth shark, the smoothtooth black tip, was a rediscovery as only one specimen had previously been recorded in the Gulf of Aden in the early part of the last century," he added.

"Our work has so far found six species not hitherto known to be present in the Gulf and this should be a wake-up call because had we not done our surveys, some species could have become locally extinct before they were even known to exist."

Mr Peirce said such surveys were vital in getting new laws passed that protect certain species, adding such action had already been taken in Bahrain and Qatar to protect certain species - the most recent being a law prohibiting the fishing of green sawfish, described as critically endangered locally.

"The system in the Gulf is a pretty grim picture of marine life, but as the governments have proved with new legislation, the will to protect species is certainly there," he said.

"My plea would be now to look at all shark species and marine life in the same way and produce sustainable fishing and development plans to ensure the protection of wildlife and prevent the Gulf developing into a marine desert."

He suggested a complete ban on commercial fishing for up to five years so that stocks had time to mature and replenish themselves.

"Fishing as a pleasure activity is sustainable, but commercial fishing through netting, trawling and using traps is hitting the system very hard," explained Peirce.

He revealed that the SCS team found more sharks lying dead on ice blocks in local fish markets rather than in the sea.

"We've found most of our sharks dead in markets and, while on some days numbers have looked healthy if one relates these numbers to fishing effort, the picture in the markets is as grim as that at sea," he added.

"It worked out as less than one shark per boat, so in that respect there are extremely low numbers of sharks in the sea."

The team also discovered a change in the food-cycle and ecosystem, with smaller shark species moving up the ranks to replace larger species most threatened by human activity.

"We have seen no mature larger species of breeding ages and their place has been taken by other smaller species which have higher breeding rates," said the expedition leader.

Peirce added that while sharks had a bad reputation as being man-eating killers, the reality was quite the opposite.

"Some marine species like tiger sharks, bull sharks and great hammerheads have been recorded attacking man, yet the incidence of confirmed attacks on man is very low," he said.

"In 2011 there were 14 fatal shark attacks in the whole world, which was the highest figure recorded in recent years.

"The usual annual average of fatal shark attacks in recent years has been five or six and this figure is contrasted with the tens of millions of sharks being killed to satisfy the demand for fins for soup."

Controversial

In fact, he said the demand for shark fins for soup meant that sharks were not only endangered in the Gulf, but also around the world.

The soup is a controversial delicacy and campaigners say it is particularly cruel since many sharks are thrown back into the sea after their fins have been removed.

"In Manama's retail fish market, four medium-sized fins sell for BD10 ($26.5) to 12 and a kilogramme of fins from small sharks fetches between 500 fils and BD1," he said. "These are the prices of extinction." – TradeArabia News Service

Imdaad steps up recycling capabilities

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:53:54 GMT

Imdaad has announced that it is stepping up efforts to expand its waste management and recycling capabilities to complement government initiatives to reduce the total volume of waste generated in the UAE.

Environmental advocates estimate that each UAE resident generates around 2.2 to 2.5kg of waste each day, making it one of the world's largest per capita producers of garbage.

A study by the Abu Dhabi-based Center for Waste Management (CWM) earlier revealed that the emirate generates over 30,000 tonnes of waste daily, while a separate study showed that waste generated annually in Dubai reaches around 13.9 million tonnes.

In light of the growing waste problem, Imdaad has been aggressively organising and supporting environmental campaigns such as the ‘My City, My Environment’ initiative of Dubai Municipality, leveraging the company’s extensive resources and expertise to raise greater environmental awareness and encourage different communities to take action in addressing the growing challenges in waste management.

Mahmood Rasheed, chief operating officer, Imdaad, said: “Waste management is one of the biggest challenges that must be addressed by a fast-growing economy such as the UAE. Social and economic development naturally results in a surge in waste production, so it is crucially important to explore innovative and sustainable ways to reduce the level of waste in the society.”

“The ‘My City, My Environment’ campaign is a very important initiative because it encourages communities to take an active role in managing waste, while creating a strong foundation for a comprehensive waste recycling programme in the society.”

“Imdaad has invested aggressively in state-of-the-art waste management technologies, equipment and professional expertise as part of our continuing efforts to support the government’s efforts to find a more sustainable solution to the waste problem,” Rasheed added. “Our proactive efforts are also in line with our commitment to be a leading advocate in waste management and environmental stewardship in the UAE.”

Imdaad has distributed two 240-litre waste bins (black for general waste and green for mixed recyclables) to each villa in the Mizhar 1 area as part of its commitment to the Dubai Municipality initiative.

It collects general waste daily and recyclables three times a week, while door-to-door campaigns are also being conducted to increase awareness about the importance of recycling and segregating waste, an official said.

Recycling has been one of the pillars of Imdaad’s waste management strategy in conjunction with government-led recycling programmes, the statement said. In Abu Dhabi, CWM aims to divert up to 90 per cent of waste from landfills to various recycling facilities by 2018.

Imdaad seeks to complement such initiatives and help the government fully realise the wide range of benefits of recycling for the society, such as greater energy savings, reduction of pollution, preservation of excellent environmental conditions, protection of natural resources, and economic growth. – TradeArabia News Service

Viva Kuwait to sponsor Oasis project

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:53:53 GMT

Viva Kuwait has announced that it will sponsor Viva Oasis, a project that aims at planting more than 3000 trees of Buckthorn and Willow in Nuwaiseeb Desert, south of Kuwait.

The Kuwait Oasis team, a group of young Kuwaitis affiliated with the Environmental Voluntary Foundation (EVF), will implement the project that will take three weeks to complete, a statement from the telecommunications provider said.

The organisation is in charge of environmental affairs in Kuwait and seeks to transform the country into a Green Oasis, the statement said.

Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Badran, CEO, Viva, said: “Viva’s strategy aims at protecting the environment and natural resources and promoting a culture of environmental awareness. In support of our strategy, we decided to sponsor the project that aims at planting 3000 Buckthorn and Willow trees with the help of more than 20 volunteers and workers. These trees will be distributed along 14 lines of 250 m in length, covering a total area of 6 sq km.”

“Trees help maintain environmental balance by attracting migrating birds, breaking the wind, reducing dust, fostering wild animals such as the Fennec fox, and providing food and water to cattle,” Al-Badran said.

Khaled Al Kulaib, founder of Kuwait Oasis initiative, said: “Viva’s sponsorship and support reflect its continued commitment towards society and keenness on protecting natural resources. We hope to see the community's various segments, and not only businesses, be more aware and interested in the environment we live in.”

Viva Oasis is equipped with drip irrigation systems, the statement said. Used for one year only, these systems will be removed after tree roots are established and start reaching natural water.

Earlier this year, the company sponsored the first environmental initiative ever to be launched in the country. Under this initiative, many activities and programmes were organised to help raise awareness in the importance of protecting the environment within the local community.

Viva’s sponsorship of this initiative is part of its social responsibility program to help generate more interest and awareness among the public, which will lead to the protection of natural resources and the environment. – TradeArabia News Service

Health Water eyes 30pc IPO in 2013

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:36:13 GMT

Health Water Bottling, a company owned by Saudi Arabian conglomerate Olayan Group, is planning to go public by issuing 30 per cent of its shares in a flotation in the first quarter of 2013, three sources said.

Health Water, which was formed in 1973 and is the sole distributor of Holsten non-alcoholic beer and Power Horse energy drink in the kingdom, is planning to raise between 300 million and 500 million Saudi riyals ($80 million-$133 million) from the public offering, said one of the sources.

Health Water, which also owns the 'Nova' mineral water brand, has hired Morgan Stanley as financial advisor to manage the sale, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity as the matter is not public.

'It's a pretty good business which generated about $120-$130 million in net income last year. A float from the group is going to generate investor interest,' the source said.

Health Water officials were not immediately available for comment.

Olayan Group is one of the largest family-owned firms in the kingdom and owns a sizeable stake in Swiss bank Credit Suisse. It has a multi-billion dollar portfolio of investments spread across major asset classes globally.

Traditionally, equity markets have been a popular source of funding for Saudi companies, given the nascent nature of bond markets and a slowdown in bank lending.

Unfavourable market conditions have limited the number of IPOs in Saudi Arabia in recent years but the trend seems to be reviving amid a 30-per cent stock rally since late last year prompted by hopes of Tadawul opening up to foreign investors.

Sentiment was boosted last year by a 400 billion riyals ($106.66 billion) populist spending package unveiled by the king in a move to head off social unrest. This was seen as giving a boost to infrastructure and property companies in particular.

Turnover on the bourse has recently spiked to levels not seen since 2007 as Saudi retail investors shifted funds from other asset classes to equities, with small-cap stocks being targeted for the bulk of speculative trading.

Construction Products Holding Company (CPC), a manufacturer of building materials and a unit of Saudi Binladin Group, plans a 30 per cent listing and has mandated the investment banking arms of Gulf International Bank and Samba Financial Group sources told Reuters in November. – Reuters

Dubai summit to debate on green practices

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:36:13 GMT

Best practice on the key environmental issues concerning Arab countries will be debated in a run-up in Dubai to an upcoming UN conference on sustainable development in Rio de Janeiro in June.

Taking place from May 2-3 at Al Murooj Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Sustainable Arabia: Clean Energy 2012 aims develop a consensus on the importance of transitioning to a green economy and promote dialogue in the Arab world on the green economy and priorities for sustainable development.

It will target policymakers and practitioners from the region, as well as international experts. More than 120 high-level officials are expected to attend.

The preparatory meeting is being hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in cooperation with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DCSE).

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, vice chairman of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, said: “Our cooperation with UNDP in organising the Sustainable Arabia: Clean Energy conference reflects our commitment to implementing the UAE’s vision for a green economy under the slogan 'A green economy for sustainable development' as outlined by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.”

“It also shows continued progress in the implementation of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030.”

“The real challenge facing sustainable development is implementation. In order to turn vision into reality, we need to look closely at the intergovernmental processes, policies and legislation and create workable solutions,” said Dr Elissar Sarrouh, UN Resident Coordinator / UNDP Resident Representative.

“Sustainable Arabia 2012 will be an important staging post in achieving this vision.”

Sustainable Arabia: Clean Energy 2012 will focus on a variety of core issues including the political will of national governments to implement the green economy agenda; areas of cooperation in implementing sustainable development strategies; necessary policy and regulatory frameworks; the importance of transparency and knowledge sharing; priorities for capacity building; and funding and financing strategies.

Opportunities to raise public awareness of the importance of sustainable development through more effective community-level engagement will also be high on the agenda. – TradeArabia News Service

Apex hires HMR for eco impact study

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 07:10:53 GMT

Apex Medical Group (AMG), the promoter of The Medical City (TMC) project in Salalah, has contracted HMR Consultants to perform an environmental impact assessment study for the project.

AMG, a subsidiary of Saudi-based Aljoaib Holding, is developing a medical city, which will be comprised of a Healthcare Hospital integrated with a regional Multispecialty Organ Transplant and Rehabilitation Center of Excellence, a state of the art Diagnostic and Medical Prevention Center of Excellence, Healthcare Resort and a Healthcare Education Complex.

This regional medical tourism project will be developed in three phases over an area of approximately 800,000 sq m.

One of the major aspects of the TMC project is environmental sustainability. The importance of environmental sustainability is embedded in each phase of the TMC project, from the business model, to the engineering design, to the operation level.

The sustainability goals for the TMC project will be drawn from the One Planet Living program, which is internationally recognized as a framework for addressing sustainability in development projects.

The One Planet Living goals are to achieve or secure carbon reduction, waste reduction, sustainable transport and local and sustainable materials.

Also, AMG has already planned for ecological balance on the natural development site by preserving the Khore eco system, shoreline and Wadis. TMC project will implement water conversation policy and water reuse process to limit ground water use.

TMC facilities will utilise electricity from Dhofar power network however TMC will build solar energy production facilities.

TMC project components will be designed in accordance with Green Building Council standards to achieve LEED certification. Apex is planning to develop the first Heath Care project to achieve LEED certificate in MENA region.

The TMC project falls under Group Five “Service Projects –Hospitals and Health Complexes”, and Group Seven “Tourism Development” in the categorization of projects by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA), Oman.

This classification necessitates that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) be prepared and submitted to the MECA in order to provide the MECA with an outline of the project, the resulting environmental and social impacts from the project, and the scope and methodology proposed for conducting the EIA Study (an additional MECA requirement).

AMG has contracted HMR Environmental Engineering Consultants (HMR) to conduct the EIA Study to establish the current status of environmental and social features in the project area, delineate the project footprint on the environment, and assess the impacts of the proposed construction and operation phase of the TMC project.

The EIA Study will be submitted to MECA for their review and subsequent issuance of the environmental permit for the TMC Project. – TradeArabia News Service

Solar eclipse to be aired on solar power

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:36:32 GMT

Panasonic Corporation of Japan will broadcast an upcoming annular solar eclipse live to the world from the summit of Mt Fuji using only solar power.

The project, entitled "Eclipse live from Fujiyama by solar power" on May 20 seeks to highlight to the world Panasonic's devotion to its "Energy Solution" business and the dynamic technologies and products behind it.

All electricity required for the devices used for broadcasting, such as video cameras, filming equipment, and computers, will be drawn from HIT Solar Cells and supplied through rechargeable batteries made by Panasonic.

On the day of the eclipse, Mt Fuji will be ideally located within the "central eclipse path" that allows for optimum viewing, and the view is especially spectacular in the clear air of the mountain peak.

However, the summit of Mt Fuji in May is covered in snow with freezing temperatures, and there is no electricity available for daily activities. Therefore, the project staff will charge up portable power supplies for domestic use with power generated from the HIT solar cells and carry them up the frozen face of the mountain.

The project's progress will be documented on a special website and Facebook page until May 20.

Panasonic plans to report on the filming equipment, introduce the staff members, and conduct trial tests in advance of the eclipse. – TradeArabia News Service

Aquatech wins Saudi water plant order

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:26:06 GMT

US-based Aquatech, a global leader in water purification technology, has won an order for a demineralizing plant for IBN Rushd, a Sabic affiliate petrochemical facility in Yanbu.

The technology supplied by Aquatech is a mixed bed demineralizer of 130 cu m per hour capacity. The plant will treat desalinated water and convert it to demineralized water for downstream use as boiler feed water. The treated water will have 0.1 Msiem/cm conductivity, and silica levels of less than 0.1 ppm.

This is a repeat order for Aquatech, which had supplied a similar plant of three mixed bed units for the same facility in 1995. As part of the expansion plans, the two new units supplied by Aquatech will be consolidated with the earlier units.

The plant is expected to be completed around early 2013.

Aquatech has recently worked with several Sabic affiliates, including United Petrochemicals, PetroKemya, and Sharq.

"This project demonstrates our wide range of water purification solutions and our expertise in the industrial sector," said Vikrant Sarin, manager - Technical & Business Development (Industrial Solutions), Aquatech Eastern. – TradeArabia News Service

Accor launches new eco-friendly program

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:26:05 GMT

Accor, one of the world's leading hotel operators, has announced plans to launch Planet 21, a unique sustainable development program involving all its hotels and customers.

With 40,000 new rooms created every year, Accor intends to combine development with growth that respects the environment and local communities through this program, said a company official.

Planet 21 consists of 21 commitments and the same number of quantified goals adopted by Accor looking to 2015, including: employees training in the prevention of diseases in 95 per cent of hotels, the promotion of balanced dishes in 80 per cent of establishments, the use of eco-labeled products in 85 per cent of hotels or the reduction in water and energy use of respectively 15 per cent and 10 per cent in owned and leased hotels.

Announcing the launch, Denis Hennequin, chairman and CEO of Accor, said, 'The name is taken from Agenda 21, a program of goals signed in Rio in 1992, and reminds us of the urgent concern to be addressed in the 21st century: the need to change our methods of production and consumption to preserve human beings and eco-systems.'

'At a time when the group is embarking on a phase of brisk expansion, with the aim of becoming the global reference in hotel industry, we are reaffirming our choice of responsible growth capable of generating shared value for all,' he stated.

'With the Planet 21 program, we are putting sustainable hospitality at the core of the Group's strategy, development and innovation. I am convinced that sustainable development will lead us towards a new business model.'

'Planet 21 gives us a fantastic driver of competitiveness for our brands, attractiveness for our customers and partners and loyalty for our employees,' said Hennequin.

Since 1994, when it created an Environment department, the Group has adopted numerous solutions to contribute to the development of local communities and reduce water and energy consumption and the environmental footprint of its hotels.

With Planet 21, Accor is reaffirming its determination to put sustainable development at the heart of its activities.

'To achieve the 21 commitments made by the Group, one thing is primordial: involving our customers in order to move ahead even faster and multiply our results, he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Dubai adopts solar heating in abattoirs

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:48:39 GMT

Dubai Abattoirs will soon switch over to solar energy for preparing hot water to clean the slaughtering halls, tools and equipments in line with the government's green building measures.

The move comes as part of Dubai government's aim to achieve the targets of its strategic plan and within the efforts of the municipality to protect the environment and natural resources.

Ahmed Hassan Al Shammari, the head of Abattoirs Section of Public Health Services, said the section has been using hot water of 65 c to clean the slaughtering halls, tools and equipments, where the water is heated using steam heaters to produce steam to heat the cold water in the thermal exchange unit.

These boilers are powered by burning diesel fuel and chemicals needed to maintain the required levels of the elements within the permissible limits, he added.

According to Al Shammari, the Abattoirs Section has started installing solar panels and complete thermal exchange system and will soon connect it with the water heater system of abattoirs.

So far, 210 solar panels have been installed, which can heat 70,000 litters of water to 80 on daily basis. The new system will reduce the periods of operation of steam boilers, which will lead to preserve the environment and reduce operating expenses, he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Eco-friendly sanitation system launched in Qatar

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:17:29 GMT

Corodex Electromechanic Company and Roediger Vacuum GmbH have introduced the award-winning and environmentally friendly vacuum sanitation systems in Qatar.
The system aims to decrease the dependence on water by using air.

Christian Ruester, director, Vacuum Sanitation Systems, Roediger Vacuum, and Mohanned Awad, director, Concorde – Corodex Group, will deliver their presentations on the benefits of the system at Meed - Qatar Stadium Build Conference today and tomorrow (April 16 and 17). They will discuss indoor vacuum sewer systems and its ability to save water over conventional systems, said a statement.

Hoping to break into the Qatar market, Ruester and Awad will inform delegates that the innovative system uses air as a medium instead of water, and as such, requires only one litre of water per flush. Other advantages include an easy installation process. Several stadiums worldwide have already adopted this technology.

The system won the coveted, “Water Reuse Project of the Year” in the UAE at the MEED Quality Awards for Projects 2012, the only awards programme in the GCC to recognise completed quality projects.

Corodex and its partner Roediger Vacuum supplied the indoor vacuum sewage collection system to Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort.
“We are proud on being recognised as the national winners in our category (Water Reuse) along with our partners Roediger Vacuum. However we are even more proud that the UAE and our client is willing to invest in such technology to address the water scarcity issues that exist in the region”, said Awad.

”The technology that was installed will provide the end user with water savings and a light carbon foot print during the operational lifetime of the equipment, while the contractor and architect have already enjoyed the advantages of the flexible arrangement for the piping network unlike the conventional technology,” said Marc Lyachenko, regional manager of Roediger Vacuum.

'Our partnership in the Middle East with Corodex has provided our common client base a trusted supplier for all the Vacuum Sewer and Sanitation Solutions,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service

Telcos forum to review climate change issues

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:14:01 GMT

Leading telecom operators in the region are set to participate in a major forum in Doha which will look to tackle the problems of climate change driven by high levels of energy consumption and greenhouse emissions.

The Qtel Group, Telesol, Milicom, MTN, Zain and Vodafone, as well as technology leaders including General Electric, Eletek, Ameresco Solar and ictQatar, will take part in the GSMA Green Power for Mobile Regional Working Group, to be held on April 18 and 19 at the Ritz Carlton Doha.

Global warming is a serious problem for the world, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has reported that greenhouse gas emissions must be halved no later than by the middle of this century.

The communications industry is an increasingly significant contributor to the global consumption of energy, particular as mobile Broadband use places higher power demands on each cell site, and there is greater use of mobile communications and data centres around the world.

In Qatar, Qtel was the first company to deploy solar-powered, eco-friendly Base Station sites as early as 2005, while Indosat in Indonesia has deployed more than 100 solar-powered sites to date, and has plans to deploy significantly more in the near term.

Paul Salmon, chief technology officer, Qtel Group, said: “Qtel Group aims to enrich people’s lives, and working to protect the environment plays a major role in the process. We have already made real progress in integrating eco-friendly and high energy efficient technology throughout our regional networks, and we are eager to share our insights with other companies to help make a difference in the developing world.”

“As well as delivering the positive environmental effects of moving away towards efficient energy solutions, the new investment will enable us to reduce expenditure on fuel and power in the medium term, which will contribute to our wider cost optimisation programme,” he added.

The GSMA Development Fund launched the “Green Power for Mobile Programme” in September 2008, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation to promote the development of renewable energies for mobile telecom networks.

This project aims to encourage the mobile industry to use renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind or sustainable bio-fuels, to power new and existing off-grid base stations in developing countries. – TradeArabia News Service

Awal technical sponsor for desal summit

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 06:51:03 GMT

Awal IT Services, a leading IT services provider and a subsidiary of Saudi Telecom Group, is participating in the ongoing Water Desalination Conference in Arab Countries (Arwadex) 2012 in Riyadh as a technical sponsor.

Organised by the Ministry of Electricity and Water, the conference opened on April 8 and is ending today (April 11) at the King Faisal Conference hall, Riyadh Intercontinental Hotel.

More than 600 delegates from the GCC and the Middle East are attending Arwadex 2012, which aims to discuss the latest techniques of desalination in Arab countries.

It also aims to serve as a platform to exchange experiences of countries, regional and global entities and organizations in all operational, economic and environmental aspects of water desalination. The event is also featuring workshops on the role of solar energy in the environmental and desalination fields. – TradeArabia News Service

FedEx offers carbon-neutral envelopes

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 06:51:02 GMT

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp and a leading express transportation company, is launching a carbon-neutral shipping programme for its most widely used packaging solution for document shipping.

The move makes it the first company in the transportation industry to offer a carbon-neutral shipping option at no extra charge to the customer, a statement said.

FedEx Express will make an investment in projects around the world that displace or sequester greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere, neutralizing the impacts of the carbon emissions emitted during the shipment of all FedEx Express envelopes around the world.

The initiative is recognized as part of EarthSmart, the FedEx sustainability programme, offering concrete solutions that benefit the planet and the company’s environmental performance.

“Customers around the world value responsible business practices,” said Beth Galetti, vice president planning and engineering, FedEx Express Europe, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (EMEA).

“By making the FedEx Express envelope’s shipping carbon-neutral, our customers are provided with an environmentally-sound solution backed by the renowned high-quality service provided by FedEx—a win-win solution the customer can be proud of.”

Through the carbon-neutral Fed Ex Envelope shipping programme, FedEx will calculate on an annual basis the tons of carbon dioxide released through the shipment of all global FedEx Express envelopes.

FedEx Express will purchase the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide offsets from the not-for-profit organization, BP Target Neutral, which will neutralize the equivalent amount of CO2 emissions by investing in alternative energy or conservation projects, including biogas facilities on farms in the Netherlands, a reforestation project in the Tanzanian Southern Highlands that is converting degraded grassland to commercial forest, and a landfill gas collection system at Thailand’s first sanitary landfill.

“FedEx has changed behaviors and invested in technologies to directly reduce greenhouse gases from our greatest sources—planes, trucks and facilities—and, as a result, we are well on our way to meeting ambitious emission reduction goals,” said Mitch Jackson, staff vice president, Environmental Affairs and Sustainability, FedEx Corp.

“The carbon neutral programme for the FedEx Express envelope allows us to further contribute to minimizing the effects of greenhouse gas emissions from our operations by providing more sustainable options for our customers.”

The FedEx Express carbon-neutral programme extends to all FedEx Express envelope shipping options. More than 200 million FedEx Express envelopes are shipped around the world every year, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service

Metito announces $185m projects in Iraq

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:05:02 GMT

Leading provider of total, intelligent water management solutions in emerging markets, Metito, has announced four new projects in Iraq, worth over $185 million.

Metito is partnering with the Snafee Group, to supply the process design of three sewage treatment plants, in South Basra, Um Qasser, Safwan and Shat Al Arab, which represent a combined contract total worth over $10 million.

It will also undertake all engineering requirements for the plants, including selection and supply of the mechanical and electrical equipment, a statement from the company said.

“Water shortages continue to plague Iraq, with droughts and lack of access to clean, safe drinking water affecting an estimated 7.6 million Iraqis, according to a report by Unesco in 2010,” said Mustafa Hasan, general manager of Metito Jordan, Iraq and Syria. “Tackling this shortage has been a matter of grave importance for the Iraqi government and Metito is keen on working on projects such as these to help alleviate this shortage and give access to vital water supplies”.

Metito has recently been awarded a contract worth $9 million to upgrade the main Freeha Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in the holy city of Karbala. – TradeArabia News Service

New initiative to tackle 'e-garbage' threat

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 06:46:59 GMT

A green initiative is being launched in Bahrain to collect unwanted or broken electronics items and reuse them in other ways - including making cement.

It is the brainchild of Bahrain resident David Hack, who fears that Bahrain could become an "e-garbage heap".

The South African warned of a "severe problem" in coming years unless action was taken to properly dispose of non-biodegradable electronic waste.

"I have this fear that with the amount of e-waste being generated in Bahrain and no real collection or disposing infrastructure in place, we could have a severe problem on our hands," he told the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Hack is a headteacher at Rawad Al Khaleej School in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, but lives in Bahrain. He is also an industrial chemist and a vocational trainer who was involved in recycling electronics in South Africa for more than 10 years.

The plan is to set up collection points around Bahrain where people can dispose of unwanted electronics.

Hack explained that the idea was to recover components from unwanted devices that could be reused or refurbished.

"The remainder will be dismantled to liberate iron, aluminium and copper, which will undergo final recovery at local businesses in Bahrain," he said.

He said plastics would be recycled for use in new products, components and materials, printed circuit boards would be processed locally to partially recover special metals and the remainder would be exported to incinerators.

Hack warned simply throwing away computers and mobile phones posed a major risk to the environment once they ended up in a landfill.

"Be it individuals or companies, there are no disposal mechanisms in place," he said.

"We tend to just let these broken things lie at home or just dump them. This should not happen because every component we are dumping is contributing to poisoning our environment," he added.

Hack, whose plans involve setting up small collection centres all over Bahrain, said most e-waste could be reused.

"It can be broken up into several components and used, while what cannot be used can be incinerated and refined in specialised facilities," he said.

One of his proposals involves grinding unusable components into a fine powder and mixing it with concrete to make ready-mix cement blocks. "That can be easily done in Bahrain," he added.

He said once volumes increased, the e-waste could be exported to incinerators in Germany.

He said he was confident that the scheme would create new jobs for Bahrainis. "This is one of the driving forces of our project," he added.

The main aims of the project are to treat hazardous materials in an environmentally friendly manner; recover the maximum valuable material within Bahrain; and create eco-efficient and sustainable business and employment opportunities for young Bahrainis.

Hack said modern electronics contained up to 60 different elements. "Many are valuable, some are hazardous and some are both," he explained.

"The most complex mix of substances is usually present in the printed circuit boards.

"In its entirety, electrical and electronic equipment is a major consumer of many precious and special metals and therefore an important contributor to the world's demand for metals."

Hack has roped in local businessman Sai Krishnan, who launched an initiative to recycle old laptop computers nearly two years ago.

The Bahrain Computer Repair Centre operations manager started offering service and repair coupons to anyone who took in their old and disused laptops.

He then got experts to use parts from old computers, which might otherwise be discarded.

The company later launched a "reverse logistics" repair centre, which aimed to make use of goods that would otherwise have been thrown away.-TradeArabia News Service

Aquatech wins Oman contract

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:30:05 GMT

Aquatech, a global leader in water purification technology for industrial and infrastructure markets, has been awarded a contract to provide water treatment services that will help enhance the heavy oil extraction rate of the Amal Oil Fields in Oman.

Under terms of the contract, Aquatech will construct a 237 cubic m/hr produced water softening plant for the Amal Steam Facilities Phase 1B.

In this project, Aquatech will supply a unique ion exchange technology-based super softening plant for treating high TDS and high-temperature produced water, a statement from Aquatech said.

The treated water will be fed to the steam generators for generating steam, which will be injected into the heavy oil wells to enhance the extraction rate of oil.

The technology involved will include a nutshell filtering unit (NSK), followed by a primary strong acid cation unit and a polishing strong acid cation unit (SAC), and finally by a weak acid cation unit (WAC).

The end product will have hardness reduced to less than 1 ppm, and will be used for process water, the statement said.

The Amal Steam development is the largest single brownfield development in South Oman. Oman has experienced an increase in oil production over the past few years as a result of investing in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques and incentives to create new investment in oil exploration.

'Aquatech is recognised as a leader for our experience in the oil & gas industry and our expertise in treating challenging waters. The awarding of this contract reflects our excellent track record in successfully executing projects having high specification requirements, especially in the Middle East region, in similar applications,” said Vikrant Sarin, manager, technical & business development, industrial solutions, Aquatech Eastern. “This contract further deepens our relationships in the region, and further demonstrates our capabilities.”

Aquatech has successfully executed a number of projects in the Middle East, including work for Shell and Occidental Mukhaizna. In Mukhaizna, the company provided similar softening plants and thermal units for different phases of the project.

The engineering-procurement contractor for the project was the Worley Parsons group, through Worley Parsons Oman Engineering. The facility is owned by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the premier hydrocarbon exploration and production company in Oman. – TradeArabia News Service

GE Volunteers back Qatar green project

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:30:05 GMT

GE Volunteers Qatar have partnered with the Qatar Green Center, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Environment, to support a greener environment through a new project.

My School, My Farm, which started in December 2011 and is set to conclude this month, aims to strengthen awareness on the need to inculcate homestead farming and other easy-to-apply agricultural practices among the students.

GE Volunteers collaborates with 12 schools in Qatar, working with students from primary to secondary levels for the project.

Zaid Khayyat of GE Volunteers said: “GE Volunteers is committed to partnering in initiatives that bring about a tangible and long-term benefit to the communities we serve in. My School, My Farm is a unique initiative that not only helps promote the concept of self-reliance but also respect for environment. We are honoured to work with the Ministry of Environment on the project through the Qatar Green Center.”

Activities of My School, My Farm included training visits for the volunteers at the Al Otouria Agriculture Research Station ensuring that the students are provided with solid guidance on agricultural skills including soil types and how to use fertilizers.

The volunteers were also trained by specialized Qatar Green Center agricultural engineers on how to take care of the crops as well as their harvesting. The team visited the schools periodically during the four months of the project which will conclude with an awards ceremony, where the participating students will be honoured.

My School, My Farm was also showcased at the third Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition where some of the harvested crops were displayed and the participants highlighted the distinct role of the students who worked on the project. – TradeArabia News Service

Abu Dhabi forms new water strategy

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:30:04 GMT

The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) has developed a strategic plan for the management of the emirate’s water resources to combat the threat of severe shortages in future.

The master plan calls for the adoption of stringent eco-friendly measures to increase water production in Abu Dhabi and urges the government to implement water policies to reduce wastage, delegates at the Agribusiness Outlook Forum in Dubai were told.
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Dr Mohamed Dawoud, EAD’s water resources manager, said Abu Dhabi has one of the highest per capita water consumptions in the world, with an average consumption of 550 litres of water per person per day.

“This consumption, combined with the predicted population growth in Abu Dhabi to 3.5 million in 2030, means we could face severe water shortages in the future, and need to rethink about water usage efficiency now,” said Dr Dawoud.

“This master plan is an initiative that seeks to implement measures for limiting depletion of natural resources, and at the same time increase water usage efficiency in different sectors, including the agricultural sector,” he said.
“Governments are making efforts to improve water usage efficiency in agriculture through four main pillars - policy and strategy, technologies, legislations and regulations, and education and awareness - to increase the economic value of water and efficient use by farm owners,” he said.

Dr Dawoud was addressing delegates on the Abu Dhabi government’s approach for improving water use in agriculture and the role of the 2030 Master Plan at the Agribusiness Outlook Forum.

The forum is a feature of the Agra and Vet Middle East exhibitions at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition centre, which concluded today.

He said investment in the latest agricultural technologies and automated irrigation methods, such greenhouses using hydroponic systems, can save up to 40 per cent of water in agriculture, and deliver healthier produce.

Richard Pavitt, exhibition director of Afra Middle East and Vet Middle East, said: “The 2030 master plan provides an interesting insight into the current water scenario in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and addresses important issues of water supply and also underlines efficient water usage techniques.” – TradeArabia News Service

Bahrain to install ‘green’ phone masts

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:30:04 GMT

Bahrain could soon instal 'environmentally friendly' phone masts across the country after a five-year battle to remove the existing ones.

It follows years of protests and controversy in which residents claimed the masts were unsafe, dangerous and an 'eyesore'.

Councillors had wanted to dismantle the masts at one point after claims surfaced that companies had paid people BD1,000 ($2,652) to erect the antennas in residential areas.

However, plans are now underway to oblige the country's three telecommunication companies to put up new masts, which resemble trees and are made from environmentally friendly materials.

The scheme is spearheaded by the Central Municipal Council following a visit to Al Areen and Durrat Al Bahrain, which have already started putting the masts up.

'The new masts, already installed successfully in Al Areen and Durrat Al Bahrain, are made of environmentally friendly materials and resemble trees,' said council technical committee chairman Ghazi Al Hamer yesterday after councillors passed the proposal.

'Yes, they cost more, but they are not that much expensive than the existing metal-structured ugly masts, set up across Bahrain. Those masts will no longer be allowed in residential areas and at homes.'

Al Hamer said companies would not be allowed to instal masts in residential areas, but instead would be allocated municipal lands and must pay a lease fees.

The council will co-ordinate with the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) to have masts replace selected lampposts, meaning they would be put up on main roads instead of residential areas.

Companies could also instal the masts parallel to minarets at selected mosques, with the fees collected by the Sunni and Jaffari Waqf (Endowment) Directorates.

Rooftops of ministries and government buildings would also play host to these masts.

'Masts will only be allowed in designated empty municipal plots with minimal fees,' said Al Hamer. 'They will be replacements to lampposts, parallel to minarets in selected mosques, and on top of ministries and government organisation buildings.'

The new masts are made from environmentally friendly material, which is a step forward for the country in its mission to go green.

'These masts are a step ahead from the conventional masts being step up in Bahrain at the moment,' said council chairman Abdulrazzak Al Hattab.

'They are part of a combination of urbanisation, health and environment, and beautification. They will ensure Bahrain develops and people get their telecommunication services without disruption while at the same time ensuring that surroundings are acceptable.'

The council will work with Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry and Bahrain's four other municipal councils to carry out the project across the country, but it would first be installed in Manama.

'We take the initiative now and others will hopefully follow and from unofficial negotiations the ministry and other councils are eager to do the same,' said Al Hattab.

Muharraq Municipal Council imposed a blanket ban on new masts in September 2007 and then announced plans to dismantle all masts put up without their permission in late 2009.

However, they backed down after Telecommunications Regulatory Authority agreed to come up with new procedures for erecting masts and aerials. – TradeArabia News Service

Emrill cuts CO2 by 20pc during Earth Hour

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:18:57 GMT

Emrill, a leading facilities management company in the UAE, has achieved its goal of saving 20 per cent in carbon emissions during Earth Hour 2012, held on March 31 from 08:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Emrill participated in the global event that raises awareness of the need for action on climate change. The Earth Hour theme for 2012 was ‘I will, if you will’.

Ben Churchill, managing director, Emrill said: “At Emrill our teams work together to consistently implement our Environmental Protection measures and ensure a conscious effort by all staff to conserve energy, water and other resources.”

“We promote good waste management practices with a policy to reduce, reuse and recycle. Earth Hour was an excellent opportunity to extend this commitment and make a difference.” – TradeArabia News Service

UAE firm in limelight for ‘green’ watercraft

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:45:01 GMT

UAE-based JetPad is courting massive global interest after unveiling a zero noise and emission-free personal watercraft (PWC) at the Dubai International Boat Show.

A total of 18 distributors - including influential big-hitters from across the Middle East, the USA and Australia - have expressed admiration for the unique concept, which is set to bypass all existing safety and environmental restrictions and offer a much-needed outlet for fast, environmentally benign watersports action.

JetPad, which is set to begin manufacturing operations in Al Quoz, Dubai, in May, also generated over 300 sales leads during the course of the Boat Show.

There has also been significant interest from hoteliers keen bolster their revenue-generating watersports offerings without compromising the enjoyment of beachgoers or adversely impacting on the environment.

“As a UAE company, we are incredibly proud to be winning plaudits from across the world,” said Alexander Schellnast, chairman, JetPad.

“The stage is now set for us to evolve into a genuine business success-story for this amazing country – a guilt-free alternative to PWCs that elegantly sidesteps traditional gripes like questionable safety records, oil-spills and ear-splitting noise to offer sheer, unadulterated fun for all the family.”

JetPad’s design centers around a lithium ion battery-powered technology that results in zero emissions and a virtually noise-free experience.

Light enough to be lifted by two people, the versatile PWC is easily transported or carried on a yacht, and capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 km per hour.

It has a runtime of 60 minutes at full-throttle, charges in just 30 minutes, requires minimal maintenance, and comes with a controlled speed limiter, as well as navigation and on-board entertainment systems.

One of JetPad’s most eye-catching innovations is a programmable ‘geo-fencing’ system – a GPS-driven world-first that controls craft behavior within designated areas. If a speed limit is surpassed or a boundary breached, the JetPad will slow down to idle-mode.

Other safety features include the use of RFID bracelets to ensure the craft is only operated by designated users and a 100 per cent flip-proof design.

Initially launching with the ‘Go-Kart’ edition, JetPad also plans to introduce the ‘Explorer’, which will appeal to budding marine biologists and oceanographers with its steering-wheel controlled fish-eye camera, and a rescue edition for hard to reach areas requiring rapid response.

All JetPads will be manufactured in the UAE using top quality Conformité Européenne (CE)-approved components on an ISO-certified assembly line. While JetPad initially pitched at the leisure market, interested individuals can order units online now.

Prices start at Dh65,000 ($17,695), a statement said. – TradeArabia News Service

Masdar receives energy efficiency award

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:45:01 GMT

Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s sustainable development, has received the Global Energy Efficiency Visionaries award for the Africa-Middle East region at the Energy Efficiency (EE) Global Forum 2012 held in Orlando.

This year’s EE Global Forum was the fifth annual gathering of discussions on how to increase energy efficiency through technological breakthroughs and policy advances.

Masdar City was selected by the forum’s International Steering Committee, comprising of high-level energy efficiency professionals from across the world.

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, chief executive officer of Masdar, said: “We are delighted to accept this award for the successes we have so far achieved in pushing the boundaries of energy efficiency and sustainable architecture.”

“Masdar will collaborate with various local and international like-minded partners to continue testing and implementing energy conservation technologies and concepts across all its integrated units.”

“This award will further raise international awareness and highlight the efforts Abu Dhabi’s leadership is making to implement sustainable development and move towards a knowledge-based economy, while focusing on energy efficiency and clean technology development. We hope Masdar’s efforts, recognised through this award, will inspire others to promote sustainable practices and enhance energy efficiency,” he added.

Masdar City has been planned as a test bed for innovation with every aspect of the urban planning and architecture designed with sustainability as a key criterion. Developed to be a hub for renewable energy and clean technology companies, Masdar City is partnering with Siemens to run a Smart Grid pilot across the first phase of its development.

Masdar is also co-developing smart building technologies, leveraging on the City’s on-going investment in buildings and infrastructure.

Dr Nawal Al Hosany, director of Sustainability at Masdar, attended the event and accepted the award on behalf of Masdar City. – TradeArabia News Service

Ford launches $100,000 eco grants

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:45:01 GMT

Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants, the longest-running private eco initiative in the region, is offering funds worth $100,000 to environmental activists in the GCC and Levant region to help them further their projects.

Entering its 13th year, the grass-root level program has offered $1.2 million in grants to over 140 Middle Eastern environmental projects since its launch.

The Grants are aimed at helping these activists raise awareness about the environment and much needed efforts for conservation.

Supported by Unesco’s Doha office, the programme is now open and receiving applications for grants from not-for-profit on-going environmental projects that are seeking additional funding, said a statement from Ford Motor Company.

Application forms can be downloaded from www.me.ford.com with the deadline of submission set for July 10, 2012.

This year also marks the addition of Iraq to the GCC/Levant Chapter of the Ford Grants, bringing to nine the countries that Ford’s green initiative covers, said the statement.

Projects from Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE can apply, it added.

An independent panel of jurors consisting of nine experts and academics from environmental agencies and institutions will choose the winning projects.

Larry Prein, Ford ME managing director, said, “Since 2000, the Grants have provided much needed financial support to various local community initiatives. Through this, we are able to extend our hands and connect with the communities where we operate in together with our dealers,hoping to make a significant contribution to the betterment of the environment.”

Dr Benno Boer, Unesco's ecological sciences advisor in the Arab region, said, "This year, our Doha office continues to support the efforts of Grants in recognising deserving projects and honouring the people who work tirelessly to protect the environment."

"Ford is to be commended for their commitment to this community initiative and for giving the opportunity for grass-root level projects to expand and grow," he added.

The 2011 winners included projects saving coral reefs and protecting marine resources in Kuwait, Oman and the UAE, initiatives in Lebanon that engage communities to recycle for a good cause, become eco-police and protect natural resources, setting up community theaters to inculcate environmental awareness in Jordan, volunteerism to collect and segregate plastic waste in Kuwait.

Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Ali Al Nuaimi, also known as The Green Sheikh, who also supports the Ford Grants as a programme ambassador, said, "Protecting the environment is like a race against time. We must act now for the future generation."

"More so, we encourage the youth from the region to play an active role in raising awareness to conserve the environment," the Green Sheikh remarked.

"The power is within today’s youth to make a difference and be the environment’s defender. By simply minding your actions to avoid unnecessary use of energy and resources and be an example to your community, you are already contributing significantly," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

ESIA elects legal counsel

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:45:01 GMT

The Emirates Solar Industry Association (ESIA) has appointed Dr Michael Krämer, senior associate and energy specialist at Taylor Wessing (Middle East) as legal counsel to first board.

He was elected to the position by ESIA members at the recently held first annual general meeting in Dubai.

The legal counsel's primary aim will be to develop legal framework scenarios, together with other members of ESIA's legal committee. These initiatives will then be presented to UAE policy makers in a bid to strengthen the solar energy market in the country.

Dr Krämer said: "I am delighted to be part of the ESIA’s first executive committee. The creation of the board will provide real impetus to the association’s overall aim to promote solar energy in the UAE and Middle East.”

“As legal counsel I look forward to drawing upon Taylor Wessing’s depth of international practice in the clean energy sector for the benefit of ESIA."

This appointment strengthens Taylor Wessing's position as a foremost legal advisor to companies in the sustainability sector, whose clients in the Middle East, Europe and Asia are, in many cases, the leaders of their respective industries, including renewable energy, e-mobility and sustainable construction techniques. – TradeArabia News Service