Abu Dhabi, Feb. 3, 2009 (WAM) Deputy Prime Minister, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan has called for management regulations for safty of coastal and marine environments.

Sheikh Hamdan, in his capacity as Chairman of Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD), ephasised that those regulations must be based on a clear vision and should take into consideration the nature of the these environment systems and the accumulative effects on the evioronment from multiple use of marine and coastal environment by humans.

Sheikh Hamdan made the remark in his address on the occasion of the 12th anniversary of the National Environment Day, which falls on February 4. The theme for this year’s anniversary is: “Towards a Sustainable Development of Our Coast”.

The Deputy Prime Minister said UAE coastal and marine environment is a top priority issue to the state and enjoys the special attention of President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the EAD Honorary Chairman.

He cited the intense awareness campaign launched early last year in line with the directives of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which forms one of the official approach towards the protection of marine environment and cleaning of beaches from waste in the coastal areas with the aim of improving public awareness on clean environment, boosting the spirit of social responsibility and implementing environmental laws.

Sheikh Hamdan said the campaign will last until the beaches regain their beauty and vitality and until the necessary protection is achieved for UAE coastal down hills and seabeds, fish breeding grounds mangrove areas, coral reefs and endangered species like turtles and dugongs.

It’s worth noting here that, just like many countries of the world, the UAE’s marine and coastal environment has suffered major impact as a result of rapid development works, which prompted the UAE to take steps to protect its environment by promulgating Federal Law No. 23 of 1999 to streamline the use, protection and development of marine resources and Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 on environment protection and development, in addition to setting up a number of marine protectorates and strict implementation of anti-pollution rules, among other steps.