Abu Dhabi wins environment award

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the Minister of State, has paid his respects to the country’s leaders after the capital was named the Arab Environment Capital of 2015. Silvia Razgova / The National

ABU DHABI // Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the Minister of State, has paid his respects to the country’s leaders after the capital was named the Arab Environment Capital of 2015.

“I would like to congratulate the wise leadership of the UAE for Abu Dhabi’s award as the Arab Environment Capital for 2015 by the Organisation of Islamic Capitals and Cities,” Dr Al Jaber, who is also chairman of Masdar, said. “Abu Dhabi’s impressive achievements in the field of environment have catalysed the preservation of resources while managing the city’s remarkable growth.

“This comes from the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of our country. His efforts continue to this day throughout the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, as well as the continuous guidance and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

“The actions taken by the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, in collaboration with other stakeholders, have resulted in daily efforts to preserve the environment, and encourage the principles of sustainable development.”

The recognition was announced at the 25th “Environmental Protection is a Must” conference, held in Alexandria from May 16 to 18.

Among recent projects is the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science. A joint project by the National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology and the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, it aims to improve cloud seeding. The programme has 78 proposals and will grant US$5 million (Dh18.4m) to five projects.