Environment Minister: UAE is committed to int'l efforts to combat desertification

Abu Dhabi, June 17, 2013 (WAM) - The UAE, despite the fact that around 80% of its area is covered by the desert, remains committed to international efforts to combat desertification, Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, emphasised yesterday. "The UAE joins the rest of the world in celebrating the World Day to Combat Desertification on June 17th, and reiterate its commitment to its theme "Don't let our future dry up", the Minister said in a press release. He explained that "the UAE follows a wise policy to sustain and conserve its desert environment and resources which constitute an integral part of our history and heritage, and at the same time combat the causes of desertification. This includes the reclamation and afforestation of large desert areas and the creation of green belts using local flora and salt-tolerant trees and shrubs." He affirmed that the Ministry, thought its 2014-2016 strategy, will continue its efforts to improve the protection of fragile habitats, to manage desert lands using integrated management methods and to survey underground water reservoirs. To face the challenges arising from desertification, the UAE has increased its desalination capacity to meet the rising demand on water, he noted. Through a clear and ambitious plan, the UAE government has been working tirelessly towards making the UAE, which is considered as a dry land, an economic and tourism destination, Minister bin Fahad said noting that the UAE is committed to the goals of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) which was established in 1994. In the 10-Year Strategy of the UNCCD (2008-2018) that was adopted in 2007, Parties to the Convention further specified their goals: "to forge a global partnership to reverse and prevent desertification/land degradation and to mitigate the effects of drought in affected areas in order to support poverty reduction and environmental sustainability". This year's World Day to Combat Desertification is dedicated to highlighting the global risks of drought and water scarcity. The World Day to Combat Desertification has been observed since 1995 to promote public awareness relating to international cooperation to combat desertification and the effects of drought. In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared (General Assembly Resolution A/RES/49/115) June 17 the "World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought" to promote public awareness of the issue, and the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa. – Emirates News Agency, WAM