ID :
113066
Tue, 03/23/2010 - 16:12
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/113066
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Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi marks World Water Day 2010
Abu Dhabi, Mar 23, 2010 (WAM)- Under the theme, "Conserve Water, Conserve Life," the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) marked today World Water Day 2010, which corresponds with March 22, to raise public awareness about the importance of conserving water and managing freshwater resources in a sustainable way.
EAD called on the public to remember that each holds an individual responsibility to maintain and improve the quality and quantity of fresh water so that it may be available for future generations.
Dr. Mohammed Dawoud, Manager, Natural Resources Policy Team, EAD, addressed a seminar organised for EAD employees entitled Integrated Water Resources Management in Abu Dhabi Emirate. "Our Emirate is characterised with an arid climate and we experience less than 100mm/yr rainfall. We have no reliable surface water resources and yet, currently, we continue to have one of the highest per capita water consumptions in the world," warned Dr. Dawoud.
Overall water scarcity and ongoing depletion and potential for pollution (especially Nitrates from the extensive use of inorganic fertilisers) of the Emirate's useable, natural (ground) water resources, which have arisen from rapid social /economic development in the last four decades has placed considerable stress on sectoral water use.
In addition unplanned and uncontrolled groundwater withdrawals, especially in the agriculture and forestry sectors, now total over 2 billion cubic meters per year and have resulted in declining groundwater levels and quality in many areas.
Dr. Dawoud also added that the recent changes in assigned responsibility for the various aspects of water resources development and management in the Emirate have now created the opportunity for improved management of water resources.
EAD called on the public to remember that each holds an individual responsibility to maintain and improve the quality and quantity of fresh water so that it may be available for future generations.
Dr. Mohammed Dawoud, Manager, Natural Resources Policy Team, EAD, addressed a seminar organised for EAD employees entitled Integrated Water Resources Management in Abu Dhabi Emirate. "Our Emirate is characterised with an arid climate and we experience less than 100mm/yr rainfall. We have no reliable surface water resources and yet, currently, we continue to have one of the highest per capita water consumptions in the world," warned Dr. Dawoud.
Overall water scarcity and ongoing depletion and potential for pollution (especially Nitrates from the extensive use of inorganic fertilisers) of the Emirate's useable, natural (ground) water resources, which have arisen from rapid social /economic development in the last four decades has placed considerable stress on sectoral water use.
In addition unplanned and uncontrolled groundwater withdrawals, especially in the agriculture and forestry sectors, now total over 2 billion cubic meters per year and have resulted in declining groundwater levels and quality in many areas.
Dr. Dawoud also added that the recent changes in assigned responsibility for the various aspects of water resources development and management in the Emirate have now created the opportunity for improved management of water resources.
