More diverse and forward-looking horizons to achieve comprehensive sustainable development
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA), and Sharif Al Olama, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, signed the agreement. Its promising objectives will constitute a quantum leap in enhancing joint institutional work between institutions, ministries, and working bodies across government sectors to move towards more diversified and forward-looking horizons and achieve comprehensive sustainable development.
Supporting the UAE's directions in terms of sustainability and environmental preservation
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, expressed delight at signing the agreement, as it is a new stage on the road to strengthening the existing strategic partnership with the Ministry. She stressed the importance of adopting such initiatives to advance work based on solid foundations to support the UAE's environmental preservation and sustainability drive. She pointed out that this was especially important for earth sciences, geological survey work, mineral exploration, and preserving and promoting geological heritage.
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi indicated that the EPAA pays significant attention to protecting the environment and wildlife and preserving its biodiversity in the emirate, with the support and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council.
Preserving natural environmental resources for the benefit of present and future generations
The Chairperson of the EPAA explained that these strategic goals and objectives are translated through scientific research projects and the development of appropriate policies to create awareness. She highlighted the importance of support for sustainable development to preserve natural environmental resources and protect them for present and future generations. Participation and teamwork between public institutions related to environmental affairs at the scientific and practical levels that involve members of society sharing expertise and resources would ensure success. In addition, she expressed how exercising legal procedures and measures at the company level would help deter and prevent practices that would damage the environment.
Achieving and developing research and technical cooperation in the fields of earth sciences, development of mineral resources and related sciences
Under this agreement, the two parties will work to achieve and develop research and technical cooperation in earth sciences and the development of mineral resources and related sciences. This will include sharing experiences of earth sciences, mineral resources, and associated sciences, exchanging studies, scientific research, publications, reports, and documents. In addition, it will include the provision of geological maps of the Emirate of Sharjah, enabling researchers to identify the region's geological features and use them to conduct advanced studies.
The agreement also provides for conducting a geological study of Sir Bu Nair Island, creating and developing a geology department and another for petroleum at the Natural History & Botanical Museum at the EPAA's headquarters in Sharjah.
It will also include implementing projects and initiatives dedicated to training national cadres to raise and empower Emirati youth energies.
Regarding education and awareness, the agreement paves the way for organising and coordinating workshops, seminars, and specialised programmes in earth sciences and mineral resources and preserving the geological heritage of the country. Mutual technical and research field visits and joint geological events, exhibitions, and conferences will also be conducted.
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