Dubai has recently unveiled an ambitious plan called the Dubai Reef project, focusing on a massive ocean reef development. Led by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan, the Crown Prince of Dubai, and in collaboration with various government entities like the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the Regulatory Committee on Fishing of Living Aquatic Resources, Dubai Chambers, the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and Nakheel, this groundbreaking initiative aims to preserve the environment and promote ecological sustainability.
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The Dubai Reef project plays a vital role in increasing fish stocks, supporting sustainable fishing practices, fortifying food security, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering marine biodiversity. It is aligned with Dubai’s broader sustainability agenda outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and seeks to enhance the emirate’s global standing as a leading sustainable city.
Encompassing a vast area of 600 square kilometers in Dubai’s pristine waters, the project utilizes artificial reef modules of varying sizes, totaling over 400,000 cubic meters. These reefs not only have the capacity to capture over seven million tonnes of carbon annually but also aid in habitat restoration, coastal protection, and the revival of marine biodiversity along Dubai’s coastline.
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Recognizing the symbiotic relationship between sustainability and economic growth, key partners like Nakheel actively contribute to Dubai’s sustainability goals. They understand the importance of prioritizing environmental stewardship in their actions.
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The Dubai Reef project will be executed in four phases, starting deployment in Q1 2024. Its completion within a four-year timeframe aligns seamlessly with the sustainability goals and strategies of COP28.
From an environmental perspective, this project promises to sustain coastal infrastructure and serve as a thriving hub for marine life, effectively combating the adverse effects of climate change in the Gulf region. On the socio-economic front, it creates job opportunities, enhances marine recreational activities, and supports the UAE’s food security strategy.
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By solidifying Dubai’s commitment to marine conservation, in line with the UAE National Framework for Sustainable Fisheries 2019-2030, the Dubai Reef project contributes significantly to global efforts towards a sustainable future.
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