NMDC Group, a global leader in engineering, procurement, construction and marine dredging, in collaboration with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), has launched an innovative beach cleaning initiative that aims to tackle plastic pollution and safeguard marine ecosystems along Abu Dhabi’s coastline on this year’s World Environment Day. During the project’s first phase, NMDC Group and EAD will deploy two beach cleaning machines that are capable of processing various types of waste, particularly plastic pollution.
Fighting plastic pollution
Notably, the United Nations expects plastic pollution to triple by 2040. Therefore, NMDC Group and EAD’s collaboration highlights the two entities’ commitment to environmental preservation, natural resource protection, and the fight against plastic pollution in marine ecosystems and along beaches. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’ 2024. Moreover, it supports the country’s sustainability and environmental efforts, ensuring its recovery from environmental challenges and preventing future degradation.
“On World Environment Day, our dedication to protecting marine waters continues, and we will continue to support national and global environmental efforts to protect and restore ecosystems for comprehensive sustainable development,” stated Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary-general of EAD.
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Cutting-edge beach cleaning machines
During the project’s first phase, NMDC Group and EAD will deploy the beach cleaning machines along Abu Dhabi’s shores. These machines are capable of operating in shallow waters and reaching depths of up to half a meter. Each machine features a 15-meter-long and 4-meter-wide hydraulic arm, enabling efficient collection of waste and debris from the water’s surface. In addition, the machines are lightweight at approximately nine tonnes, which allows them to easily move and operate in different aquatic environments.
For his part, engineer Yasser Zaghloul, group CEO of NMDC Group, stated: “In the second phase of the initiative, we plan to expand the deployment of this equipment to ensure the safety of seawaters and beaches from harmful contaminants, particularly plastic particles that threaten marine life and habitats.”
NMDC Group has implemented several environmental initiatives across the UAE to promote sustainability. Among its most notable projects is the Eastern Mangroves project in Abu Dhabi where it dredged channels and created additional irrigation, recycling a million cubic tonnes of water.
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