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A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday (15 June, 2010) between the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) to promote cooperation in the fields of scientific research and building capacities.
The MoU was signed by H.E. Majid Ali Al Mansouri, EAD’s Secretary General, on behalf of the Agency and H.E. Dr. Abdullah Saad Al Khanbashi, UAEU Vice Chancellor on behalf of the University.
”Through this joint cooperation, both parties will exchange data and benefit from a wide variety of opportunities in research to face growing environmental challenges such as climate change and environmental health,” said Al Mansouri.
“The University will provide research expertise to EAD to help achieve a healthy environment for different sectors of the community,” said Dr. Abdullah Al Khanbashi, UAEU Vice Chancellor.
The MOU outlines a framework for joint cooperation in the areas of applied research and capacity building within both parties. Emiratis will be capacity built through internships and by supporting graduate programmes offered by the University in areas of common interest, in accordance with projects carried out by EAD in collaboration with the University. For example, Emiratis would be involved in one of EAD’s most prominent projects, in which currently UAE University is collaborating on: the National Strategy and Action Plan for Environmental Health. This project aims to identify priority health threats caused by environmental factors in the UAE and estimate the burden of disease caused by these factors.
Moreover, EAD will be supporting the University’s efforts to establish a Center of Excellence in Water Resources Management and an Abu Dhabi Gene Bank. This Gene Bank, which is a project that EAD commissioned the University to carry out, will help conserve the UAE’s native plants by restoring the botanical heritage of the United Arab Emirates. The Gene Bank will also help reacquaint the community with the beauty of arid plants and their habitats.
A joint committee has been formed, consisting of three members from each party, to develop an action plan and timeline. This MoU will be in effect for five years from the date of signing. It shall be automatically renewed for a similar period, unless one party decides to terminate it.
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