(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Â The UAE, despite the fact that around 80 per cent of its area is covered by desert, remains committed to international efforts to combat desertification, Dr Rashid Ahmed bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water, emphasised on Sunday.
"The UAE joins the rest of the world in celebrating the World Day to Combat Desertification on June 17, and reiterates its commitment to its theme "Don't let our future dry up", the minister said.
He explained that "the UAE follows a wise policy to sustain and conserve its desert environment and resources which constitute an integral part of our history and heritage, and at the same time combat the causes of desertification. This includes the reclamation and afforestation of large desert areas and the creation of green belts using local flora and salt-tolerant trees and shrubs."
He affirmed that the ministry, through its 2014-2016 strategy, will continue its efforts to improve the protection of fragile habitats, to manage desert lands using integrated management methods and to survey underground water reservoirs.
To face the challenges arising from desertification, the UAE has increased its desalination capacity to meet the rising demand on water, he noted.
Through a clear and ambitious plan, the UAE government has been working tirelessly towards making the UAE, which is considered a dry land, an economic and tourism destination, Bin Fahd said, noting that the UAE is committed to the goals of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) which was established in 1994.
This year's World Day to Combat Desertification is dedicated to highlighting the global risks of drought and water scarcity.
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