The UAE government's initiatives to improve and enhance green development and creating programmes to promote sustainable energy in rural areas are among the set of recommendations made at the fourth Ajman International Environment Conference (AIEC 2016).

The AIEC held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman concluded yesterday with a set of recommendations made by the attending body of global academics and experts who shared their experience latest studies and research with delegates.

These recommendations presented by the speakers during their presentations included: importance of following government initiatives to improve and enhance green development as well as creating programmes to promote sustainable energy in rural areas and introducing initiatives to increase awareness of the use of solar energy water recycling and waste management. The speakers also recommended that the Government of Ajman legislate the use of renewable energy initially in new buildings by at least 5-10percent and finally learn form the case study examples of recycling that were presented over the two-day conference.

During a session Sharjah-based academic Mahsa Hashemi showcased the possibilities for the usage of the existing wetlands in the emirates as a means of wastewater treatment as well as the design considerations that should be made when designing future wetlands that can provide similarly positive environmental benefits.

Professor Joseph Hobbs Director of the Vietnam Institute University of Missouri in the USA chaired the headline session on 'Sustainable Practices in the United Arab Emirates' where the distinguished participating experts highlighted the knowledge experience and best practices being implemented at their various global institutions. Topics ranged from the increasing use of drone applications to monitor and enhance environmental performance life-saving road safety recommendations for the UAE to sustainable hotel management practices that have incorporated recycling and a greener supply chain.

The conference assembled a special panel led by Professor Miklas Scholz Chair in Civil Engineering at the University of Salford in the UK on the importance of green infrastructure on improving environment practices. The session witnessed an A list of expertise including Jos G. Vargas-Hernndez from the University of Guadalajara who discussed the development and outlook for solar and renewable projects in Mexico a country with climatic similarities to the UAE. Also discussed at length was the effect that innovative new solar panel design has on the performance of solar performance.

The closing day of the conference also saw international experts discussing their thoughts on green innovation during a session chaired by Sheikha Dr Nahla Al Qassimi Ajman University of Science and Technology UAE. During this UAE-based Ikko Tucker briefed the delegates on the Educational Project for Spreading Sustainability Awareness.

Experts and academics from India included Ravinder Nath Batta who discussed SMEs and Sustainable Tourism. His countryman Gagan Preet Kaur spoke about the role of ICT for building capacities towards renewable energy energy efficiency and creating smart cities through sustainable resource use.

Speakers from Finland Malaysia Nigeria Indonesia the USA Canada Kuwait Jordan the Russian Federation Germany and the UK attended the conference to share knowledge and best practices before leaving delegates with recommendations on the closing day.

Attending the conference the Director General of the Municipality and Planning Department of Ajman HE Yehya Ibrahim Ahmed presented awards to the sponsors and participants of the conference in appreciation of their contribution and commitment to the noble cause of environmental betterment.

Speaking khaleejtimes yahya Al Reyaysa said that AIEC 2016 has become a significant influence within the UAE's environmental agenda this year involving the highest ever number of participating global experts.

Afkar Abdullah