NMDC Group And EAD Introduce Pioneering Beach-Cleaning Technology On World Environment Day

Marking this year’s World Environment Day, centred around the theme ‘Our Land, Our Future’, NMDC Group has partnered with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) to launch an innovative beach cleaning initiative. This project aims to tackle plastic pollution and safeguard marine ecosystems along Abu Dhabi's coastline. The first phase will see the deployment of two specialised beach cleaning machines capable of processing various types of waste, especially plastic pollution, which is expected to triple globally by 2040, according to the United Nations.

This collaborative effort reflects NMDC Group's and EAD’s shared commitment to environmental preservation and natural resource protection. It aligns with the objectives of the UAE's ‘Year of Sustainability’ 2024 and supports the country's ongoing efforts to uphold sustainable practices and protect its natural environment. The initiative aims to ensure recovery from environmental challenges and prevent future degradation.

In the initial phase, NMDC Group will deploy its innovative beach cleaning machines along Abu Dhabi's shores. These specialised machines are designed to operate in shallow waters, reaching depths up to half a metre. They are noted for their exceptional manoeuvrability and agility. Each machine features a 15-metre-long and 4-metre-wide hydraulic arm, enabling efficient collection of waste and debris from the water's surface.

Despite their powerful waste collection capabilities, these machines are relatively lightweight at approximately 9 tonnes. This facilitates easy movement and deployment across various aquatic environments. The machines are expected to significantly reduce plastic pollution along the coastline.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, stated, "This initiative is in line with our strategic objectives and national directives and is set to play a vital role in preserving natural resources and protecting them from environmental challenges and risks. It is also part of our citizen science education programme, ‘Sahim’. We hope it will contribute to creating a healthy, clean, and safe environment for every community member in Abu Dhabi."

She added, "On World Environment Day, our dedication to protecting marine waters continues. We will continue to support national and global environmental efforts to protect and restore ecosystems for comprehensive sustainable development. Each community member has a responsibility towards their ecosystems and natural resources."

Engineer Yasser Zaghloul, Group CEO of NMDC Group, commented, "This initiative is a testament to our commitment to delivering green solutions to protect aquatic ecosystems and to implementing sustainable practices that support environmental sustainability. 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."

Future Plans

Zaghloul further stated, "Our partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi signifies our collective commitment to tackling growing environmental threats worldwide. This cooperation stems from our national and social responsibilities to protect diverse ecosystems. By adopting swift and adaptable sustainability-driven actions, we support the quality of life for people and communities."

NMDC Group has implemented several environmental initiatives across the UAE as part of its sustainability efforts. Projects like the Eastern Mangroves in Abu Dhabi exemplify their commitment to environmental health. In this project, they dredged channels and created additional irrigation, recycling a million cubic tonnes of water.

The collaboration between NMDC Group and EAD on this beach cleaning initiative highlights their dedication to addressing environmental challenges effectively. Through these efforts, they aim to contribute meaningfully to sustainable practices that benefit both local communities and global ecosystems.

With inputs from WAM