Brigadier Mohammed Abdullah Alwan, Director General for Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Ajman, recently announced that the directorate plans on reducing electricity consumption by 10%, the cost of maintenance by 45%, while increasing green space up to more than 70%. He also pointed out that reclaimed wastewater will be used for irrigation: “Such actions aim to spread the culture of conservation among staff members,” he noted.
During the first Green Applications Forum, Brigadier Alwan gave an overview of the positive indicators that have been achieved in the area of energy conservation at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Ajman. The Forum, organized by the Naturalization, Residency and Ports Sector at the Ministry of Interior, was held at Ajman University with the participation of governmental and civil entities. It was attended by Brigadier Ghareeb Mohammed Al Hosani, Director General of the Ports and Airports Security Department, as well as a number of Heads of Residency and Ports departments in the State and senior officers at the Ministry of Interior.
In a speech delivered at the forum, Brigadier Alwan said that the Ministry of Interior has several plans and programs in the area of green applications, in line with the federal government’s strategy aiming to preserve the environment, promote sustainable development and implement the best global practices in green applications. He indicated that the ministry has carried out programs, initiatives, projects, and awareness workshops; to enhance environment protection efforts and increase awareness among its staff members.
“The Ministry of Interior seeks optimal commitment to proper behavior towards green applications, ultimately minimizing the negative impacts of its operations on the environment. Hence, the Ministry of Interior becomes a forerunner in implementing the best sustainable environmental practices, in addition to conducting its operation responsibly, commensurate with its vision, and as per the environment, health and occupational safety regulations,” he added.
During the Forum, a number of work papers were discussed. The work paper submitted by Engineer Aisha Al Abdooli, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for the Environmental Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Environment and Water, shed light on the prominent features and processes of the UAE’s National Strategy for Green Growth. It also highlighted the importance of green economy and its most important pillars. Another work paper was submitted by Engineer Shehab Rabiah, from the Federal Electricity and Water Authority titled “Green Applications… ideas and Practices”, which tackled the most prominent initiatives that have already been implemented by the Authority in this regard.
The forum also tackled a work paper on excellence in the field of environment and green applications, submitted by Captain Engineer Rashed Khalfan Al Kindi, Occupational Safety Branch Manager in the Directorate General of Strategy and Performance Development at Abu Dhabi Police. Captain Al Kindi highlighted the evolution of the Abu Dhabi Police’s interest in environmental issues. He indicated that by the end of 2009, a section was established at the Strategy and Performance Development Section at Abu Dhabi Police GHQ aiming to develop plans, programs, and initiatives to preserve the environment and improve the police leadership’s environmental performance. He added that a main committee was formed at the police leadership level, and was tasked with studying and implementing the best international practices for Environmental Management Systems. A total of 510 staff members were appointed as environmental coordinators across all