TechnoPark to set up integrated water management centre of excellence
TechnoPark, the fully-owned subsidiary of Economic Zones World, local hosts of the International Desalination Association (IDA) World Congress 2009, is moving ahead, through its R&D arm, Dubai Institute of Technology (DIT) to focus its research and development activities in water desalination and water re-use issues by establishing a Centre of Excellence for Integrated Water Management.
Details of this Centre of Excellence will be revealed by Salma Hareb, Chief Executive Officer of Economic Zones World, at the opening ceremony of the International Desalination Association World Congress 2009, taking place in Dubai from November the 7th till the 12th, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
TechnoPark is Economic Zones World’s major technology initiative, which focuses on water, alternate energy and knowledge sectors. Dubai Institute of Technology, the R&D arm of TechnoPark will set up a world-class Centre of Excellence to undertake applied research in Water Cycles, sustainable solutions for the ecosystem and the proper use of water resources.
Commenting on the growing demand for water in the country, Hamad Al Hashemi, Managing Director of Dubai Institute of Technology – TechnoPark stated that DIT is examining how to manage water resources in the most sustainable manner for the future. He added: “Despite the scarcity of natural water resources, residents of the UAE are among the highest per capita water users in the world, consuming an average of 550 litres per day. The UAE relies on renewable and nonrenewable groundwater and desalinated water for supply. DIT will undertake research and development on both these fronts. We are looking into governance of resources in the framework of economic, social and cultural contexts.”
Explaining further, Al Hashemi said “The interests of water authorities, industrial and agricultural consortiums and nature conservancy agencies often conflict calling for a careful definition of water management objectives, taking into account the interests of all parties concerned. The search for sustainable solutions for the management of freshwater ecosystems includes measures to safeguard biodiversity and to protect the ecosystem which we intend to do. We will reveal more details on our plans at the Desalination World Congress.”
TechnoPark will play host to the IDA World Congress “Desalination for a Better World” set to take place from November 7 – 12, 2009, at the Atlantis Resort – The Palm under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The event will address global water management and desalination issues including new modern technologies that reduce energy requirements, enhance sustainability and address environmental responsibility. Challenges, trends and advances in the industry will be discussed with the aim to make desalination and water reuse both sustainable and affordable.
To deal with this topic, DIT/TP is organizing a special Environment & Water Workshop on the first day of the event in coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Water, Ministry of Energy ,and the IDA.
