The Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) of Abu Dhabi said the environment-focused awareness workshop organised recently enabled strategic planners from various entities present their organisation’s initiatives and discuss common goals and future collaboration.

The seminar, at the Beach Rotana Hotel, Abu Dhabi involved senior executives and managers from the Department of Municipal Affairs, Environment Agency (EAD), Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Western Region Municipality.

Ahmed Shareef, undersecretary of the Department of Municipal Affairs, said: "The Department of Municipal Affairs acts as the key facilitator of cohesive municipal planning in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and it is imperative that we continually engage in intensive strategic discussions with central governmental organisations such as the Environment Agency.

"This is in-line with the department's objectives of regularly carrying-out overall tactical or structural exercises that enhance the level of expertise on important specific issues and mandates like the environment, but also allows for better integration of our internal communications systems on such key topics."

As the leader of the municipal system, the Department of Municipal Affairs presentation focused on core business areas such as:

1) Municipal governance setting, definitions, policies/regulations standards and municipal system oversight

2) Coordination of urban planning for sustainable development

3) Municipal standards definition, review, and monitoring of enforcement and compliance monitoring

4) Municipal support, and coordination and promotion of best practices

5) Property regulations, registration and land information management

Key environmental initiatives that were discussed included:

a) Clean city index in coordination with other stakeholders

b) Comprehensive pest control programs

c) Recycling programs

d) Waste management programs

e) Waste collection and street cleaning

f) Supportive public awareness programs

The DMA said conducting strategic workshops for the municipalities and related government bodies is its key priority. - TradeArabia News Service