Forum on Environmental Law
13th October 2004

Speakers:

• Mr. Farid Ahmed, Honorary Member of EEG - Welcome Speech
  
• Dr Saad Al Numairy, Environmental Advisor, UAE Federal Environmental Agency - Environmental Law in the UAE
  
• Ms. Sylvia Bankobeza, Division of Policy Development and Law, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - International and Regional Environmental Legal Instruments
  
• Mr. Richard Briggs, Partner, Al Tamimi & Company - Legal Developments with the UAE's Offshore Environment
  
• Mr. Graham Lovett, Partner, Clifford Chance - Corporate Policy and the Environment
  

Complying with national and international laws is essential for businesses wherever they operate, and for those businesses with activities in an environmentally sensitive region such as the Gulf, understanding and meeting environmental legislation is all the more important. The Economy of the UAE is growing at an exponential rate with new companies starting up or relocating to the country every day. This puts an increasing burden on our natural resources. To ensure sustainable growth that will not exacerbate existing environmental concerns both the government and business have a role to play in drawing up environmental policy and legislation that is easily implemented and effective.

The Forum on Environmental Law brought together key players from various government bodies, international organisations and a wide range of companies, enabling delegates to gain a deeper insight into laws that impact their business and to consider practical implementation initiatives that incorporate the requirements of all parties.

National expert, Dr Saad Al Numairy, Environmental Advisor to the Federal Environmental Agency (FEA) provided a detailed insight into the workings of the Federal Environmental Law and provoked a lively discussion to start the day. Dr. Al Numairy's presentation covered the UAE Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 Concerning the Protection and Development of the Environment, covering such aspects as the protection of water, soil and air, and liability and compensation for environmental damages.

Ms Sylvia Bankobeza of the Division of Policy Development and Law at the United Nations Environment Programme's Legal Department in Nairobi complemented the national focus of Dr Saad's presentation with her own presentation on international environmental law.

During the afternoon session the workshop focussed on the local level hearing from two law firms working in Dubai. Of particular interest to delegates representing Dubai's oil industry was a presentation by Mr. Richard Briggs, Partner at Al Tamimi and Company legal consultants. Mr. Briggs shared his experience of working with the Oil Compensation Fund on environmental and legal issues.

Mr. Graham Lovett, Partner of Clifford Chance, international legal consultants, brought the day's agenda back to the central theme of CSR and its links to environmental law.