Renewable Energy in Bahrain – Perspectives

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Bahrain is making significant move towards being viable and sustainable in the renewable energy sector, according to the Sustainable Energy Unit Annual Report 2018 published on September 2nd, 2019. The nation is moving forward one eco-friendly step at a time. A significant step forward is the establishment of the net-metering system which is a part of the National Renewable Energy Action Plan. This action plan embraces renewable energy as a viable and essential component for generating energy in Bahrain to ensure a sustainable future in energy production.

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Net-metering System

The net-metering system enables private individual households, companies and industry to install renewable energy systems, especially solar PV cell systems, on their property in order to generate an energy supply. The energy generated can first service the place of the initial energy harnessing, after which surplus energy can then be feed into the national grid through the EWA electricity network to supplement the national energy grid.

The benefits are a two-way arrangement whereby the national grid receives an enhanced energy supply while the energy provider receives a financial credit on the provider’s energy demand networked system.

Notable Initiatives

Other initiatives include the installation of solar PV systems on over 50 government building rooftops (approaching 9% of the government buildings in Bahrain) as well as on commercial operations such as the Avenues Mall in the Bahrain Harbour district. Solar energy capture is a natural and obvious choice in this part of the region. A comprehensive study of the potential of wind energy harnessing in Bahrain has also been undertaken. The labeling of energy efficient appliances, especially air conditioners, has been embraced by partnering with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism.

The Sustainable Energy Unit (SEU) which was established in late 2014, is a centre that bridges between the Ministry of Electricity and Water Authority and with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). This joint venture is charged to achieve a cohesive and sustainable energy policy for the Kingdom. The SEU will act as a bridge between the legal component, logistical planning, institutional facilitation, and generation of renewable energy that will meet the future needs and demands of the energy sector nationwide.

Since the inception of the SEU, two key policies for the Kingdom of Bahrain have been developed. The two plans are the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) and the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP).

The SEU unit has the mandate to lead and promote renewable energy production by endorsing the use of energy efficient technology. This unit also develops energy policies and frameworks, by identifying feasible energy models best suited to meet the needs of the stakeholders and the energy providers.

Rationale for Renewable Energy in Bahrain

The primary energy supply has grown by 4.2% over the past twenty years while the energy consumption rate has grown by 5.3% over the same time period (NEEAP Executive Summary Report, 2018). The non-industrial energy consumption rate has increased at a greater rate of 6.6% per year. The national power production is solely dependent on the generation of electricity from natural gas. The projection of current consumption far exceeds the current production or energy. Hence the need to embrace renewable energy and energy efficiency as viable options to ensure power for future generations.

By embracing renewable energy options, the nation will also be moving towards a reduction in CO2 emissions. It is envisaged that a target of 6% of energy generated will be from renewable course by 2025. The overall benefits will include a reduction in the energy production at the national level (due to localized solar PV systems) which will in effect mean monetary savings for the government, lower investment needs at the national level in terms of energy production, and a reduction in CO2 emissions as a nation.

Unending Benefits of Clean Energy

By installing solar photovoltaic systems on a domestic household and having your system net-metered into the national grid provides many benefits. These benefits are personal advantageous but are also beneficial to the surrounding environs. So it’s a win-win situation for the household owner, the community, the nation and for the globe. These benefits include reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and the associated harmful effects on the natural environment.

For the homeowner, the monthly electricity bill will be reduced significantly because you are generating your own energy source. Yes, there is a personal investment, but there are loan schemes available to help bridge the financial obligation. Over time, the benefits will all be direct financial gain and reduction in total expenditure. At the same time, individuals will be investing in their own country, helping to create new job opportunities as more people invest in renewable energy, and as stated earlier, you will contribute to enhancing a cleaner environment by lowering your individual carbon footprint.

Conclusion

Therefore, as individual households embrace renewable energy, eventually entire communities will be self-sustaining and securing all these benefits. The whole nation will also benefit as more communities embrace the self-sustaining practices in Bahrain.

للتأقلم مع موجات الجفاف مزارعون تونسيون يلجؤون إلى زراعة نباتات جديدة

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مع ازدياد تواتر فترات الجفاف في تونس ، لجأ عدد من المزارعين التونسيين إلى طرق تمكنهم من التأقلم مع ضعف المحاصيل و تجنب استنزاف الموارد المائية. و أستطاع المزارع محمد منصف حمدوني الذي يقطن بمحافظة سيدي بوزيد غراسة نباتات “المورينجا و الكينوا و السيسبانيا” بعد أن أصبحت موجة الجفاف ، التي تضرب تونس للعام الثالث على التوالي ، تمثّل تهديدا لمحصوله.

وأفاد في تصريح لإيكومينا أنه انطلق في تجربة زراعة نبتة “المورينجا” منذ حوالي سنتين ونصف “مبديا انبهاره بالنتائج المشجعة التي حقّقها خصوصا مع سرعة نموها و انخفاض تكلفتها .

و تابع حمدوني  ، الذي يشغل كذلك منصب رئيس اتحاد النقابات الزراعية بسيدي بوزيد ، استعداده التام  للإحاطة بالمزارعين في مختلف محافظات البلاد لتعميم تجربة  غراسة نبتة “الكينوا”.

و تواجه 75 % من الأراضي التونسيّة خطر التصحّر،  تبدو أكثرها حدّة في محافظة تطاوين  التي تبلغ نسبة الصحراء فيها أكثر من 90 % ، وهو ما دفع المزارع محمد حرّار إلى غراسة بذور مورينجا استقدمها من الهند.

وأشار حرار لمراسل لإيكومينا  أنّ ” نبتة المورينجا قادرة على التكيّف مع مختلف الظروف المناخية فضلا عن كونها من أسرع النباتات نمواً في العالم، إذ يصل ارتفاعها إلى أكثر من مترين في أقل من شهرين.”

وساهم نجاح هاتين التجربتين في ارتفاع الإقبال على زراعة هذه الأصناف الجديدة رغم صعوبة استصدار تراخيص لاستيراد بذورها.

و لكن عددا من الخبراء في الشأن البيئي يحذّرون من تأثير هذا التوجّه على جودة المحاصيل المحلية.

و أكد الخبير البيئي  حمدي حشاد في تصريح للإيكومينا أن هذه المبادرات الفردية تمثل رد فعل طبيعي للتأقلم مع التغيرات  المناخية التي تمس القطاع الزراعي ، إلا أنّ جلب البذور من الخارج رغم مساهمته في إثراء التنوع النباتي سيؤثر سلبا على الموروث الجيني التونسي.”

مضيفا أنّ التنوّع الإيكولوجي في تونس سيشهد تغيرات جوهريّة بسبب تداعيات التغيّرات المناخيّة ستختفي بموجبها أصناف نباتية عديدة.

خطر التغيّرات المناخيّة

تمثّل التغيرات المناخية واحدة من القضايا المحورية التي يتعين على تونس معالجتها خلال السنوات القادمة، لا سيما وأن معظم الدراسات الدولية قد أشارت إلى أنّ دول جنوب البحر الأبيض المتوسط من أشد مناطق العالم هشاشة حيال الانعكاسات المتوقعة لهذه الظاهرة.

و تقف تونس اليوم في مواجهة جملة من التحديات أهمها انخفاض الموارد المائية بنسبة 28 بالمائة مع حلول سنة 2030 و تراجع المياه السطحية بنسبة 50 بالمائة اضافة الى تقلص مساهمة الانتاج الزراعي في الناتج الداخلي الخام بـ22.5 بالمائة و تدني الانتاج الفلاحي بـ52 بالمائة ، حسب بيانات رسمية لوزارة البيئة التونسيّة.

و أظهرت بعض الدراسات التي تم إعدادها في تونس، بالتعاون مع البنك الدولي و ”برنامج الأمم المتحدة الإنمائي ” أن كلفة أضرار التغيرات المناخية على القطاع الزراعي في تونس  قد قدرت ( في 2012) بما يناهز 3 إلى 3.9 مليار دينار إلى حدود سنة 2030 مع انخفاض النمو الزراعي بنسبة تتراوح بين 0.3 و1.1 بالمائة سنويا إلى حدود سنة 2030.

و على الرغم من التقدّم الذي أُحرِز في تونس في السنوات الأخيرة، جعلت الأزمات السياسية و الاقتصادية و الاجتماعية الحكومات التونسية المتعاقبة عاجزة عن تطبيق مقاربة شاملة لسياسة التكيّف.

و يعتبر ملاحظون أنّ النجاح في دسترة الحق في بيئة سليمة  في تونس لم تقابلها خطوات جديّة  على طريق الاستجابة إلى أهداف الألفية للأمم المتحدة في ما يتعلق بالمناخ.

Can Cryptocurrency Ever Be Environmentally Friendly?

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Climate change is rapidly affecting public health, especially in places that already experience extreme weather or have poor access to healthcare. The switch to renewable energy sources is inevitable if we want to save our planet, but where does that leave digital currency like Bitcoin?

Can Bitcoin be environmentally friendly

What Bitcoin’s Defenders Say (and Why it’s Important)

The question of how to responsibly use Bitcoin goes beyond using credit cards to fund crypto purchases; it involves how we use the currency itself. We used to think that fossil fuels only impacted the earth if there was a spill. In reality, our daily use of fossil fuels is what’s killing us.

While there’s plenty of evidence to back this up, it falls on deaf ears. To examine whether or not Bitcoin can be environmentally friendly, we need to tackle common arguments appropriately.

“If Bitcoin is used by more people, it has the potential to reduce energy consumption.”

  • It’s unlikely Bitcoin will replace the banking industry. Bitcoin’s value isn’t tied to anything, whereas governments have an invested interest in keeping the currency stable.
  • Bitcoin uses a proof-of-work model to validate transactions and keep them safe and secure. This process is still really wasteful, even when miners switch to proof-of-stake.

“Bitcoin is aiming to switch to renewable energy sources (and moving away from coal).”

  • While this is positive, renewable energy isn’t made out of thin air. It’s collected and stored. If crypto miners use this energy, they’re taking it from another industry.
  • Since Bitcoin mining requires special hardware, it can’t be repurposed. Not only does this cost a lot, but it also produces more waste that has nothing to do with energy.

“The rapid adoption of Bitcoin could incentivize increased renewable consumption.”

  • Any reason to switch to renewable energy is typically good. However, Bitcoin miners need a constant supply of power, and they still produce electrical waste either way.

“Even if Bitcoin isn’t environmentally friendly, there are other cryptocurrencies that are.”

  • This is true. Chia, IOTA, Cardano, Nano, and Solarcoin are more environmentally friendly than Bitcoin. However, “less damage” doesn’t equate to being eco-friendly.
  • We would also have to assume that people will pull their money out of Bitcoin and switch to another currency, that Bitcoin will go green, or that Bitcoin will only allow miners to use renewable energy while mining. There’s a slim chance that this will happen.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to ask people to stop using something that affects our environment when money is involved, so our best-case scenario is switching to a greener cryptocurrency.

bitcoin-renewable-energy

How Cryptocurrency Could Become Environmentally Friendly

Based on our research, the process of creating an environmentally friendly blockchain and cryptocurrency isn’t possible, but that doesn’t mean that won’t be the case in the future.

If cryptocurrency wants to eliminate its environmental impact, it has to:

  • Be backed by something that can be tracked or;
  • Be taken seriously by governments.
  • Switch to something better than a proof-of-stake model.
  • Convince countries to only use renewable resources.
  • Use electrical technology that can be reused multiple times.
  • Save enough energy for other industries.
  • Convince others to switch to more environmentally friendly coins.

These standards seem high, but the blockchain won’t be able to offer banking services to the 2 billion people around the world who desperately need it in its current state. We have to consider if we can afford the extra environmental cost while we’re in the midst of a climate catastrophe.

Visa and Mastercard consume 91.8 kWh and 70 kWh per 100,000 transactions, respectively, which is much higher than IOTA, which consumes 11 kWh per 100,000 transactions. It’s clear to see that the potential is there, but it will be a while before a total environmental shift is made.

Recommended Resource: How to Buy and Sell Crypto

التأثير البيئي لمعالجة مخلفات زيت الزيتون

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olive-oil-wastesتعد زراعة الزيتون وإنتاج زيت الزيتون جزءاً من التراث المحلي والاقتصاد الريفي في كافة أنحاء منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا وأكثر ما يشتهر به هذا المحصول هو استخدامه في الطبخ وفي الاستعمالات الطبية. في عام 2012، قدر إنتاج العالم من زيت الزيتون بنحو 2903.676 طن، وتعد إسبانيا وإيطاليا واليونان من أكبر منتجي زيت الزيتون في العالم، تليها في الترتيب تركيا وتونس ثم البرتغال والمغرب والجزائر. في الاتحاد الأوروبي وحده يوجد حوالي 2.5 مليون منتِج في قطاع الزيتون، يشكلون مجتمعين حوالي ثلث مزارعي الاتحاد الأوروبي.

توفر صناعة زيت الزيتون فرصًا قيمة للمزارعين من حيث التوظيف الموسمي بالإضافة إلى توفير فرص عمل مهمة خارج نطاق المزرارع مثل العمل في المطاحن وتصنيع المحاصيل المنتجة. وبالرغم من أن هذه الصناعة لها فوائد اقتصادية كبيرة فيما يتعلق بالأرباح والوظائف؛ إلا أن لها جانباً سلبياً وهو أنها تؤدي إلى ضرر وتدهور بيئي شديد.

الجانب الآخر

هناك نوعان من الأنظمة المستخدمة لاستخراج زيت الزيتون حالياً، النظام الاول على ثلاث مراحل والثاني على مرحلتين. يقوم كلا النظامين بتوليد كميات كبيرة من المنتجات الثانوية. ينتج من النظام الثلاثي المراحل نوعين من المنتجات الثانوية هما: (1) بقايا صلبة تعرف باسم كعكة الزيتون (OPC) و كميات كبيرة من السوائل المعروفة باسم النفايات السائلة لطحن الزيتون (OMW). هذا النظام ينتج عادة 20 ٪ من زيت الزيتون، و30 ٪ نفايات OP، و50 ٪ سوائل OMW،

نظام المرحلتين أكثر تعقيداً حيث يتم في هذا النظام تقليل حجم السوائل الناتجة عن طريق استخدام كمية أقل من المياه، ويبقى الكثير من هذه السوائل أوالمياه محتبسة مع المواد السامة داخل كعكة الزيتون الصلبة، وبذلك ينتج مخلفات شبه صلبة (SOR). وفي حين أن نظام المرحلتين ينتج كمية أقل من المخلفات  السائلة ، إلا أن  SOR التي ينتجها  تحتوي على المواد العضوية بتركيز عال  مما يؤدي إلى نسبة تلوث مرتفعة لا يمكن التعامل معها بسهولة من خلال التكنولوجيا التقليدية التي يتم استخدامها مع كعكة الزيتون الناتجة عن النظام ثلاثي المراحل.

وبغض النظر عن النظام المستخدم، فإن الفضلات السائلة الناتجة عن إنتاج زيت الزيتون تتميز بنسبة عالية من السمية النباتية والميكروبات، ويرجع ذلك إلى الفينولات وهي مركبات بلورية سامة وحارقة. من الممكن أن تؤدي هذه النفايات السائلة  إلى أضرار بيئية خطيرة ومقلقة مالم يتم التخلص منها بشكل صحيح. للأسف، لا توجد سياسة عامة للتخلص من هذه النفايات في المناطق المنتجة لزيت الزيتون حول العالم، مما يؤدي إلى عدم المقدرة على الرصد والمراقبة  وبالتالي تعذر توحيد تطبيق الأدلة  الإرشادية في هذه المناطق.

مخاوف بيئية

يتم إنتاج حوالي 30 مليون مترا مكعبا من المياه العادمة من معاصر الزيتون سنوياً في منطقة البحر الأبيض المتوسط. وبما أنه ليس من الممكن التخلص من هذا النوع من المياه العادمة عن طريق أنظمة معالجة مياه الصرف العادية، لذا، فإن التخلص الآمن من هذه النفايات يشكل مصدر قلق بيئي خطير. إضافة الى ذلك – ولاحتوائها على مركبات معقدة – فإن النفايات المنتجة من الزيتون ليست قابلة للتحلل بسهولة وتحتاج إلى معالجة قبل استخدامها بشكل سليم في العمليات الزراعية والصناعية الأخرى.

يضعنا هذا الموضوع أمام مشكلة خطيرة عند التفكير بالمعالجة وإزالة السموم حيث أن جميع الحلول المتطورة  مكلفة للغاية بالنسبة للبلدان النامية في الشرق الأوسط وشمال افريقيا مثل المغرب والجزائر وتونس حيث يتم التخلص من النفايات الناتجة في الأنهار والبحيرات أو إعادة استخدامها في الري، مما يؤدي الى تلوث المياه الجوفية وإتخام البحيرات والأنهار والقنوات بالنفايات السائلة، وهذا بدوره يؤدي إلى تناقص أعداد النباتات المائية والأسماك وغيرها من الحيوانات بسبب النمو المفرط للطحالب. عند موت الطحالب وتحللها، فإن المستويات العالية من المواد العضوية والكائنات المتحللة تستنزف الأكسجين الموجود في المياه مما يؤدي إلى انخفاض أعداد الأحياء المائية.

هناك تكتيك مختلف ولكنه شائع للتخلص من مخلفات معاصر الزيتون ألا وهو جمعها والاحتفاظ بها في أحواض أو برك كبيرة حيث يتم تبخيرها وتجفيفها إلى مكون شبه صلب. وفي البلدان الأقل تطورا،  يتم التخلص من المخلفات الصلبة والسائلة ثم تفريغها في التربة حيث يتم نشرها على الأراضي المحيطة ومع مرور الوقت تتراكم هذه المركبات السامة في التربة، وتتغلغل بها، وتنتقل مع مياه الأمطار والسيول إلى المناطق المجاورة الأخرى، مما يؤدي الى نتائج خطرة. وحيث أن هذه النفايات السائلة لا يتم معالجتها بشكل تام، فإنها تؤدي إلى تدهور الأراضي وتلوث التربة والمياه الجوفية.

فعلياً إن اختلاط كمية صغيرة من المخلفات السائلة لمعاصر الزيتون مع المياه الجوفية يستطيع إحداث تلوث كبير لمصادر مياه الشرب. وتعد المشكلة أكثر خطورة اذا تم استخدام الكلور لتطهير مياه الشرب، حيث يتفاعل الكلور مع الفينول مشكلاً الكلوروفينول الذي يعتبر أشد خطورة على صحة الإنسان من الفينول وحده.

العلاجات الحالية

المشاكل المرتبطة بمعالجة نفايات الزيتون على نطاق واسع على مدار الخمسين سنة الماضية، لسوء الحظ، لم تتمكن الأبحاث من اكتشاف حل مجدٍ تقنياً  ومقبول اقتصاديًا واجتماعيا للتخلص من مخلفات الزيتون. من أكثر الحلول شيوعًا لغاية الآن هي استراتيجيات إزالة السموم، وتعديل نظام الإنتاج، وإعادة تدوير المكونات ذات القيمة العالية، حيث اكتسبت تلك الحلول شعبية على مدى العقد الماضي لقدرتها على خفض التلوث وتحويل النفايات الى منتجات قيِمة. ومن الأمثلة على إعادة استخدام مخلفات الزيتون هو معالجتها واستخدامها لمكافحة الحشائش الضارة،  كبديل للمواد الكيميائية الضارة.

An olive oil mill in Jordan

كما تم إجراء بحث على استخدام المخلفات شبه الصلبة الناتجة من زيت الزيتون لامتصاص بقع النفط الخطرة المتسربة. أخيراً، ومن الجانب الصحي: فإن الدراسات تشير إلى أن احتواء مخلفات الزيتون على كميات كبيرة من المركبات الفينولية والتي تحتوي معدلات عالية من مضادات الأكسدة، فإن هذه النفايات قد تكون مصدراً مناسباً لمضادات الأكسدة الطبيعية.

وعلى الرغم من كل هذا، فإن تلك التقنيات منفردة لن تحل مشكلة التخلص من مخلفات الزيتون بشكل كامل وشامل.

في الوضع السائد لتقنيات معالجة مخلفات معاصر الزيتون، فإن الصناعات لم تبد اهتماما ملحوظا لدعم أي عملية تقليدية (فيزيائية أو كيميائية أو حرارية أو بيولوجية) على نطاق واسع. ويرجع ذلك إلى ارتفاع تكاليف الاستثمار والتشغيل، وقصر فترة الإنتاج المتراوحة بين 3 إلى 5 أشهر فقط  بالإضافة الى صغر حجم معاصر الزيتون.

بشكل عام، فإن المشاكل المرتبطة بمعالجة مخلفات الزيتون تتجلى بعدم وجود سياسة مشتركة بين المناطق المنتجة لزيت الزيتون وضعف التمويل والبنية التحتية للمعالجة والتخلص السليمين من النفايات، وإضافة إلى النقص العام في المعرفة بالآثار البيئية والصحية الناجمة عن معالجة مخالفة الزيتون. وعلى الرغم من إحراز بعض التقدم فيما يتعلق بأساليب العلاج وإزالة السموم من هذه المخلفات، إلا أن المجال لا يزال مفتوحا لمزيد من البحث. ونظراً لشدة التأثير البيئي لمعالجة مخلفات الزيتون، فإنه يتوجب على واضعي السياسات وأصحاب الصناعات اتخاذ مبادرات أكثر واقعية لتطوير إطار مستدام للحد من مشاكل التخلص من مخلفات معاصر زيت الزيتون.

ترجمه – ماجدة هلسة

أردنية متعددة الاهتمامات، لديها من الخبرة ما يقارب العشرون عاماً في مجالي المالية والإدارة في المؤسسات المحلية والدوليةوتعملماجدة حالياً مع الوكالة الألمانية للتعاون الدولي كموظفةٍ ماليةٍ في برنامج البيئة و المناخ في الأردن، والذي يعمل لصالح وزارة البيئة في الأردن. ومع ذلك كله وعلى الصعيد التطوعي، فإن لديها شغفاً كبيراً بالترجمة في كافة المواضيع والمجالات، وقد بُني هذا الشغف بالخبرة الشخصية والعملية على مر السنين.

Top 5 Alternatives to Hardwood Flooring

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Wood flooring is considered the most cozy, elegant type of flooring out there. Of this type, hardwood flooring is easily the king. Despite its expensive price tag, vulnerability to scratches and moisture, and required maintenance, many still go for this flooring in pursuit of a dream home.

The honest reality is that hardwood isn’t ideal if you have a big family and/or indoor pets who can contribute to the wear and tear of your home. In light of that, you must be game for sanding or refinishing every few years.

Is the perfect look worth the budget and all the trouble? Maybe not. So, here’s where the alternatives come in.

Alternatives to Hardwood Flooring

Thankfully, there are other types of flooring that achieve the same look of hardwood—without all the cons. Most importantly, these alternatives come at a lower cost and are even more durable and easier to clean than wood. Interested?

Then keep reading, for here are the 5 top alternatives to hardwood flooring.

1. Wood Tile Flooring

Despite its name, wood tile flooring isn’t exactly made of wood. It looks remarkably like it, though; hence, its popularity over the last decade or so.

Made of either porcelain or ceramic, it’s infinitely less expensive than hardwood, and more durable and environmentally sustainable to boot. Because it’s also impervious to moisture, wood tiling best suits rooms where humidity can be a problem, like bathrooms or kitchens.

There are downsides, however. You have to make sure that the grout lines are thin for the wood tiling to look like hardwood, otherwise it’s obviously an alternative. This means it must be installed by someone with flooring know-how, and not just any random Joe.

Wood tiles also crack and chip easily when anything heavy is dropped on it. The good thing is, compared to hardwood, it will be easier and less expensive to replace.

2. Vinyl Wood Flooring

Aside from cheaper cost, higher durability, and easier maintenance, vinyl is highly recommended for its hardwood look. Even though it’s a hundred percent plastic, it’s known for textured grain patterns that look like wood and is quite resistant to moisture.

What it offers that wood tiling doesn’t, though, is the softness that makes walking on the floor easier on the feet. It also doesn’t crack when heavy things are dropped on it. Also, it is overall much quieter under any footsteps.

The downside is, it has a high VOC content, which is a no-no if you’re housing small children or chemically sensitive people. It’s also prone to scratches and is known to come in limited colors.

But compared to the other alternatives, it’s for sure the easiest to clean.

3. Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood is special in that it’s made of multiple layers of plywood, with a thin slice of real wood right on top. It is definitely much cheaper than hardwood and, if well cared for, could last for around twenty years.

Still, it doesn’t promise the generations-long life of hardwood. In fact, it can only be sanded down at most two times in the product’s life, or else, the top layer wears away. Longevity is not its strong suit.

Much like hardwood flooring, engineered wood flooring requires meticulous cleaning, so it might not be as easy to have as wood tiles or vinyl. It boasts of resistance to moisture, however, that gives it an edge over the more-organic hardwood.

4. Solid Wood Flooring

Solid wood floor is an attractive way to enhance the elegance of your home. Due to its low maintenance and ease in cleaning, homeowners are increasingly going for solid wood flooring.

The characteristic feature of solid wood flooring is its homogenous wood composition with atleast 30 percent more scope for expansion than engineered wood flooring. It has the ability to resist dust, stain and scratch, and provides natural warmth with added comfort of bare foot walking.

5. Laminate Wood Flooring

Recently, the most popular alternative to hardwood flooring is laminate wood flooring. It looks just like hardwood, both in looks and in feeling underfoot, earning the positive reputation it enjoys today.

Just like engineered wood, laminate is made of multiple layers. However, instead of plywood, particleboard wood is used, and at the top is a sealed photographic layer. A common option for home remodels, its availability in various styles, textures, and colors, and faithful resemblance to hardwood is quite hard to beat.

Laminate wood is infinitely more durable than hardwood, although it can’t be sanded down once it’s damaged. Most people place laminate wood in high-traffic rooms like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.

Sure, it’s not as water-resistant as wood tiles, but it’s way better than hardwood itself, and it’s easy to install, thanks to the many installation options available to laminate wood. DIY individuals will be able to install this themselves.

Unlike the other alternatives, its price range is quite wide, from cost effective prices to high-end prices. This is mostly because one gets what is paid for in terms of appearance. The more expensive laminate wood is what looks most like hardwood, while the cheaper ones aren’t as convincing.

Therefore, one must remember that if it’s for a long-term situation, the low-range laminate wood just won’t cut it. It would be better to invest in the high-end priced ones, which will still be cheaper than hardwood itself.

Bonus Tips: Checkout this article for engineered wood flooring vs hardwood

Sustainable Water Management and River Rehabilitation in Jordan Valley

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jordan-riverIn the context of EcoPeace Middle East's recently released Regional Integrated NGO Master Plan, the key challenge in sustainable water management is to overcome the water scarcity related problems  in the Jordan Valley. This means creating a sustainable water supply system that meets the current and future domestic and agricultural water demands; and at the same time preserves the water resources for future generations and for the environment. This requires an Integrated Water Resources Management regime for the whole (Lower) Jordan River, based on international co-operation among Israel, Jordan and Palestine, supported with adequate water management tools (like WEAP) to ensure sustainable water supply and an increase of the baseflow and rehabilitation of the ecological values of the Jordan River.

One of the related key challenges is to achieve full treatment of wastewater generated in the study area and full reuse for agricultural purposes. This will both reduce public health related risks and strengthen the agricultural sector. This requires development of a detailed technical and financial plan, including designs and tender documents, for full scale collection, treatment and reuse of the locally generated wastewater flows, including domestic, industrial (mainly oliveoil wastewater in Jordan) and manure management.

Another key challenge is to restore the function of the lower part of the Jordan River as a natural river and water conveyor in the valley for supply purposes, by keeping its flow as long as possible in the river. Rehabilitating the river will include actions in terms of realizing at least one minor flood (c.a. 20-50 m3/sec) per year. In order to bring back the original habitats of the river, also the flow bed of the river are to be widened to about 50-70 m in the north and at least 30 m in the south, with flood plains on both sides.

The salinity of the Jordan River has a natural tendency to increase downstream. This is caused by natural drainage of brackish groundwater into the river, particularly in the southern part of the valley near the Dead Sea. The key challenge is to prevent any inflow of salt or brackish surface water into the river above the point where the river would still be fresh, i.e. above the confluent with Wadi Qelt. This implies bypassing the salt water from the Israeli Saline Water Carrier (SWC), the brackish water from the Israeli Fish Ponds, and the brine from the Abu Zeighan desalination plant to a new outflow located south of the river’s confluent with Wadi Qelt, close to the Dead Sea. If this will be done, the river will be able to provide water of good quality for different user functions. In terms of chloride concentrations this means a maximum of 400 mg/l for drinking water purposes; 600 mg/l for fresh water irrigation; and 1500 mg/l for irrigation of date palms.

An olive oil mill in Jordan

An olive oil mill in Jordan

Another key challenge is to maintain total agricultural water demands at the same level as today, with the exception of Palestine which is currently heavily underdeveloped in terms of agriculture. To achieve a sustainable water balance within the valley and sufficient flows in the river it will furthermore be required that around 2020 Israel will largely cease pumping water to the extent possible out of the valley from the Sea of Galilee through the National Water Carrier (NWC), meanwhile maintaining its present agricultural water consumption within the valley; that the Sea of Galilee will be kept on a medium water level between the top and bottom red lines ("green line" as defined by the Israeli Water Authority); and that by 2050 Jordan will stop diverting water from the Yarmouk and other tributaries to the Kind Abdullah Canal (KAC) to the extent possible, and instead will use the Jordan River as main conveyor for its irrigation supply purposes. In addition, by 2050 Palestine would also use the Jordan River as its main water conveyor, meaning that the planned development of the West Ghor Canal will not be built.

These challenges require a series of related interventions, including adequate water data monitoring and modeling; promotion of water saving and water demand management measures in all sectors; provision of related training and institutional strengthening support services; improved regulations and enforcement on groundwater abstractions to stop groundwater depletion and salination; and implementation of efficient water pricing policies and related enforcement.

In terms of water governance, the challenge will be to strengthen the authorities, including JVA, PWA, in their role as regulator of the water sector in the Jordan Valley. This includes skills with regard to water data collection and management; water resources planning; efficient operations of the water storage and supply system; and strengthening the co-operation with the local water user associations. It also includes monitoring, regulations and enforcement of surface water and groundwater abstractions; protection of sensitive shallow aquifers, efficient tariff policies, and monitoring reduction of agricultural pollution loads.

Note: This is the second article in our special series on 'Regional Integrated NGO Master Plan for the Jordan Valley'. 

How Eco-Friendly Sleep Can Make Your Whole Life Better

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Ecofriendly sleep simply means sleeping in a greener bedroom. The apparent advantage of anything ecofriendly is environmental sustainability. However, when it comes to the bedroom, eco-friendliness achieves much more than saving earth’s resources. An ecofriendly bedroom is healthy. And, when you are healthy, isn’t your whole life better?

Now the question is, how can you make your bedroom eco-friendlier?

Below we have covered some methods of making your bedroom greener and the advantages of each method.

Ecofriendly mattress

Organic mattresses are free from synthetic materials and harmful chemicals. Some of their advantages include:

  • Naturally, fire-resistant materials: Meaning they do not use fire-retardant chemicals which can trigger skin and respiratory allergies.
  • Breathable material: Cotton and wool are breathable and absorbent meaning they will keep you cool in the summer and warm during the cold seasons.
  • Biodegradable materials: When you dispose of these mattresses, there is less impact on the environment due to the biodegradable nature of the materials.

Organic mattress options include natural latex and plant-based memory foam which use wool and organic cotton in the outer layer.

There is also an ecofriendly waterbed option in the organic vinyl waterbed. One advantage of waterbeds is reduced dust, dander, and mite, as there are very few places if any for them to hide. Learn more benefits of a waterbed at mattressgenius.com.

Note that organic mattresses might be more expensive than the traditional foam and spring mattresses. However, they are in the same price range as the more durable and popular memory foam (the synthetic type).

Organic bedding

Enhance your sleep even more by spreading a pair of organic bedsheets on your organic mattress. Don’t stop there; go for organic comforters and pillows.

When it comes to organic bedding, we are talking 100% natural cotton. The advantages include:

Increased comfort

Polyester and other forms of synthetic cotton are soft. But, 100% natural cotton is even softer. More importantly, organic cotton is breathable. Therefore, it allows air circulation and absorbs moisture, which keeps your body from getting too warm.

Less exposure to toxins

During your sleep, you toss and turn. These actions create friction between your skin and the bedding. With synthetic bedding, the tossing and turning expose you to toxic chemicals, dyes, and fragrances used in the manufacturing process. With organic cotton, you are at no risk of exposure to anything toxic.

Environmental sustainability

The farming of conventional cotton involves a lot of pesticides. Also, the manufacturing process involves chemicals and dyes. All these chemicals pose a risk to the environment as the waste will end up in water supplies and soil. Remember, harmful chemicals in pesticides deplete the nutrients in the soil that promote the natural growth of plants.

Green furniture

There are greener options for your bed, and other furniture in your bedroom such as wardrobes, dressing table, and sofa. Green furniture does not necessarily mean not using wood (although that would be the best way to eliminate cutting trees). It means that if you have to use wood, ensure the creation process had the least impact on the environment. For that reason, you should only buy wood furniture with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.

However, the greener way is to recycle furniture. For example, instead of buying a new piece of furniture, hit the used furniture stores. You are likely to get something vintage and unique.

Another greener furniture alternative is to buy furniture made from recycled wood, plastic, and metal. Remember, recycled materials require less processing, hence use fewer resources.

Green furniture means less carbon footprint (through recycling and reusing) and less depletion of the tree cover (wood regulated by a responsible organization such as FSC).

Green paint

Synthetic paints emit VOCs, especially when new. Just like with many other products, there are organic options when it comes to paints.

The point of organic paint is to reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals and odors, which can cause respiratory issues in the short term.

Putting plants in your bedroom

Houseplants purify the air. They absorb VOCs such as benzene and ammonia. Besides, they improve the quality of air through emitting oxygen during the day.

So, by putting a plant in your bedroom, you are literally going green and decontaminating the air. Good air quality promotes better health and improves quality of sleep.

indoor-air-quality-arab

Some low-maintenance plants you can put in your bedroom include Chinese evergreen, snake plant, and devil’s ivy. For more effective decontamination, go for ferns and spider plants. The Peace Lily is renowned for electromagnetic radiation decontamination.

Final thoughts

Clearly, eco-friendliness in your bedroom is not all about environmental sustainability. You will sleep in a space with less air contamination from chemical toxins, odors and VOCs. Also, by choosing organic bedding, you will not come in physical contact with harmful chemicals in synthetic fibers. Ultimately, green sleep is of high quality. And, we all know quality sleep is a crucial factor in a happier, healthier life.

Also Read: How to Find the Best Brush Cleaner

Blue Roads in Doha: An Innovative Way to Combat Rising Temperatures

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The streets of Abdullah Bin Jassim near the iconic Souq Waqif in Doha were painted blue recently as part of a pilot project to reduce the effects of extreme heat in the city. By reflecting the heat instead of absorbing it, the blue-coated asphalt roads will support Qatar’s battle to combat the Urban Heat Island effect (UHI).

Image Source: The Peninsula (2019) Blue road project to bring temperature down

What is UHI?

With 55 per cent of the world’s population currently living in urban areas, cities struggle to meet their overflowing capacity resulting in a dense network of high-rise buildings, roads and highways. Regardless of the city’s climatic characteristics, this leads to a greater density of impervious and heat reflective structures due to the nature of building materials.

Termed as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, the city experiences a greater absorption of heat and subsequent temperature increase due to the lack of ventilation and air flow. As one of the most widely documented impacts of climate change in cities, UHI is known to cause increase in surface and air temperatures, as much as a 12°C difference between urban and rural areas.

What are the impacts of UHI?

Such temperature increases in cities can have drastic consequences such as heat-related deaths especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly. Moreover, increased temperatures can also exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions as a result of increased air conditioning and other sources of energy consumption used to battle the heat.

The rise in air temperatures and lack of air flow also provides the perfect environment for increase in pollutants such as NOx compounds and tropospheric ozone, both of which result in air pollution and smog over cities, leading to even more health impacts and fatalities.

How can we mitigate and adapt against UHI?

One of the ways to mitigate against UHI involves increasing areas for vegetation and tree canopy cover as they reduce temperatures by providing shading and cooling the environment through evapotranspiration. Promoting green infrastructure across buildings is another way to mitigate against UHI as structures, such as green roofs, help to cool buildings and the surrounding areas, thus reducing the need for excessive use of air conditioning systems. Moreover, green roofs also work to reduce the UHI effect by absorbing air pollutants and toxins. Utilising other natural methods such as increasing the number of inland water bodies is also a well-known mitigation strategy against UHI.

Nevertheless, cities have begun focusing on adapting to the impacts of UHI, with the most recent development of heat reflecting paint that has coloured the streets of Doha blue. As part of the pilot project, the blue painted streets will test how well the paint can reflect the heat and thereby reduce city temperatures, as opposed to traditional roads absorbing most of the heat. Similar initiatives have already been tested in other parts of the world, with the most iconic being the white streets of Los Angeles.

References

  1. The Peninsula (2019) Blue road project to bring temperature down. https://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/19/08/2019/Blue-road-project-to-bring-temperature-down
  2. United Nations (2018) 68% of the world population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, says UN. https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/population/2018-revision-of-world-urbanization-prospects.html
  3. United States Environmental Protection Agency (2019) Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Islands.
  4. https://www.epa.gov/heat-islands/using-trees-and-vegetation-reduce-heat-islandsBusiness Insider (2018) Los Angeles is spending $40,000 per mile to paint streets white — and it could have a surprising ripple effect on the city. https://www.businessinsider.sg/los-angeles-is-spending-40000-per-mile-to-paint-streets-white-2018-3/

Medical Waste Management: An Infographic

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Healthcare sector in the Middle East is growing at a very rapid pace, which in turn has led to tremendous increase in the quantity of medical waste generation by hospitals, clinics and other healthcare establishments. The growing amount of medical waste in the Middle East is posing significant public health and environmental challenges across the region. The situation is worsened by improper disposal methods, insufficient physical resources, inefficient medical waste treatment technologies and lack of research on healthcare waste management.

This infographic will provide more insights into medical waste management situation in the Middle East.

How To Choose A Solar Panel

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Solar panels are the bread and butter of a solar power system installation. Ensuring that you get the best quality for your requirements is important in making an informed decision about what to install and who will be putting it up.

Otherwise, you could find yourself constantly having to fix solar panels that aren’t at the correct angle or facing away from the optimal direction.

tips to choose a solar panel

Unfortunately, most salespeople won’t have much advice about buying the best solar panel brand for your needs. Therefore, take a moment before purchase to do your due diligence to ensure that if something goes awry, then the seller won’t put you into trouble – especially if it can be avoided! It is also highly important to know the tips for maintaining peak performance with clean solar panels.

What Do Solar Panels Involve?

You’ll find solar energy systems in different shapes and sizes, with homeowners often choosing to have them installed on their rooftop to harness the power of the sun.

Businesses are also increasingly opting to install solar panels as a low-cost way to produce electricity.

Utilities are not to be left behind and now, large solar power plants are being built with grids to provide energy to all the customers who choose to remain connected to these grids.

Solar PV systems are multifunctional once installed and can generate electricity as well as reduce your monthly energy bills. When solar panels convert light from the sun into clean electrical power, it also reduces your dependency on other power sources and companies.

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost?

The average solar panel installation in the UK costs £5,000 to £10,000. Solar panels cost different amounts based on your location, how much electricity your household consumes annually, and how many panels you need overall.

It’s important to note that a more expensive solar panel system is likely to produce more electricity as well, thus reducing your bills and increasing your savings per year overall.

One of the great things about solar power is that if you’re using ‘Smart Export’ from your supplier, then you could be earning up to three times what you save through Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments.

This can help pay for your overall investment earlier than expected.

Why A Heat Pump With Your Solar Panel?

Heat pumps are based on a relatively new technology that typically uses less electricity to produce more heat, as opposed to boilers. They complement other forms of renewable energy such as solar power and are therefore extremely popular in the UK with more people using them in conjunction with solar panels.

ground source heat pump

The Renewable Heat Incentive program is subsidized by the government, and it supports homeowners who wish to install a heat pump system along with a heating system that uses natural gas or liquid petroleum gas.

Sustainable developments have started using lightweight solar panels to warm up a water tank on the rooftop.

This water tank in turn supplies radiant floor heating when required to domestic and commercial buildings where space utility is an important design consideration.

You can save time, save money, and get free and no-obligation quotes from vendors for your solar panel and heat pump as well. Increase the present market value of your home or business property with affordable and environmentally friendly solar panels.

Financing Solar Panels: Are Solar Panels Financially Feasible For You?

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Solar panels are taking off and that’s the cold, hard truth. In recent years, the residential solar energy market has seen incredible growth. While the particular business segment still has a long way to go, figures don’t lie and the foreseeable future all point to the technology’s development. But if you haven’t joined the bandwagon just yet, you may be asking yourself if the homeowners who’ve already done it are worth emulating. 

Is it even feasible, to begin with?

Hearing “well that really depends” as a response can be off-putting, so this article aims to thoroughly discuss the financial factors that determine if solar panels are worth it for you. 

Are Solar Panels A Good Investment?

To better understand if solar panels are a good investment, we must appreciate and understand what and how residential solar panels can benefit us, there are few things we may want to consider. Listed below are questions you can ask yourself:

Is my electricity bill always high?

There are plenty of things that can encourage you to start utilizing solar energy for your home, but your electricity bill is a massive determiner. At present, utility companies have rates that vary depending on where one lives. Some parts of the US may have electricity companies that charge 20 cents or more per Kilowatt-hour, while other parts of the country may demand only eight cents per kWh. 

Going solar allows one to efficiently set up on their roof a mini power plant to replace their current one where their utility sources its electricity from. So if your bills are regularly high, that means you’re the one who benefits the most of our solar panels. 

SolarGaps’ innovation, is a sure-fire way to keep electricity costs low while looking trendy and stylish at the same time.

If you’re uncertain how much money solar panels save you, there are a ton of solar calculators you can find online. They may not be able to give you the exact quotation you’re looking for, but they’re mostly good gauges of how much money you’ll ultimately save. 

Is it expensive to have solar panels installed?

Just like electricity consumption, solar panel installation prices also vary. One strong factor is the equipment you choose and the solar company you partner with. Cheap solar panels may be tempting, but if you’re looking at big-time savings in the long run, selecting premium equipment remains to be the better choice. 

It’s also good to note that taking the time to read up on your solar panel options can do wonders. Like shopping for phones, consider every material and alternative to assess if you really are getting your money’s worth. There are also dozens of online resources that display side-by-side comparisons for best solar panel equipment options. 

To solidify your search, factor in the solar rebates and incentives extended to people in your area. This can help you exponentially reduce your net cost. Lots of municipalities and states provide solar tax credit cuts and other monetary incentives for their residents; whether a 30% tax discount or a cash rebate, the perks can be inviting. 

What if I don’t live in a tropical state?

It goes without saying that solar energy heavily and exclusively obtains its power from the sun. But the truth is, you don’t have to be a California or Las Vegas to reap its benefits. As a matter of fact, states like New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts are great examples of states that make use of residential solar panels the most. The reasoning is pretty direct: because these states often have more expensive electricity charges, their local incentives are a lot more enticing than many other parts of America. 

Solar Energy Installation Shopping Tips To Take To Heart

Make the time to get multiple quotes 

Similar to buying a plane ticket bound for a foreign country, it’s good to know what your pricing options are. Note that shopping for solar panel installations shouldn’t be overnight activities. Always, always include the reviews of every solar panel company in your area. To avoid being forced to pay inflated prices by popular solar panel installers, consider every quotation and package service you can. The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) suggests this, too. 

Look for installer networks online to include smaller solar panel contractors in your list of options. Quotations are generally free and may give you a clear picture of how much you can save and what your alternatives are. Those who get multiple quotations can expect to save up to $10,000. Like a phone plan that’s designed to last you long, invest not only money but your time, too, in understanding every package presented to you.  Here is the difference between good and bad solar installation.

Many times, the most popular solar providers don’t offer the best deals

Just because it’s popular, doesn’t mean it’s the best. This is precisely why neglecting to consider smaller contractors can hurt you in the long run. When you don’t examine every option you have, you intentionally miss out on deals that would have benefited you most. Popular solar providers may only be popular because of their budget for advertising. If you check online, you will find that large solar installers can be $5000 costlier than smaller ones.

While credibility is important, going for more practical solar packages isn’t a bad idea, too. Besides, size doesn’t always equate to credibility—this is why you read up on reviews, to start with; to make sure equal consideration is given to every solar company near you, be they popular or not. 

Compare the equipment solar providers present you

Unless you give the whole solar panel project a taste of the old DIY treatment, you’re going to have to study what solar equipment options your local providers present you. These often have a tremendous impact on how electricity is produced and preserved for your home. 

By obtaining a diverse set of solar panel quotations, you can assess savings and costs associated with the equipment these solar panel packages come with. There are a variety of factors to tick off your consideration list and knowing that exceptional solar panel materials aren’t always the solution to better savings can be helpful. 

Do I have to go solar now?

If your line of reasoning leans more toward: “are solar panels for my home crucial now or can I afford to give it a few more years?” as opposed to “is this really needed?” then you’re most probably on the right track. Being able to incorporate natural energy to your way of life isn’t only helpful, it’s also an important step towards conservation. But it’s expensive, you say.

To a degree, this can be true. But zero down financing loans can help counter this excuse. While having to exhaust a few thousand dollars, in the beginning, can sound overwhelming to many homeowners, the savings one gets as their solar panel journey begins is immediately noticeable.

After everything that’s been said and considered, let’s revisit the titular question: are solar panels financially feasible for you?

While only you can answer this question, the best answer is “it should be.” Given how solar energy is a safe solution to getting rid of fossil fuels such as gas and coal, resorting to solar energy is a small step every American household should take to better improve the way we go about the environment.

Things to Know About Habitat Loss in MENA

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Habitat loss of native species in MENA region is increasing at a sensational rate as a consequence of natural and human causes. MENA has diverse ecosystems, including aquatic and terrestrial, with different climate patterns. The region have three globally recognized hotspots; the Irano-Anatolian region, the Mediterranean forest region and the Horn of Africa region. According to 2015 IUCN Red List, approximately 2476 species in MENA are under threat comprising of mammals, fishes, birds, mollusc, amphibians, reptiles, and other species.  28% of threatened species comprises of fishes, 18% plants, 12% birds, 9% mammals and rest others.

habitat loss in MENA

IUCN data show highest threatened species in Turkey (379), Yemen (292), and Morocco (193). The Socotra archipelago in Yemen is known for its biodiversity with 850 plant species, 30% of which are endemic. Yemen has higher percent of threatened plant species than other species, unlike other region.

Species under Threat

Considering individual country data, MENA may not account much to global threatened species. However, this region holds planet’s most of the dry and desert area with many endemic species.  Arabian Gazelle, Arabian Tahr, Arabian Oryx, Bunn’s Short Tailed Bandicoot Rat, Buxton’s Jird, Dahl’s Jird, Durcas Gazelle, Euphrate Jerboa, Four toed Jebora, Golden Hamster, Nubian Ibex, Persian Fallow Deer, Slender Horn Gazelle are few of the unique threatened species present in the area.

Large and medium sized mammals are generally protected by conservation measures and protected areas by most of the countries. Small sized mammals like rodents are majorly fed to larger species destroyed as pest, or by destruction of marshy and swamps. Aden Gulf Torpedo, Ala Balik, Burdur Spring Minnow, Cave fish, Damascus Garra, Pale Dotty Back, Yag Baligi, Scrapper, Spotted Bleak, Tuz Golden Barb, Yarkon Bream are among few beautiful endemic fish species threatened by declining hydrological regime, water abstraction, agricultural pesticides, catching, dam construction, illegal fishing, introduction of alien species.

Tourism, poaching, hunting, oil pollution, looping, deforestation, dam construction, human pressures are major threats to bird species. Arabian Woodpecker, Island Cisticole, Jouanin’s Petrel, Socotra Bunting, Yemen Accentor, Yemen Thrush, Yemen Warbler are endemic and non migratory. Diversity in reptiles (snakes, tortoise, lizards) and amphibians (salamander, newt, frogs) are also endemic and face human pressure.

MENA experiences reflective ecological changes due to water scarcity, climate fluctuation and human activities. Native non-migrant as well as the migratory species faces equal consequences. Native species take longer time to adapt new and sudden environment alterations, thereby affecting their food source, breeding habits and even modifications in gene expressions. Nomadic, migrant and vagrant species lose their connectivity and risk their life, resulting to global drop of species.

Key issues

Species losing their breeding capability are among major consequence due to human activities. Preservation in captivity has shown low breeding capability in some species like gazelles. Pet keeping of rare species has been locally considered to be a part of royal luxury leading to illegal trading and demanding. Such practices hamper their nutrition, health, reproductivity and even lifespan.

Washing of pesticides into water resources, oil spills and industrial effluents (hot brine, residual chlorine, anti foaming, anti scaling agents) to marine environment, exhaust release from industries and vehicles, exposure of sounds, flaunts of artificial lights are major forms to pollution.

Intensive agricultural system, salination of groundwater, the reduction of fresh water resources, the decline of soil biota, weak fisheries management, land reclamation, harsh quarrying in mountain habitats, over grazing, overhunting, are the major threatening activity in mass.

Increasing ecotourists, entertainment facilities and infrastructural development have serious consequences for natural habitats, especially in coastal regions of Arabian Peninsula. 40 per cent of Saudi Arabia’s coastal reclamation has resulted in destruction of 50 per cent of its mangroves. GCC countries invest heavily in construction activities to build up artificial islands with limited sustainable supervision which buries the corals that support fish stocks and water quality.

Coral bleaching have destroyed 20,000 km square of coal bed in UAE coastline, representing 7.9% world’s coral cover. As far as Qatar is concerned, the rapid development has been encroaching on the mangrove populations along the coastline. Artificial coral reef building approach is one way to mitigate the environmental situations where fish breeding grounds are being destroyed especially by human activities such as overfishing, and island development and land extension along the coast lines. There is urgent requirement for strategic plans to incorporate biodiversity policies into national development planning processes in all sectors.