[Source: UAE Interact ]

Nakheel has unveiled its plans for a major sustainability project, the Blue Communities, launched under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The initiative was announced on Saturday at an event hosted by Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Nakheel.
The company will commit Dh200 million over three years to raise awareness of coastal development issues. It will also engage non-government organisations and other stakeholders to take an active role in developing the initiative. 

"Blue Communities is a call to action. Almost two-thirds of the world's population lives in coastal communities and a large amount of development is taking place in these locations. As such there is a need for significant investment in research, development and positive transformation of these environments. The long-term aim is for Blue Communities to provide leadership in the development of sustainable coastal communities," he said. 

The investment will fund research and development and promote engagement with experts on the issues of sustainable development, construction, management and governance of coastal communities around the world. 

The launch event, attended by 500 leading figures from government, industry and the media, was held in a specially built dome on the beachfront near Nakheel's sales centre at The Palm Jumeirah. The principles of Blue Communities also underpin two projects previewed in their initial concept stages. These projects will be unveiled by Nakheel at the Tourism Development Projects and Investment Market 2008, to be held January 20-22. – Gulf News