Currently, GCC countries rank in the top 10 of world waste producers with 120mn tonnes of waste output a year. Officials said the figure was expected to climb to a staggering 350,000mn tonnes by 2014.
To tackle the issues of waste management and recycling in the Middle East, and possibly find solutions, UNEP, along with Dubai Municipality, will be holding the first Middle East Waste Summit in March next year.
With the massive development activities taking place in the region coupled with the ever growing population, waste management is more than ever becoming a vital concern among decision-makers, corporations, individuals and the environment, the officials said.
Organised by Turret Middle East, MEWS 09 is set to be the largest and most comprehensive waste management and recycling event in the Middle East, with over 6,000 expected attendees.
Top industry leaders representing government, municipalities, industry projects, academia, private organisations and waste generators from all industries would address current topics and challenges relevant to waste collection, transport and treatment; material recycling and reuse; waste to energy; and hazardous and medical waste solutions, they said.
Richard Hease, chairman of Turret Middle East Said: “The Middle East Waste Summit is a key exhibition in the environment calendar. The conference will provide a unique opportunity to explore the future of waste management and recycling including waste to energy in the Middle East.”
The Middle East Waste Summit from March 17 to 19 will call on the international community to respond to their responsibilities and the growing requirement of waste management and emphasise the importance of protecting the environment for future generations, the officials said.
