The Ministry of Interior has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Sharjah Environment and Protected Area Authority to integrate fines for environmental violations in the Emirate of Sharjah in the police e-violations system across the UAE. Such a measure would facilitate payment of fines, and help reduce acts of environmental degradation in the UAE. 

The MoU, signed by Lt. General Saif Abdullah Al Sha'far, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior (MoI), and by HE Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), aims to facilitate the collection of fines for environmental violations issued by the authority, by linking these electronically with the federal traffic system and the MoI's service centres. This pioneering system, implemented for the first time in the UAE, is a significant milestone and would support the EPAA's efforts to protect the environment from pollution, based on the administrative resolution No.(9) of 2012 about prevention of environmental degradation in the wilderness areas in the Emirate of Sharjah. 

The MoU would also allow payment of fines for violating the law against being in possession of dangerous animals and predators in Sharjah. All of these measures are a testament to the leading role of the EPAA and the Emirate of Sharjah in preserving natural environmental resources and maintaining the ecosystem's natural balance. 

Lt. General Al Sha'far said, "The MoU is an important component of community work and reinforces joint action between the Ministry of Interior and national authorities. It also provides a framework to determine the necessary requirements and steps to be taken to protect the environment from pollution, an objective that requires concerted efforts amongst all entities to make remarkable achievements in the service of the country." 

He also noted that promoting partnership with federal and local ministries and authorities achieves the common goals and serves the objectives of the federal government. 

Lt. General Al Sha'far reiterated the keenness of the Ministry of Interior to support environmental protection efforts, in response to the directives of Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, of the importance of environmental life, and the need to maintain it, to achieve sustainable development in the country. He also noted that preserving the environment and planet earth is a shared responsibility between members of society. 

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority welcomed this significant achievement, which serves the good of all mankind. She emphasised that the EPAA aims to facilitate the payment of fines for environmental violations through this MoU, from the nearest police station across the UAE, thus allowing individuals to pay their fines easily and quickly. 

Ms. Al Suwaidi said that signing the MoU will integrate payment of environmental violations on the police e-violations system of police. This process reflects the keenness of the Emirate of Sharjah to abide by the directives of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to protect natural environment and reduce environmental deterioration. It also contributes towards reducing violations against natural environment, based on the administrative resolution No.(9) of 2012 about prevention of environmental degradation in the wilderness areas in the Emirate of Sharjah. -

Source: WAM