PowerChina launches marine conservation campaign in the UAE

Khaleej Times

17-06-2025

In celebration of the 17th World Oceans Day and the 18th National Ocean Awareness Day, Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina) launched On June 13 a marine conservation initiative under the theme 'Protect One Coral, Safeguard the Blue Ocean.'
The event was held at the Hassyan Desalination Project site in Dubai and organized by PowerChina Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Headquarters in collaboration with Shandong Electric Power Construction Third Engineering Co. (SEPCO III), AZRAQ (a UAE-based marine conservation NGO), ACWA Power (project developer), and SIDEM (EPC consortium partner).
More than 40 volunteers from China and the UAE participated in the initiative. Among the attendees were Li Junqi, Deputy General Manager of PowerChina MENA, Song Shiying, Project Director of ACWA Power Hassyan Project, and Olivier Rio, Site Manager from SIDEM.
Opening the event, Hong Li, PowerChina's UAE country representative, extended her gratitude to all volunteers for their enthusiastic participation. She emphasized the importance of this month—marked by World Environment Day and Ocean-themed awareness days—as an opportunity to raise public consciousness about marine ecosystems and coral reef protection. She noted PowerChina's ongoing contribution to local development through power, renewable energy, desalination, and infrastructure projects, while also upholding its ESG commitments and corporate social responsibility through continuous environmental initiatives.
During the event, volunteers watched educational videos on marine protection and coral cultivation, gaining a vivid understanding of the richness and vulnerability of marine ecosystems. Experts from AZRAQ delivered a compelling lecture on marine conservation, plastic pollution, and the critical role red corals play in maintaining ecological balance. The session sparked active engagement from participants, who asked insightful questions such as: 'How are corals planted?', 'Why are there no corals near the Hassyan site?', and 'What temperature is optimal for coral growth?' The expert responses deepened the volunteers' scientific knowledge and environmental awareness.
A highlight of the event was the launch of the 'I Adopt a Red Coral' campaign. Representatives from PowerChina, ACWA Power, and SIDEM named individual coral colonies, symbolizing hope and ecological rebirth. Li Junqi and Song Shiying jointly read and signed a Marine Protection Pledge, reaffirming their shared commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Volunteers also signed a 'Marine Protection Pledge' poster in solidarity.
Following the ceremony, volunteers headed to the shoreline near the project site and the Jebel Ali Wetland Reserve. Guided by environmental experts, they carried out a coastal clean-up, removing harmful plastic waste and debris from a 6,000 square meter stretch of beach.
Li Junqi, vice president of Power China Mena, said: 'We actively take measures to keep the seawater clean. When we procure the materials for the project, we ensure that no harmful materials are released into the environment. During the construction of the project we will keep our activities away from the sea, so that the corals are not harmed.'
This initiative not only strengthened PowerChina's cooperation with UAE environmental organizations but also underscored the company's alignment with the China-UAE partnership and the UAE's energy transition goals. PowerChina remains dedicated to fulfilling its responsibilities as a central SOE by promoting ecological values and advancing its global green development narrative.
'We will update our activities, to clean the seaside. We want more persons to realize the importance of the environment,' Li Junqi said.