POWERCHINA launches marine conservation campaign in the UAE

In celebration of the 17th World Oceans Day and the 18th National Ocean Awareness Day, Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA) launched a marine conservation initiative under the theme “Reef Revival: A Mission to Protect the Blue Heart of Earth”

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 the HASSYAN 180 MIGD SWRO IWP, AZRAQ (a UAE-based marine conservation NGO), ACWA Power (project developer), and SIDEM (EPC consortium partner).

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More than 40 volunteers from China and the UAE participated in the initiative. Among the attendees were Li Junqi, Vice President of POWERCHINA MENA;Song Shiying, Project Director of ACWA Power Hassyan Project; and Olivier Rio, Site Manager from SIDEM.

At the opening of the event, Hong Li, Chief Representative of POWERCHINA in the UAE, extended her gratitude to all volunteers for their enthusiastic participation. She emphasized the importance of this month—marked by World Environment Day and World Oceans Day—as an opportunity to raise public consciousness about marine ecosystems and coral reef protection. She noted POWERCHINA’s ongoing contribution to the 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 that red corals play in maintaining ecological balance. The session sparked active engagement from participants, who asked insightful questions such as: “How are corals Cultivated?”, “Why are there no corals near the Hassyan site?”, and “What is the optimal temperature for coral growth?” The expert’s 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 POWERCHINA MENA, said: “We actively take measures to keep seawater clean. When procuring materials for the project, we ensure that no harmful substances are released into the environment. During construction,we keep our activities away from the sea to avoid impacting corals.” He added “We will continue our efforts, including cleaning the seaside, to raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection.”

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.