Nakheel Corporation, the developer of the Palm, recently announced that it had signed an agreement which formalises its collaboration with the Dubai-based International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA). The agreement confirms The Palm's intention to work closely with the ICBA, to implement practices that enhance the conservation and management of natural resources for the landscaping and greenery components of the island projects.

"The ICBA is one of the world's pioneering institutes into Biosaline Agriculture and we are very proud to be working so closely with them," said Sultan Bin Sulayem, chairman of Nakheel Corporation. "The Palm has a deep commitment to our customers to provide them with a sound, healthy, resource conserved and ecosystem sustained environment and living atmosphere."

Amongst numerous tasks, scientists at the ICBA are researching the feasibility of growing flowers shrubs and trees on The Palm that will survive on seawater alone, hence saving enormous quantities of Dubai's valuable fresh water resources. The cutting-edge project will not only enhance the beauty of the extraordinary The Palm, but also provide massive environmental benefits.

The ICBA was established in 1996 with the goal to generate new knowledge and technology in saline irrigated agriculture as well as to gather, synthesise and disseminate information in this field. Located in Dubai, it is the sole international centre in this domain.

The ICBA's expertise will be utilised for the whole scope of projects in the Nakheel portfolio including, Jumeirah Islands, The Gardens and The Gardens Shopping Mall.