(MENAFN- Mid-East.Info) EEG mobilises the nation on UAE's National Environment Day
Massive Campaign on 4 th February expressed unconditional love for the environment & displayed perfect alignment with COP28
United Arab Emirates: Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) organised a special edition of Clean UAE to usher in the“Year of Sustainability”, which was recently announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, The President of the UAE. It was held on 4th February to commemorate the UAE National Environment Day. The campaign continued the effective partnership between the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (MOCCAE) and the Ministry of Community Development (MOCD), witnessed previously at the 21st cycle of Clean UAE held in December 2022.
The event witnessed the presence and participation of H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri – Minister of Climate Change and Environment, H.E. Hessa Buhumaid – Minister of Community Development and other distinguished undersecretaries from several Ministries, and the top Management from local Government entities. EEG also had its representatives present in all the Emirates as well.
This nationwide campaign came as part of the efforts of Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) as the leading environmental NGO in the country and the call of the UAE President for all institutions and other entities in the UAE to engage this year in efforts that will steer the nation towards a sustainable future.
Multiple government institutions collaborated with the organiser to make the one-day event a huge success, namely Ministry of Interior – UAE, Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Dubai Municipality, Environment & Protected Areas Authority – Sharjah, Municipality & Planning Department – Ajman, Public Services Department – Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation.
More than 6,000 people representing different ages and nationalities took part in this special edition of the Clean UAE Campaign, thus registering approximately 24,000 voluntary hours and covering a stretch of 25 km2.
The campaign took place simultaneously in all the Emirates. Events like this will play a significant role in reinforcing the sustainability message among the UAE population, as the nation prepares to host the prestigious 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to be held from 30th November – 12th December 2023 at Expo City, Dubai.
H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri – Minister of Climate Change and Environment said:“ The declaration of 2023 as the“Year of Sustainability” under the theme 'Today for Tomorrow' by the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan upholds the persistent strive of our country's wise leadership. Sustainability is one of the core elements of UAE's Vision 2021 and we are deeply committed to make our country one of the most sustainable and environment friendly countries of the world. By hosting the assembly of nations at the COP28 later this year, we have a unique opportunity to showcase our long-standing efforts.
H.E. added: Sustainable consumption is an essential factor in forging a carbon neutral future, and the public has a big role in moving towards it. It is only achievable if every individual and every institution is aware of the importance of making the right choices that support the environment instead of affecting it negatively. What we consume, how we consume and dispose of the wastes and outputs sustainably will depend on our perception, behavior and practices.
H.E. concluded by stating: We are happy to lend our patronage to the Clean UAE campaign that is being organised by Emirates Environmental Group, and partner with Ministry of Community Development. The campaign will start nationwide on February 4th; the National Environment Day. Mass action platforms such as these are vital in raising the banner of sustainability and demonstrating commitment to the vision and mandates of our leadership”.
H.E. Hessa Buhumaid – Minister of Community Development said: “ Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development expressed her appreciation for the nationwide participation in the exceptional“Clean UAE” campaign, which coincides with prestigious events and occasions celebrated by the UAE this year, starting with the announcement of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, 2023 as the“Year of Sustainability” in the UAE, under the theme“Today for Tomorrow” and hosting (28 COP) next November. Her Excellency added that the participation of the Ministry of Community Development in this exceptional campaign in conjunction with the National Environment Day, reflects the value of solidarity and cohesion among the UAE nation of different categories, ages and nationalities, highlights the efforts made to stimulate community participation in sustainable development, and encourages engaging in volunteering work to serve the country and society, in a way that enhances the UAE's position in global competitiveness indicators and commitment towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
Mrs. Habiba Al Mar'ashi, Chairperson and Co-Founder of EEG stated, “This year is very special to the UAE, especially to those entities that are involved in shaping a sustainable future for the country. As the UAE prepares to host the 28th Conference of Parties, we must ensure that this year and moving ahead, we put our best foot forward as we walk on an environmentally conscious path and emerge as a shining example for other countries to follow. Mobilising the masses and starting the first quarter of the year on a high note, through campaigns such as the Clean UAE will motivate all entities to follow suit and ensure that this year truly turns out to be the 'Year of Sustainability'. Emirates Environmental Group's unique initiative of Clean UAE succeeded in unifying participants from various sectors including academic institutions, government organisations, corporate houses, civil societies and individual residents to step forward and contribute. EEG was grateful to have Al Ain Water, Almarai, Abela & Co, Del Monte, Aster Volunteers and Fujairah Plastic Factory as crucial supporting entities in the event”.
Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) is a professional working group established in 1991 in the United Arab Emirates. It is devoted to protecting the environment through the means of education, action programmes and community involvement. EEG is actively encouraged and supported by concerned local and federal government agencies. It is the first environmental NGO in the world to be ISO 14001 certified and the only organisation of its kind in the UAE with accredited status to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). EEG is a member of the UN Global Compact, the Global Urban Development (GUD) and the Global Investors for Sustainable Alliance (GISD). It is also a member of the One Planet Network under the programme of Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) and its Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MAC) and Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML), EEG is a full Member (voting) of World Packaging Organisation (WPO).
About Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) was established in February 2006 as the Ministry of Environment and Water. Under its redefined scope, the ministry has taken on a dual mandate. On the national level, it aims to strengthen the UAE's efforts in preserving the environment and promoting food diversity in accordance with the nation's aspiration to emerge as a key benchmark for sustainable development. On the global level, MOCCAE joins international stakeholders in combating climate change and profiles the UAE's path-breaking achievements in the sector at thought leadership platforms worldwide.