To coincide with the “My Environment is My Responsibility” campaign the Environmental Protection Areas Authority (EPAA) launched an awareness-raising initiative recently on the negative impact of charcoal in Al-Faiya Park, Sharjah in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The initiative targeted visitors to public parks and areas of natural beauty in Al-Faiya where people socialize and have barbeques, in order to raise awareness about the dangers of not correctly disposing of used charcoal.The initiative included the distribution of boxes containing a stove, charcoal and brochures explaining how to apply proper barbecue practices as part of the “My Environment is My Responsibility” national campaign and lasted for two weeks. The boxes were distributed at the end of each week during the first two weeks of February and came with a demonstration on best practice when using a barbeque.
HE Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA Chairperson, said, “We had specialized teams carrying out awareness-raising campaigns and initiatives, in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The EPAA follows the lead of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who believes in the importance of environmental protection, preservation and cleanliness.”
Al Suwaidi pointed out that the initiative aimed to educate visitors to these areas in order to protect it and leave it in better condition for everyone to enjoy and provide an ideal environment for other visitors, allowing them to enjoy the natural beauty of the area free from pollutants and harm.
Strategic partners in the initiative included the Sharjah Police General Directorate (Central Region), the Rahmaniya Youth Volunteer Team, Sanid Volunteer Team and the Sharjah Medical Services Team. The awareness-raising initiative will be carried out on Friday the 2nd 9th of February. The EPAA Inspection Department distributed the boxes to families in the area.