His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, commended the environmental conservation efforts of the UAE leadership. His Excellency also underscored the importance of raising environmental awareness among the country’s young generation that plays an integral part in helping the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) achieve its strategic objectives for sustainability in the UAE and the wider region.
The Minister’s comments came during the inauguration of the ninth edition of the ‘My Environment, My National Responsibility’ exhibition that is currently underway in Dubai’s Creek Park. The four-day event concludes on December 23.
His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said: "With its relentless efforts to protect the environment and preserve its natural resources and habitats, the UAE has established benchmarks in sustainability on a regional and global level. Inspired by the legacy of the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who paved the way for the nation’s environmental journey, and supported by our wise leadership, MOCCAE is committed to raising environmental awareness in society, particularly among the youth.”
The Minister added: “To achieve this goal, we collaborate with public and private sector stakeholders, concerned environmental bodies, local authorities and community institutions to host outreach initiatives that engage the public. Educating the young generation on the importance of preserving our natural heritage is a vital priority that contributes to achieving the Ministry’s strategic objectives and implementing its sustainability agenda.”
In addition to enhancing environmental awareness, the ‘My Environment, My National Responsibility’ exhibition drives home the need to adopt a sustainable lifestyle to preserve the planet for future generations. The event is jointly hosted with MOCCAE’s strategic partners including the Ministry of Energy, Dubai Municipality, Fujairah Municipality, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
Targeting children and their families, the event highlights six focus areas – the environmental achievements of the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the basics of agriculture, endangered animals, saving water and energy, waste sorting and recycling, and preserving the UAE’s marine life. The exhibition aims to introduce children to the concepts of sustainability of natural resources and environmental conservation, and comprises eight themed pavilions: Zayed – Man of the Environment, Little Farmer, Forest, Sustainable City, Heroes of the Sea, Waste Sorting, Little Scientist, and Cinema.
This year’s edition is anticipated to attract around 2,000 visitors.