The Emirates Nature-WWF called on the Emirati community to interact with nature and protect the environment.
Laila Moustafa Abdullatif, Director-General of the Emirates Nature-WWF, said that air pollution is a serious domestic and international issue, noting that United Nations, UN, statistics point out that nearly seven million people die annually from air pollution.
The UAE has prioritised air quality in the National Agenda of the UAE Vision 2020, which aims to raise the country’s air quality to 90 percent by 2021, she added, stressing that during the "World Environment Day 2019" on 5th June, which will be held under the theme, "Air Pollution," the organisation will urge governments, industries, communities and individuals to work together to explore renewable energy and green technologies and improve air quality in cities and regions around the world.
Since its establishment in 2001, the Emirates Nature–WWF, the leading non-profit organisation founded to drive positive change in the United Arab Emirates to conserve the nation’s natural heritage, has been keen to protect the local environment as well as nature, wildlife and sea life from serious threats, she added while highlighting the fact that the association achieved its goals in 2018 and launched a new strategy, a new name and a new logo, which reflects the environmental legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the organisation’s achievements.
Abdullatif said that the organisation is looking forward to working with a new generation of aware citizens, who will help achieve the UAE’s growth and sustainable development while highlighting the association’s related awareness programmes.
She also noted that the association organises trips for the youth, to enable them to discover and protect nature, as well as acquire the leadership skills necessary to continue the legacy of Sheikh Zayed while pointing out that the association’s cooperation with the Environment Authority-Abu Dhabi and the Houbara Fund in organising the "Communicate with the Nature Programme" will raise awareness and motivate the Emirati people to interact with nature.
"At the Emirates Nature-WWF, we are looking forward to creating a brighter future. Therefore, we are keen to cooperate with all members of the community in protecting our planet, and 2020 will be a pivotal year in conserving the environment and raising environmental awareness," she said in conclusion.