Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Emirates Nature-WWF have launched the second edition of the ‘Ambassadors for Nature Program.’
The second edition of the youth-focused program comes at a time when the UAE prepares to host the crucial COP28 climate conference in Dubai later this year.
The nationwide search for youth changemakers urges individuals aged 18 to 35 to explore their passion for nature and find opportunities to build new skills leading up to COP28 and beyond. The climate conference provides a global platform for the new Ambassadors for Nature to kickstart their leadership journey and share innovative solutions for climate and nature.
‘Ambassadors for Nature’ is part of the wider COP28 Youth Climate and Nature Series, which aims to create a legacy beyond COP28 that leads to the wider community getting involved in large-scale conservation programs.
Mr. Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environment Information, Science Outreach Management Sector at EAD, commented that “collaboration is the key to success in environmental conservation. Innovative programs like Ambassadors for Nature open doors for UAE youth and members of society who are keen to pursue their passion for nature but unsure of where to start and how they can ensure a meaningful impact.”
Ms. Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director-General of Emirates Nature-WWF, remarked that “we envision a society filled with empowered youth who are well aware of the complex environmental challenges our planet faces and well-equipped to respond with a diverse portfolio of creative and innovative solutions. Today’s youth have demonstrated that they are passionate and capable of shaping an optimistic future.”
The program will further conduct a series of free e-learning and training sessions in which environmental experts will cover important topics around climate change and nature loss.
Participants will have the opportunity to join exclusive field trips organized by conservation experts, including planting mangrove saplings to restore coastal wetlands, as well as the exciting Nature at Night excursion, where they will monitor the UAE’s unique and diverse wildlife as citizen scientists.
All training sessions and field trips, accessible through the Connect with Nature app, are free of charge and will take place during July, August, and September 2023.