Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi (EAD) is encouraging residents and citizens to volunteer in various environmental programs to help protect the natural landscape and mitigate climate change effects.
Through hands-on engagement, EAD aims to foster a culture of social responsibility and environmental stewardship across the community, emphasizing that volunteerism is vital to a sustainable future.
Collective Environmental Action
EAD has launched four key volunteer programs, empowering citizens to actively contribute to environmental conservation efforts. Rasha Ali Al Madfai, Acting Director of EAD’s Environmental Awareness Department, stated that, “We see environmental responsibility as a shared commitment. Our goal is to provide society’s next generation with the knowledge and tools to be advocates for sustainability.”
.@EADTweets is encouraging community members to sign up to one of four volunteering programmes to contribute towards environmental preservation and protection efforts across the emirate, ensuring a sustainable future for current and future generations. pic.twitter.com/fV1T4QQgqG
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) November 4, 2024
Volunteer Programs
Each program targets different demographics and focuses on unique aspects of environmental conservation, enhancing the community’s involvement:
1. Murshed Youth Rangers Program
Sponsored by TotalEnergies, this program inspires young people to engage directly in environmental protection.
- Participants contributed over 300 hours at Jubail Mangrove Park and helped at the 12th World Environmental Education Congress.
- A nature retreat organized at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and Jubail Mangrove Park included team-building activities and guided tours by youth rangers.
- Murshed targets students aged 14 to 17 and collaborates with the Emirates Schools Establishment and Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge to enhance environmental leadership skills.
2. Green Citizen Program
Designed for residents passionate about environmental work, this initiative promotes the conservation of Abu Dhabi’s natural heritage.
- EAD hosted a virtual orientation for new volunteers, outlining roles and plans for 2024.
- To date, 281 volunteers have joined clean-up campaigns across the emirate.
- Volunteers engage in activities that encourage community participation in environmental preservation.
3. Green Experts Program
This program creates a network of environmental specialists from diverse fields, sharing knowledge to strengthen environmental initiatives.
- With 287 experts, the program provides a platform for monthly bulletins, lectures, and Ask-an-Expert sessions.
- Volunteers gain insights from experts who lead workshops, assess reports, and mentor others.
- The initiative harnesses the expertise of professionals to support EAD’s projects and initiatives.
4. Green Youth Majlis
Engaging youth aged 18 to 35, the Green Youth Majlis empowers young adults to take active roles in environmental advocacy.
- Established in 2015, the Majlis has over 650 members who participate in quarterly discussions and events.
- Since 2019, members have dedicated nearly 1,000 hours to events like beach clean-ups and educational workshops on reducing single-use plastics.
- The Majlis encourages young people to become change agents, contributing to the emirate’s environmental vision.
Awareness into Action
These programs, accessible through the Naha platform, aim to convert environmental awareness into impactful actions. By encouraging the community to engage in sustainability, EAD’s initiatives are creating lasting change and promoting sustainable development in the UAE.