Abu Dhabi: Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi’s (EAD) Youth Council has launched the initiative Bahruna Dhukhr (Our Sea is Our Wealth), in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Fishermen’s Association and Modon Properties.
The initiative aims to preserve the UAE’s ancestral maritime heritage and pass it on to future generations. It focuses on implementing educational programs that highlight the Emirate’s maritime heritage and intends to preserve the environment through a multipronged approach, including school trips for pupils of all ages to instil in them the principles of sustainability.
The initiative coincides with the Year of Sustainability announced by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to help consolidate the concepts of sustainability and highlight its importance to the marine fishing sector, as well as its role in supporting the fishing profession.
Mr. Abdulrahman Qaderi, Environmental Enforcement Officer at EAD, stated that, “The initiative focuses on transferring the sustainable marine heritage of our ancestors to future generations. This is considered a vital step towards protecting our natural resources and enhancing the sustainability of the marine environment. It is one of many initiatives that will be launched to introduce young people to our natural environment and our cultural and environmental heritage and emphasize why preserving them is important for us and for future generations.”
The initiative will be implemented at government and private schools through the Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI) network, which was created by EAD.
It will reach more than 5,000 students in 100 schools registered within the SSI network, introducing them to marine heritage and the marine environment. The initiative will also provide a unique opportunity for students to learn about healthy seafood the different types of fish found in Abu Dhabi’s waters, and ways of cleaning, cutting, and cooking fish.