Abu Dhabi: Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, the Minister of State for Defence Affairs and Vice Chairman of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD), along with Emirates Nature-WWF, has inaugurated the COP28 Youth Climate and Nature Series.
This initiative, developed by EAD in collaboration with Emirates Nature-WWF, aims to expand the community of volunteers and citizen scientists in the UAE throughout the Year of Sustainability and COP28. The strategy focuses on engaging youth and the wider community, ensuring their awareness and involvement in large-scale conservation programs on the ground.
To complement the launch, a unique Connect with Nature activation called the ‘Escape Climate Change – Mangrove Edition’ Escape Room was introduced.
The event was attended by Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD’s Secretary General, Ms. Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF, Mr. Ahmed Baharoon, EAD’s Executive Director of Environmental Information, Science, and Outreach Management Sector, as well as students from government and private schools in Abu Dhabi.
The activation at Al Mamoura is sponsored by Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company (ADNIC), one of the leading regional multi-line insurance providers for corporations and individuals.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the EAD, commented that “today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. This influential group of young people has made it clear that they are concerned about the environment and are interested in being part of the national response to climate change. Initiatives like the ‘Escape Climate Change – Mangrove Edition’ Escape Room provide a pathway for UAE youth and the community to understand the science and complexity involved in building climate resiliency, empowering them to step up and make greater contributions towards climate and nature through citizen science and volunteerism.”