His Excellency Dr. Thani Ahmed Alzeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, inaugurated the nation’s celebrations of the United Nations’ World Environment Day 2016, themed ‘Go Wild for Life’, organized for the sixth consecutive year by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in collaboration with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority.
The World Environment Day 2016 celebrations, held on June 3 and June 4 at the Festival Square in Dubai Festival City, included the participation of various government entities and private organizations.
Among the key highlights of this year’s event, were a music parade by Dubai Police, a number of activities and competitions, as well as school children’s workshops that focused on the distressing and rapid depletion of planet earth. Concluding the activities, giveaways were handed out to participants and children to encourage them to support the UAE’s efforts in protecting the environment, limiting over consumption and reinforcing environmental awareness.
His Excellency Dr. Thani Ahmed Alzeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, commended the efforts of all relevant entities in preserving the UAE’s wildlife and countering all forms of illegal trade. He bolstered the UAE’s dedication, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to continuously battle the trend of illegal wildlife trade by all means necessary. He also reiterated the ministry’s commitment to proactively participate in global efforts of fighting this phenomenon while following international laws.
He said: “The UAE enjoys a rich wildlife and has been putting together a variety of measures, since the 1970s, to protect the local and regional fauna. We have developed legislations and strengthened institutional efforts in order to preserve the biological diversity of the country, while also establishing various sanctuaries with international standards. These sanctuaries serve as a natural habitat to the wildlife as well as eco-attractions for tourists and residents alike. We have also launched a number of programs to protect endangered animals and prevent their extinction.”
His Excellency stated: “Biodiversity, including wildlife, is a human heritage that should be preserved, which requires organized and coordinated international effort. To ensure successful preservation, we must also invest in the capabilities of the workforce in this field, openly exchange information between countries and relevant organizations, draft local and international policies and procedures to stiffen penalties for illegal trade, and intensify awareness of the economic, social and environmental damage arising from such activities.”
Dr. Alzeyoudi concluded: “It is our duty today to raise awareness among the younger generation, and to put together strategies and campaigns around the consequences of Basic Detailsirrational exploitation that is causing the erosion suffered by the planet’s natural resources. This responsibility will play a major role in determining the continuous and sustainable growth of the economic, social and environmental aspects within the UAE, and around the world.”
On his part, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, said: “Our forefathers have, since the establishment of the UAE, highlighted the importance of environmental preservation and natural resources. With time, this noble cause has become part of the UAE culture. Therefore, the country is considered to be a, local and international leader, in the field of environmental protection and a role model to the rest of the world.”
He added: “We at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, in partnership with relevant organizations such as the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, are keen to shed light on the repercussions of incorrect consumption patterns.”
DSOA follows a three-pronged corporate social responsibility strategy – environment, human capital and community. As part of its CSR agenda, the integrated free zone park seeks to spearhead community-centric awareness initiatives throughout the year. Additionally, DSO has recently introduced various initiatives under its CSR environment pillar such as the Smart Waste Management program, a fleet of electronic vehicles and the implementation of the region’s first sub-surface irrigation system that reduces water consumption by 40%.
The World Environment Day 2016 celebrations witnessed the participation of various private and public sector entities in the UAE, including Al Futtaim Group, who hosted the event at Dubai Festival City, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), Jebel Ali Free.
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