Dubai: Municipal authorities in Dubai have organised a series of clean-up events across the emirate to raise awareness about the importance of preserving desert life amid celebrations to mark the 16th National Environment Day.
Environment Day was held under the theme ‘Desert Pulsing with Life’ under the patronage of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on February 4.
“This celebration focuses attention on all different types of environments, and we are paying particular attention to the desert, which is an important part of our heritage and history,” said Hamdan Al Shair, director of the Environment Department at Dubai Municipality.
By organising such campaigns, the municipality aims to contribute to the growth and development of sustainable eco-tourism, in addition to raising awareness about the need to protect the environment.
“The country’s desert is not a barren one but rich with different types of animals, birds and insects, and that is why we all have to keep the desert clean and protect the wildlife. The UAE has paid a great deal of attention on protecting endangered species, and has reached success in its programmes to protect and breed the Arabian Oryx, Arabian leopard, bustards, falcons and the Ghaf tree,” Al Shair said.
In the coming weeks, the municipality will hold a clean-up campaign in Al Aweer in cooperation with Dubai Scouts Associations and volunteers of the Red Crescent. A second clean-up campaign will be launched in Al Warqa with volunteers from the UAE Cycling Association teaming up with students from various schools to preserve the country’s natural environment.
“We will distribute plastic biodegradable bags as well as leaflets informing the public on what they can do to keep the desert clean. Our goal is to inform students and the public on the importance of preserving the desert life, so a number of lectures and workshops will be held in public and private schools,” added Sarah Al Sayegh, head of environmental awareness at Dubai Municipality.
