Cleaning up Dubai

Dubai: From a traditional economy based on grazing animals, pearl diving and fishing, the UAE has developed into an urbanised, multicultural and economic hub since the discovery of oil, in less than three decades.

One issue that is currently being discussed through numerous initiatives across the UAE is environmental sustainability and awareness.

One organisation that is educating the public about these issues is the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG).

Established in September 1991 by 12 people of different nationalities, the EEG is helping to improve the environment by means of education, acting programmes and community involvement. EEG became the first environmental institution in the world to be accredited with the ISI 14001 certification for its environment initiative.

Currently, the organisation has a membership of 2,500 that includes individual and corporate members, governmental agencies, educational institutions and international organisations.

"The UAE is among highest consumers of energy. We also don't have enough natural water resources. Here water comes from desalination that is very costly environmentally and monetarily," says Habiba Al Marashi, chairperson of the EEG.

Al Marashi had a passion for protecting the environment since her childhood and credits her mother for her environmental values.

According to Al Marashi, people don't consciously think about improving the environment. "For any environmental strategies to be successfully implemented, people need to think in that direction. Because this country is home to people from over 200 nationalities, educating them becomes a challenge," she points out. "Taking care of the environment is also something that Islam teaches us to do."

Over the years, the environmental group has initiated several campaigns as part of its recycling and waste management projects. These include paper, toner, plastics, can, and glass campaigns.

Apart from these, the organisation runs 'clean up' campaigns twice a year throughout Dubai. "This does not only help reduce waste in specific areas but also inculcates good environment-friendly behaviour in people," said Al Marashi. The activity is organised to mark national and international environmental occasions.

Educating students by working with schools has also been a habitual practice of the organisation. In 1992 the organisation introduced a can collection campaign in local schools, which has grown to include private and governmental organisations. The group also hosts workshops for students and teachers to provide effective strategies for improving the country's environmental problems and to create interest among the younger generations.

In addition, the EEG provides an educational package to teachers entitled "Don't Waste Our World", which contains statistics on waste and information on its impact on society. Furthermore, it distributes "Waste Paper", a newsletter that has a circulation of 20,000 copies, to schools and universities, and government and private institutions. The supplement focusses on local environmental problems and practical methods that can be taken to preserve the environment.

"One of our biggest achievements has been putting the environmental issues on the agendas of policy makers. I feel that the government is taking these issues seriously and hope that it will enforce strict regulations to protect the environment, which has deteriorated as a result of our own actions," says Al Marashi.