Environment campaign a 'resounding success'

Dubai: As many as 20,550 volunteers from several government sectors, non-governmental organisations, and schools collected more than 4,150 tonnes of waste during the "Clean up the World 2008: Start Today ... Save Tomorrow" campaign.

It was held between November 18-21 by the Dubai Municipality.

Abdullah Rafia, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for Environment and Public Health Sector, said that this year's campaign was a resounding success as there was a phenomenal increase both in the number of participants and the volume of garbage collected.

"We have registered a 12 per cent increase in the number of participants as compared to last year. This would not have been possible, had there not been greater cooperation from schools, green organisations, private firms and government departments," he said.

He also said that participation from different organisations and volunteers was overwhelming.

"We initially expected just over 18,000 volunteers. But, the number soared to 20,550 with people from all walks of life coming forward to serve the environment they live in. There were registrations until last minute from several groups interested in taking part in the campaign."