Seven schools honoured for environment efforts

Seven schools were awarded prizes yesterday in the sixth Federal Environment Agency (FEA) and Shell Better Environment Awards (BEA). The continuous programme was launched in 1996 by the FEA, Shell Markets Middle East, Shell Abu Dhabi and the UAE Ministry of Education to encourage school children and students in the UAE to work together on projects to improve the environment.

Iain Everingham, Shell chairman for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, said, "Children seem to learn best when they are enjoying themselves, and these awards have proved to be fun, with the children working together to produce interesting and worthwhile projects that will hopefully pave the way to prepare for a better future."

The first prize was shared by two schools - the Abu Dhabi Indian School and the Suwaihan Secondary School for Girls. The Abu Dhabi Indian School was awarded for its "Study of a Mangrove Ecosystem" which involved an extensive study of the mangrove ecosystem along the Corniche in Abu Dhabi.

They were able to visit the Dhabiyah mangrove site where they conducted a systematic field survey, and studied the water, soil, flora and fauna. They also organised an awareness campaign by conducting a field trip in which 20 boys and girls from grade nine were able to visit the site.

The Suwaihan Secondary School for Girls was awarded for its project, entitled 'For a Better Environment', which involved extensive research using recycled products that were then used in their Physics classes.

They also presented clippings on drugs, the environment, animals and plants, as well as conducting comprehensive research on the breeding of animals and agriculture in the UAE as well as research about pollution in enclosed areas.

Second prize was again shared between two schools. The first being the Al Heikma Private School for its "Water Conservation Campaign" and the second to Varkey International Private School for its project entitled "Conservation of Water Resources."

Third prize was shared between three schools: Al Sadiq Islamic English School for its "Eco City", Al Zalaqa Intermediate School for Girls for 'Garbage Recycling,' and the Arab Unity School for its project: "Selective Collection - Survey on How People Dispose of Recyclable Waste."

Mohamed Defrawi, managing director of Shell Abu Dhabi, said, "The BEA scheme has become an ideal example of active participation to preserve the environment and spread awareness among the new generation of the UAE.

"It is a great encouragement for students to participate in useful and interesting projects. Moreover, it holds out great hopes for the future of the environment of the UAE."