EAD Encourages Community Involvement Through Four Unique Volunteering Opportunities For Environmental Protection

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is urging individuals to volunteer in environmental activities. This initiative is part of their strategy to preserve the environment and tackle climate change. EAD aims to boost social responsibility by overseeing four volunteer programmes, allowing community members to contribute to environmental conservation efforts for a sustainable future.

Rasha Ali Al Madfai, Acting Director of the Environmental Awareness Department at EAD, stated, "At EAD, we believe that environmental responsibility is a shared commitment, and we seek to reach different segments of society, with a focus on the next generation, to provide them with the necessary tools and knowledge to help them understand the importance of environmental sustainability, and the vital role we play together in ensuring a sustainable future."

The Murshed Youth Rangers Programme has entered its second phase. Sponsored by TotalEnergies, this phase focuses on volunteering. It aims to inspire young people interested in environmental protection. Participants have completed 300 volunteering hours at Jubail Mangrove Park and helped organise field trips during the 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC).

A nature retreat was organised at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and Jubail Mangrove Park. Activities included treasure hunts and team-building exercises. Young rangers from Jubail Mangrove Park led guided tours for their peers at Al Wathba Reserve. The retreat concluded with recognition for outstanding participants.

The Green Citizen Programme offers citizens and residents passionate about environmental work a chance to protect Abu Dhabi’s natural heritage. A virtual meeting welcomed new volunteers, explained roles, presented the 2024 plan, and introduced the "naha" platform along with EAD’s awareness programmes. Around 68 volunteers attended this meeting.

The Green Experts Programme aims to create a network of environmental experts from diverse fields and countries. It now includes 287 participants who receive monthly scientific bulletins. Three lectures were organised, and five volunteers joined an "Ask an Expert" session for knowledge exchange in the environmental sector.

Empowering Young Leaders

Murshed collaborates with Emirates Schools Establishment and Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge. It provides guidance and leadership development opportunities for youth aged 14-17 in Abu Dhabi schools. The programme helps them understand rangers' roles in ecosystem restoration.

The Green Youth Majlis targets young people aged 18-35 years as part of the Sustainable Universities Initiative launched in 2015. It empowers them to engage in environmental action supporting Abu Dhabi's vision. The council encourages open dialogue and learning through quarterly meetings.

Since 2019, over 232 members have dedicated more than 970 hours across 60 events like beach clean-ups in Abu Dhabi and educational sessions on topics such as single-use plastics policy implementation.

EAD's initiatives aim to transform intentions into impactful actions through platforms like "Naha." These programmes provide opportunities for youth engagement in activities promoting sustainable practices.

With inputs from WAM