EEG Awards Young Visionaries In 19th Environmental Drawing Competition

The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) recently concluded its 19th edition of the Environmental Drawing Competition, marking a significant milestone with the participation of over 445,441 students from 520 schools across the UAE. This annual event, inclusive of schools catering to special needs, aims to educate students on environmental issues through art.

The competition featured three distinct themes tailored to different age groups. "A Breath of Purity" targeted students aged 6 to 8 years, focusing on air quality and sustainable urban living. "Wheel of Tomorrow" was designed for students aged 9 to 11 years, highlighting the harmony between modern transportation and nature. The oldest group, aged 12 to 14 years, tackled "Waste-less Wonders," addressing waste management and resource conservation.

Awarding Ceremony Highlights

The awarding ceremony took place at the Ismaili Centre in Dubai, showcasing the winning artworks that conveyed strong environmental messages. Mrs. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, EEG Co-Founder and Chairperson, welcomed attendees and praised the diverse representation of academic institutions. She expressed pride in the high quality of participation this year.

Mrs. Al Mar’ashi stated, "It is with great pleasure that I extend a cordial welcome to all attendees to the 19th Cycle of the Environmental Drawing Competition Awarding Ceremony. I am sincerely delighted to observe the diverse representation of academic institutions from across the nation in our midst, including those dedicated to serving students with special needs."

Educational Impact and Future Goals

Mrs. Al Mar’ashi emphasized the importance of integrating environmental education into school curricula through creative means like art. She noted that over the past 19 years, the competition has empowered numerous students to understand their role in environmental conservation.

She highlighted that topics are carefully chosen to expose students to relevant environmental issues. For instance, "A Breath of Purity" aims to raise awareness about air pollution, which causes 6.5 million deaths annually. The theme encourages students to envision urban spaces with reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality.

Statistics and Environmental Insights

Discussing "Wheel of Tomorrow," Mrs. Al Mar’ashi pointed out that despite advancements in green energy, over 90% of transportation fuel remains petroleum-based. Each vehicle emits approximately one pound of CO2 per mile driven. Public transportation can reduce CO2 emissions by 45%, saving around 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually in the UAE.

The final theme, "Waste-less Wonders," aimed at older students, focused on waste management and resource conservation. This theme underscores the importance of educating future generations about sustainable practices.

The EEG's Environmental Drawing Competition continues to play a crucial role in fostering environmental awareness among young students in the UAE. By engaging them through art, the competition not only educates but also inspires practical solutions for a sustainable future.

With inputs from WAM