Dubai: In line with the UAE's vision for environmental stewardship and strengthening community partnerships, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has launched a series of strategic initiatives coinciding with World Environment Day on June 5th.
According to Emirates News Agency, these initiatives coincide with the Year of Family and reaffirm environmental protection as a national responsibility rooted in the family. The initiatives are designed to engage all segments of society in sustainable living, translating environmental awareness into daily actions that preserve biodiversity and natural resources for the future.
These activities align with this year's World Environment Day theme, 'Act Now for Climate,' which emphasizes nature-based solutions as key to securing our future. To support this aim, MOCCAE will introduce a series of campaigns to enhance public understanding of environmental challenges and the necessity of a unified response. These campaigns serve as a national call to action, empowering individuals to contribute to climate solutions, whether by protecting biodiversity, restoring mangroves, greening urban areas, or ensuring food security. This approach aims to strengthen ecosystem resilience and support the UAE's strategic climate objectives.
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized the forward-looking vision of the UAE's leadership, inspired by the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. She stated, "The protection of the environment is at the heart of our development plans and national progress. Building climate and environmental resilience must begin with society itself, raising awareness among individuals and institutions and embedding sustainable practices into everyday life."
The Ministry's efforts for World Environment Day were organized under three main activities: the release of marine turtles, mangrove planting, and raising awareness among senior Emiratis about the importance of food safety. These initiatives have been implemented in collaboration with various national entities and with community participation, reinforcing the spirit of collective environmental action.
Hajar Bakhit Alketbi, Director of Government Communication at MOCCAE, highlighted the importance of instilling values of resource conservation and responsibility towards the planet within the family. Over the past three years, the Ministry has engaged more than 8,000 volunteers and 5,000 students in its environmental efforts. These efforts have resulted in the planting of over 459,000 trees, the distribution of 600,000 seedlings and 6.5 million seeds, and training over 4,500 students in climate leadership.
As part of these initiatives, the Ministry organized a marine turtle release event at the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai in collaboration with the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA). The event highlighted the UAE's collective national efforts to protect biodiversity and nature, with broad participation raising awareness about the challenges facing marine ecosystems.
The Ministry also organized a specialized educational workshop titled 'Food Safety System' for senior Emiratis, emphasizing the strategic importance of engaging all society segments to enhance food security and advance sustainability. Additionally, a major mangrove planting initiative at Khor Kalba in Sharjah underscored the UAE's commitment to ecosystem and biodiversity preservation.
These efforts align with the UAE's commitments under the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC). Moving forward, MOCCAE remains committed to fostering a strong culture of environmental awareness, launching initiatives that bring people together for climate action.