More than 1670 kg of waste collected in EAD clean-up campaign

ABU DHABI, 11th February, 2016 (WAM) -- The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, EAD, along with BP, sponsor of the Sustainable Schools Initiative, SSI, organised a clean-up campaign yesterday at the area around Al Wathba Wetland Reserve for the initiative’s participating students. The campaign was planned to mark the UAE’s 19th National Environment Day, which is being held this year under the slogan, "Green Economy, Innovation and Sustainability." The 2-hour clean-up saw the participation of 105 SSI students and teachers and 69 members of governmental and private organisations in Abu Dhabi, where they cleared the litter caused by neighbouring residents. The two-hour clean-up campaign resulted in removal of 1,676 kg of waste, mostly plastic, wood, metal, glass and paper. Ahead of the clean-up, the students were given a brief and provided with information on the roles and responsibility of the campaign and about the different measurement tools used in collecting data. Also gloves, bags and water were distributed. Kicking off the campaign, Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of the Environmental Science, Information and Outreach Sector, EAD, addressed the participants and highlighted the importance of changing our behaviour and attitudes towards waste disposal and management within Abu Dhabi. "Such campaigns aim to protect the environment from pollution, as well as directing school children towards positive attitudes in maintaining a clean and sound environment through promoting awareness by practice and participation," he said. Baharoon added, "The Sustainable Schools Initiative continuously encourages students to become involved in activities that will benefit their environment and community. SSI regularly attracts all Eco-clubs from registered schools to annually participate in projects that promote sustainability to the wider community. The SSI initiative embarked the implementation of their second phase in 2013 and decided to coordinate the initiative’s first clean-up campaign for 2014. The clean-up campaign provides a platform where SSI students, teachers and directors from different schools, along with partners and stakeholders, can collaboratively participate towards making concrete actions toward promoting sustainability in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi." "We at EAD are keen to ensure that such natural treasures are accessible to the students, where this campaign enticed them to experience Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, one of Abu Dhabi Emirate’s rich natural heritage while educating them about how they can contribute to the environmental conservation." Abdul Karim Al Mazmi, President and General Manager for BP UAE, said, "Schools Clean Up campaign is an excellent way to educate students about the negative impacts of litter on the environment and how they can help to make a difference in their community. Engaging the students at this age in such activities will make a bigger impact on the long term on them, their families, relatives and the wider community. This demonstrates the necessity of preserving the environment by maintaining cleanliness, recycling and making this an integral part of the daily culture of the UAE community." The Sustainable Schools Initiative encourages students to not only reduce their ecological footprint but also to increase their 'ecological handprint', by participating in the different activities organised by EAD and other environmental related organisations, that lead towards achieving sustainability. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/general/1395291408336.html