The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) successfully concluded a two-day eco-awareness camp for 50 university students and youth council members in Kalba in the emirate of Sharjah.
Themed ‘UAE’s Natural Wonders’, the camp was conducted in partnership with Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and collaboratively with Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah, and youth councils in the UAE.
The participants engaged in several outdoor activities, such as off-road biking, high-rope climbing, hiking, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, raft building, and mangrove exploration. They also toured Al Hefaiyah Conservation Centre and Kalba Birds of Prey Centre. The aims of these activities was to familiarize the young participants with the concept of ecotourism, raise their awareness of the critical need to protect the environment, and foster the next generation of environmental stewards.
The camp also invited the young environmentalists to brainstorm for innovative ideas to promote ecotourism in Sharjah. In addition, participants listened to informative talks headlined by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of EPAA, His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, and His Excellency Marwan Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of Shurooq.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said: “The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, is making relentless efforts and is organizing multiple initiatives and events aimed at spreading environmental awareness among members of society, and bolstering the country's position on the global map of environmental tourism.”
Sheikh Al Qasimi added: “The UAE boasts world-class tourism infrastructure and natural landscape that make it an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world. It is therefore important to encourage young people to adopt innovative ideas and ways of contributing to the prosperity and growth of ecotourism.”
His Excellency Dr Al Zeyoudi said: “At MOCCAE, one of our key objectives is to engage the wider community in eco initiatives in a bid to enhance environmental awareness. As part of this priority, we are keen to involve the youth, who have the enthusiasm and energy to become change agents, in our efforts to address critical environmental challenges.”
He added: “In line with our national endeavors to empower young people, build their capacities, and ensure their long-term commitment to environmental action, the Ministry’s Youth Council consistently rolls out initiatives to encourage this segment to volunteer their time. As an initiative led by our Youth Council, this camp is a prime example of how we harness young minds in generating innovative and fresh ideas. Bridging the gap between the country’s youth and policy makers is vital to ensuring that the UAE is on track to achieving sustainable development.”
For her part, Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi said: “The camp, held under the theme ‘UAE’s Natural Wonders’, aims at building a bond between youth and nature, as well as engaging the young generation in devising innovative strategies for promoting ecotourism. We thank MOCCAE and Shurook for inviting EPAA to be part in this engaging event.”
His Excellency Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal said: “Climate change and environmental sustainability are urgent global issues. The United Arab Emirates has been a regional pioneer in designing and implementing innovation-driven and scalable initiatives geared towards protecting the environment, and has taken significant steps to encourage community members, especially the younger generation, to embrace environment-friendly and sustainable practices.”
He added: “The camp is the outcome of an effective collaboration between government agencies, entities and youth groups and reflects each stakeholder’s commitment to educating the youth about the richness and diversity of the UAE’s natural environment. With this knowledge, these youth can act as ambassadors, educating tourists, visitors and investors from different parts of the world.”
In mid-2018, MOCCAE launched the national ecotourism project ‘UAE’s Natural Wonders’, with the aim of promoting ecotourism across the seven emirates and positioning the country as a leading ecotourism hub. Completed in October 2018, phase one of the project made ample information on the UAE’s 44 protected areas available via a dedicated microsite, app and e-book.
In Q1 of 2019, phase two was launched to expand the scope of sites featured on the app to include areas rich in heritage and historic value, licensed environmentally conscious resorts and hospitality establishments, and locations that host eco-friendly sports activities. In September 2019, the ecotourism project incorporated agritourism, a form of ecotourism that provides nature enthusiasts with the opportunity to stay at a working farm and learn firsthand about agricultural practices.