To celebrate UAE Innovation Month, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) is hosting a series of activities throughout February that aim to promote environmental sustainability.
The Ministry has launched the month-long initiative at the National Science, Technology and Innovation Festival 2020 that kicked off today at Festival Arena by InterContinental in Dubai Festival City and will run until February 8.
MOCCAE is leveraging its participation to enhance public awareness of the Gheras app. Offering ample information on indigenous species, Gheras supports the Ministry’s efforts to preserve biodiversity and to protect and restore the natural habitats of local plants. MOCCAE is also showcasing the Eco Tourism app and its latest addition – the agritourism page – through images and videos of marine and terrestrial protected areas in the UAE.
The schedule of activities includes Gamification that seeks to pique young visitors’ interest in cutting down their carbon footprint through playing online games. Meanwhile, the Agricultural Calendar educates the community about the best seasons for growing various crops depending on the local climatic conditions.
Furthermore, the Waste Timeline intends to raise public awareness about different types of waste, the time taken for them to decompose, and the risks they pose to the environment, in addition to highlighting smart waste reduction and management practices.
As part of the Innovation Observatory, the Ministry is posting visual content on its social media platforms that depicts environmentally sustainable innovations, including its own.
Adding an element of healthy competition to the event, throughout February, the Innovative Customer Contest invites customers of UAE government entities, such as MOCCAE, to submit original ideas to improve service quality and delivery channels, and enhance the efficiency of government work through the 171 Tawasul platform. The best ideas will win rewards.
Underlining the importance of UAE Innovation Month, Eng Aisha Al Abdooli, Chief Innovation Officer at MOCCAE, said: “UAE Innovation Month is a nationwide celebration of groundbreaking and inventive concepts. Through encouraging public and private sector entities as well as individuals to embrace innovative practices, this festival significantly contributes to strengthening the UAE's position as a global hub for innovation.”
She added that the Ministry is committed to fostering innovation that drives environmental sustainability in the UAE.