UAE's largest eco-initiative in October

By PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 16 Sept 2010

THE largest voluntary clean-up initiative by the UAE this year will flash the green message that communities care for nature, as the drive will be held in Dubai in the month of October, and is in line with environmental activities practiced by various cities around the globe.

The annual voluntary programme across the world raises environmental awareness in different communities through the active participation of people from all walks of life for preserving the cleanliness of the planet.

The global campaign has been organised every year by UNEP and Australian-based 'Clean Up the World Programme,' and is aimed at congregating volunteers for the massive environmental cause.

It focuses on attracting the attention of decision-makers and local and global communities on environmental threats to the earth, and inspiring them to develop sustainable waste management strategies.

Protecting environment

The Dubai Municipality (DM) is currently planning activities to launch the seventeenth edition of the "Clean-up the World 2010" campaign, which aims at protecting Dubai's environment.

A senior civic body official said that the volunteers including school and university students, employees from public and private sector establishments, NGO's, community groups and passionate individuals will join hands to clean up designated sites across Dubai.

Hassan Makki, director of the Waste Management Department at DM and head of the Clean-Up the World team, said that Dubai's worsening environmental challenges will be addressed by the programme.

"The activities of the drive will also disseminate the right environmental culture among the residents and visitors, as environmental problems have been contributing to the risks faced by the public health safety in the emirate at an alarming rate," he added.

According to him, the programme will line up a host of activities and awareness initiatives aimed at reducing waste and encouraging the public to reuse or recycle.

"Public workshops will be conducted on the sidelines and will be on topics like recycling and reducing waste, environmental painting, and making eco-friendly bags and usable materials from waste. Saplings will also be distributed to the public to encourage horticulture and its role in curbing climate change, and awareness publications will be distributed," elaborated Makki.

Ongoing effort

"The programme witnessed an overwhelming response over the past years, by achieving positive results in educating young people on the significance of maintaining a clean environment," said the event's general coordinator and the DM's Head of Administrative Support and Customers Section Hussain Ghulam Hussain.

"The clean-up drive developed environmental knowledge of the public by providing them with comprehensive concepts for eco-conservation, and enhancing their capability to become leaders of the future for volunteering for environmental causes," he added.

Hussain indicated, "Over 5,199 tonnes of waste were collected in last year's campaign by as many as 24,148 volunteers from several government and non-governmental organisations, community groups, schools and private firms."

Abdullah Al Ghafari, head of the Customer Services Unit in DM's Waste Management Department, said that the campaign has activities in store for all segments of the society to be involved in the country's largest eco-cause.

"There's a platform for all those who have the real spirit to achieve the noble objective of cleaning up their surrounding environment," he added.

According to him, sound and positive environmental practices and behaviours should be maintained individually for maintaining the long-term status of an enlightened society.
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