As part of the environmental initiatives marking the Year of Zayed, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), in cooperation with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, today organized a clean-up campaign, under the theme "My Environment My National Responsibility" at Al Fayah area in Sharjah.

The campaign, which is the first volunteer campaign in the UAE that targets the participation of media personnel, was led by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, with the active participation of several MOCCAE officials and over 200 volunteers. 

Co-organized by Bee'ah Sharjah Environment Company, Sharjah Government Media Bureau and Batayeh Municipality, the campaign reflects the Ministry's commitment to spreading awareness of environmental issues in all emirates and engaging its partners in the protection of the environment and its resources.

Speaking about the campaign, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, said that Sharjah pays utmost attention to the environment as a main pillar of Sharjah's sustainable development, as per the directions of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Federal Supreme Council.

"Environment Conservation is a social responsibility and a human right. Such initiatives encourage people to think more about the environment around them, and what it takes to preserve it. We value the steadfast efforts exerted by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in organizing the "My Environment My National Responsibility" clean-up campaign, especially as Al Fayah is one of the chosen areas for the campaign. Al Faya area is flocked by visitors during winter, leaving behind a lot of litter and rubbish," he said.

The Chairman of Sharjah Media Council commended the joint efforts of everyone involved in the campaign. He also pointed out the role the media plays in supporting such campaigns by encouraging the public to be part of them and raising awareness of environmental issues. 

For his part, His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said the UAE presents a unique model for environment conservation, through the legislations and laws being issued, the strategies and plans being devised and the initiatives being carried out regularly. 

His Excellency said: "Creating a sustainable environment while pursuing more economic growth and development is a challenge that has long been considered by the UAE leadership. Thanks to the prudent directives of the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the UAE leadership, the nation has managed to strike the right balance between the two and top some of the global environmental rankings."

He further added that environmental clean-up campaigns highlight two values deeply instilled in the people of the UAE - caring for the environment and community service.

On the other hand, the Chairman of Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, said the Authority devises its plans and strategies based on the wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, in relation to preserving the environment.

"Dedicated teams work relentlessly to spread awareness of environmental efforts. 'My Environment My National Responsibility' clean-up campaign is aimed at educating the public, particularly Al Fayah visitors, on the adverse environmental effects of leaving the ash residue of barbeque charcoal briquettes. If not disposed of in the right way, the residue can have a very harmful effect on the surrounding environment. We hope by the end of the campaign barbeque lovers will know how they can enjoy their trips without harming the environment," she said.

Al Awaidi thanked MOCCAE for organizing the campaign, which saw a wide participation of stakeholders from the Sharjah Police General Directorate (Central Region), Al Rahmaniya Youth Volunteer Team, Sanid Volunteer Team, and Sharjah Medical Services team.