The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is starting four volunteer programs to help community members take part in protecting the environment and ensuring a sustainable future for everyone.
Rasha Ali Al Madfai, Acting Director of the Environmental Awareness Department at EAD, stated, “At EAD, we believe that caring for the environment is a shared duty. We aim to reach all parts of society, especially the younger generation, to equip them with the tools and knowledge to understand the importance of environmental sustainability and our collective role in creating a sustainable future.”
Al Madfai explained that EAD has introduced several volunteer programs to encourage positive environmental actions and empower people to help protect the environment.
She added, “Our environmental volunteer programs are organized under the ‘Naha’ platform launched by EAD. This platform offers youth and community members chances to participate in activities that promote sustainable practices.”
The second phase of the Murshed Youth Rangers Program, which focuses on volunteering, has also begun, sponsored by TotalEnergies. This program aims to inspire young people who are interested in environmental protection. Participants completed a total of 300 volunteer hours at Jubail Mangrove Park and helped organize field trips during the 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC), showcasing their commitment to the environment.
To encourage further interaction among participants, a nature retreat was held at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and Jubail Mangrove Park. The retreat featured activities like treasure hunts, team-building exercises, and guided tours led by young rangers for their peers at Al Wathba Reserve. The event concluded with recognition for outstanding participants.
The Murshed program is carried out in partnership with the Emirates Schools Establishment and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, providing guidance and leadership development for students aged 14-17. It encourages them to volunteer and learn about the role of rangers in environmental protection.
The Green Citizen Program invites citizens and residents passionate about the environment to help protect Abu Dhabi’s natural heritage. A virtual meeting was held for volunteers to welcome newcomers, explain roles and responsibilities, share the 2024 plan, and introduce the “Naha” platform and EAD’s awareness programs. Around 68 volunteers attended, and 281 people took part in five cleanup campaigns organized under this program.
The Green Experts Program aims to create a network of environmental specialists from various fields and countries. It now has 287 participants, with monthly scientific bulletins sent to experts, three lectures organized, and five volunteers taking part in an “Ask an Expert” session to share knowledge and expertise in the environmental field.
Launched in 2015 as part of the Sustainable Universities Initiative, the Green Youth Majlis (meaning council) targets young people aged 18-35. This initiative encourages them to take the lead in environmental actions and support the emirate’s environmental vision. The council allows young people to become active change agents in society.
Currently, the Green Youth Majlis has over 650 members and meets quarterly to exchange ideas and solutions for various environmental challenges. It uses a unique approach to environmental education by fostering open dialogue and productive learning.
Since 2019, 232 members have contributed over 970 hours across 60 events, including the World Environmental Education Congress, beach clean-ups in Abu Dhabi, and educational sessions on topics like the single-use plastics policy and other community initiatives.
