UAE Ministry of Climate Change marks World Environment Day

Emirates Business

His Excellency Dr. Thani Ahmed Alzeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, inaugurated the nation’s celebrations of the United Nations’ World Environment Day 2016, themed ‘Go Wild for Life’, organised for the sixth consecutive year by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in collaboration with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority.
“The UAE enjoys a rich wildlife and has been putting together a variety of measures, since the 1970s, to protect the local and regional fauna. We have developed legislations and strengthened institutional efforts in order to preserve the biological diversity of the country, while also establishing various sanctuaries with international standards. These sanctuaries serve as a natural habitat to the wildlife as well as eco-attractions for tourists and residents alike. We have also launched a number of programs to protect endangered animals and prevent their extinction,” said His Excellency Dr. Thani Ahmed Alzeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
“Biodiversity, including wildlife, is a human heritage that should be preserved, which requires organized and coordinated international effort. To ensure successful preservation, we must also invest in the capabilities of the workforce in this field, openly exchange information between countries and relevant organisations, draft local and international policies and procedures to stiffen penalties for illegal trade, and intensify awareness of the economic, social and environmental damage arising from such activities,” added Alzeyoudi.
The World Environment Day 2016 celebrations included the participation of various government entities and private organisations. Among the key highlights of this year’s event, were a music parade by Dubai Police, a number of activities and competitions, as well as school children’s workshops that focussed on the distressing and rapid depletion of planet earth.
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, said, “Our forefathers have, since the establishment of the UAE, highlighted the importance of environmental preservation and natural resources. With time, this noble cause has become part of the UAE culture. Therefore, the country is considered to be a, local and international leader, in the field of environmental protection and a role model to the rest of the world.”
He added, “We at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, in partnership with relevant organizations such as the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, are keen to shed light on the repercussions of incorrect consumption patterns.”