ABU DHABI // The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, along with oil company BP, organised a clean-up on Wednesday in the area around Al Wathba Wetland Reserve to mark National Environment Day.
The event attracted 105 students and teachers and 69 members of other organisations who removed 1,676 kilograms of rubbish, mostly plastic and wood waste, metal, glass and paper.
Ahmed Baharoon, executive director of the environmental science, information and outreach sector at the EAD, addressed the participants and highlighted the importance of changing our behaviour and attitudes towards waste disposal and management in Abu Dhabi.
“Such campaigns aim to protect the environment from pollution, as well as directing schoolchildren towards positive attitudes in maintaining a clean and sound environment through promoting awareness by practice and participation,” he said.
The Sustainable Schools Initiative, under which the event was being held, is intended to encourage students to become involved in activities that will benefit their environment and community.
Abdul Karim Al Mazmi, president and general manager for BP UAE, said that the initiative was a great way to help educate students through action.
“Engaging the students at this age in such activities will have a bigger long-term effect on them, their families, relatives and the wider community. This demonstrates the necessity of preserving the environment by maintaining cleanliness, recycling and making this an integral part of the daily culture of the UAE community,” he said.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
