The UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, called on residents to cherish the country's natural resources as a crucial part of their national heritage.
In an impassioned message marking the 23rd National Environment Day on Tuesday, Mr Al Zeyoudi spoke of the importance of conservation and the pressing need to promote green strategies to benefit the Emirates for generations to come.
This year's Environment Day is being held under the theme of "nature-based solutions".
Mr Al Zeyoudi said the country was pushing ahead with a series of ambitious eco-friendly initiatives.
He said nature should be nurtured so that ''we enjoy today and will later pass [it] on to our children".
The country has set out to achieve clean energy targets of 27 per cent by next year and 50 per cent by 2050 as part of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.
Meanwhile, the UAE Green Growth Strategy is focused on establishing a low-carbon economy with a sustainable approach to transport and architecture, and a sharp focus on boosting the efficiency of how the country consumes vital resources such as energy and water.
''We are confident that the collaboration between the government and civil society will go a long way in promoting sustainable production and consumption practices,'' said Mr Al Zeyoudi.
He thanked the UAE's leaders for providing a platform for the country's move towards a more sustainable future.
"Their special interest in the country's environmental conservation endeavours has been instrumental to our achievements at home and further afield,'' he said.
"The Founding Father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed, realised early on the imperative need to preserve our natural resources for future generations.
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Jubail Mangrove Park opened on January 30, 2020. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National -
Jubail Mangrove Park is the first self-contained educational, nature and leisure destination of its kind in Abu Dhabi.Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National -
The park aims to enhance the awareness, appreciation and understanding of the important ecological function of mangrove habitats that include protection of the Abu Dhabi Coastline and supporting biodiversity. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National -
The Qurum Walkway within the mangrove park has three routes. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National -
The shortest route on the Qurum Walkway is 1 kilometre and the longest is 2 kilometres. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National -
The view from the walkway, which has see-through nets. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National -
A special floating platform at Jubail Mangrove Park allows visitors to observe the mangroves and marine life without interference. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National -
The park aims to double as an educational centre. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National -
Mangroves prevent soil erosion and are good for the environment. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National -
The walkway is open to the public between 8am and 6.30pm. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National -
A beach platform at Jubail Mangrove Park where you can get your feet wet. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National -
A specially built viewing platform at Jubail Mangrove Park. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National
"Owing to the directives of the UAE’s visionary leadership, this approach has now been bolstered by a host of integrated policies that aim to leverage smart and innovative technologies and solutions to strike a balance between economic growth and the responsible use of natural resources.''
The UAE's passion for nature was highlighted when 14,000 visitors flocked to the one million-square-metre Jubail Mangrove Park at the weekend to amble along its new sprawling boardwalk.
Sheikh Khalifa, the President, pledged on Monday that the country would stay on the path laid out by Sheikh Zayed to ensure its remains true to it long-held "ethical commitment".
"We celebrate National Environment Day as an important occasion to renew our national and ethical commitment to preserving our national resources," Sheikh Khalifa said.
"Over the past years, we have made significant efforts to preserve the environment and its natural resources by issuing legislation that ensures the sustainability of these resources and developed a number of ambitious national strategies to build a green economy that prioritises the protection of the environment and the preservation of natural resources."
"We have developed the water sector to protect the country’s underground water reserves and the agricultural sector by encouraging farmers to develop and adopt modern approaches that are relevant to and match the country's climatic conditions.
"We have established a number of natural reserves and programmes to protect endangered species inside and outside the country and issued clear directives to develop all necessary measures conducive to preserving our fishing and agricultural resources."
He said renewable energy, including an increased focus on solar power, was a central part of those efforts.
