ABU DHABI, 18th May, 2023 (WAM) – Emirates Foundation has announced a significant partnership with Emirates Nature-WWF, a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving the natural heritage of the UAE. Together, they will embark on a series of environmental volunteering initiatives aimed at empowering civil society and youth to make a lasting impact and foster a world where both people and nature can thrive.
These initiatives, in collaboration with Emirates Foundation's Takatof Programme, which offers meaningful volunteering opportunities to UAE citizens and residents, will be carried out until November 2023. Approximately 400 Takatof volunteers will engage in conservation and citizen science activities as part of Emirates Nature-WWF's broader Leaders of Change programme. This endeavour will expand their understanding of the UAE's diverse biodiversity and cultivate a genuine passion for the natural world. Importantly, each activity will contribute to national conservation efforts and address climate change, aligning with the Year of Sustainability and the upcoming UN climate change conference, COP28, scheduled to take place in Dubai later this year.
Leaders of Change, the UAE's pioneering civil mobilisation movement, inspires volunteers to effect tangible change through training, ideation sessions, and engaging volunteer excursions. By involving volunteers in nature-oriented initiatives and offering opportunities to explore wild spaces and encounter wildlife, the program aims to transform mindsets, empower individuals to create and implement solutions, and ultimately make a significant difference for both people and the planet.
Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Foundation, commented on the partnership and volunteering initiatives, stating, "Protecting the UAE's precious environment has never been more critical for individuals and the community. Each project will have a profound impact and drive substantial changes towards a more sustainable future."
He further added, "In light of the UAE President's declaration of 2023 as the Year of Sustainability, we hope that the Takatof volunteers will serve as an inspiration to others, showcasing the significant impact each individual can make in safeguarding our planet."
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General at Emirates Nature-WWF, expressed her excitement about the collaboration, emphasising the importance of an active civil society in making measurable contributions to nature and conservation. She remarked, "A green sustainable future for all can be achieved by empowering every individual to create a positive impact. We are delighted to partner with Emirates Foundation's Takatof Programme to encourage more people in the UAE to volunteer for nature, in nature. Through our Leaders of Change conservation activities and field trips, volunteers will discover the UAE's rich natural heritage, gain insights into the science behind conservation efforts, and create meaningful impacts for both people and the planet."
Volunteers are tackling a diverse range of projects, such as the ‘Falaj Clean-up and Revegetation’ project that was recently held to document biodiversity in the Al Bithnah village, Fujairah and the surrounding region. More than 100 volunteers participated in the initiative to assess and address local threats to the environment by surveying and removing litter from the traditional falaj canals and nature heritage trail; visiting plant nurseries to learn about native species; and contributing to efforts to restore the natural ecosystems of the beautiful Hajar Mountains.
Upcoming volunteering opportunities include:
• ‘Kayak for Conservation’ on Sunday, 17th September in Reem Central Park, Abu Dhabi. On this guided kayak tour, volunteers will learn about mangrove ecosystems, collect and remove litter, and geo-tag data around the littler to inform national policies on single-use plastic.
• ‘Protect our Pollinators’ on Sunday, 22nd October in Wadi Naqab, Ras Al Khaimah. Native plants and insects like bees and butterflies are vital to the health and functioning of ecosystems. As part of this activity, volunteers will restore pollinator habitats and plant wildflowers and plants, to create safe havens for these important insects.
• ‘Litter Spotter’ on Saturday, 18th November in Qidfa, Fujairah. Volunteers work towards achieving the goal of #noplasticinnature by recording and geo-tagging litter found in natural spaces and safely disposing of it.
The Leaders of Change community has grown to surpass 3,000 members and contributes thousands of hours to protect nature every year. Individuals and families are welcome to sign up for the annual membership programme.