ABU DHABI, 22nd June, 2023 (WAM) — The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced the winners and recognised participants of the ‘Mission to Zero Government Challenge,’ in conjunction with the Year of Sustainability and its continued efforts to achieve the goals of the Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy.
The Challenge for Abu Dhabi government entities – held from 23rd January to 24th March 24th, 2023 – was created under the “Mission to Zero” campaign launched by the EAD last year. It aims to encourage awareness among the Abu Dhabi community of the harms of single-use plastics and non-single-use plastics and to promote a culture of recycling.
The entities submitted reports on the total amount of waste generated in each category, their reduction percentages, and evidence of their efforts and initiatives to reduce material waste.
During the ceremony, seven winners were honoured from government agencies that achieved a 100 percent reduction in their consumption of single-use products. These were the Department of Finance (DOF), General Administration of Customs, Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, Authority for Social Contribution – Ma’an, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Water Solutions Company (ADSSC), and Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi (SCAD).
Six participants in the Challenge from government and semi-governmental entities were also acknowledged. These organisations significantly reduced their consumption of single-use products by adopting environmental practices and sustainable initiatives in their institutions. They are Masdar, Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), and Abu Dhabi School of Government (ADSG).
Speaking during the event, Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of the Environment Information, Science and Outreach Management Sector at EAD, said, "Via this challenge, we took a few more steps forward in our journey to declare the Abu Dhabi government free of single-use products in line with the vision set by the UAE to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 – especially resonant as the UAE prepares to host COP28. The challenge represents an opportunity for everyone to participate in promoting environmental awareness and climate action.”
He added that achieving the goal set by the Abu Dhabi government – represented by EAD – requires the concerted efforts of all partners and working together to make all government institutions in Abu Dhabi free of single-use products.
Baharoon also invited the attendees to participate in the 12th edition of the World Environmental Educational Congress (WEEC), which will be held for the first time in the region in Abu Dhabi from 29th January to 2nd February 2024 to discuss the role and importance of environmental education at all levels.