Shell in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Education launches the Better Environment Award 2007-2008

The UAE's premier platform to tackle and raise awareness on environmental issues will focus on Health Safety and Environment (HSE).

The BEA 2007-2008 revamps its categories with new subjects to be in line with the local and global need for HSE awareness. This year, Shell invited the Zayed International Prize for the Environment to contribute its expertise to the development of the Environment category. Shell also worked with the Dubai Health Authority on the design of the Health Category. The BEA invites schools to submit project ideas on the three HSE themes. Participants would pick one of two subjects from each theme to use as the basis for their projects.

During his speech at the launch event, Abdallah Al-Shamsi, Director of students' activities and scouting administration at the Ministry of Education said: "The BEA is not only a strong platform for the environmental education of the country' students, but it also strengthens their social work ethics and develops their team work capabilities. I am looking forward to reviewing the upcoming submissions."

Omar Al Qurashi, Head of Communications, Shell, added, "In our efforts to constantly raise awareness of environmental issues affecting the UAE, we have selected themes for this year's award that are pertinent to the UAE's society. The focus is on the Global Warming and Energy Challenges we face both locally and internationally. "

Shell has called on elementary and secondary schools to submit applications under any the categories listed in the BEA brochures and collateral. All applications must be submitted prior to 8th Nov. 2007, after which a jury will meet to assess the proposals received. Short listed submissions will receive funding. Grant winners will be announced by 31st Nov. and the deadline for final projects is in 20th April 2008. Winners will be announced in at the BEA awards ceremony in 1st May 2008.