Ford grants help Emirati youth speak up for the environment

In a time when general awareness levels towards the world's environmental challenges are still considerably low, an increasing number of organizations are working tirelessly in an attempt to make a difference and raise public consciousness to the many issues that confront the planet.

The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), established in September 2001 and three-time recipient of Ford Motor Company's Environmental Grants, has been involved in a number of initiatives aimed at protecting the environment. These include undertaking workshops for students, teachers and companies; environmentally- themed public speaking competitions for schools and universities; environmental awareness and recycling campaigns for all sectors of the community. EEG also conducts the biggest clean up event in the UAE over and above its numerous environmental activities.

The over arching objective, according to EEG Chairperson Habiba Al-Marashi, is to "enhance the level of know how and public responsibility on environmental issues by creating awareness in the early years of life and facilitating an informed citizenry for the future."

Among EEG's most successful projects is the Interschool Environmental Public Speaking Competition, where teams from various schools across the UAE are invited to present their research and engage in debates on a wide array of environmental issues. Previous topics include combating desertification, water management, sustainable desert environment, and environmental impacts of globalization.

Through the Interschool Public Speaking Competition, EEG has given the youth a platform to speak their minds, and show that, they are just as aware and as passionate about the state of environment as others. As a result, EEG has wisely engaged the interest of young people towards the environment through formal research, team work and public speaking.

"The project's aim is to expose students to environmental concerns at an early age in order for them to be better prepared when facing current and future environmental issues. It is hoped that through early awareness, the students will develop sensitivity towards the environment no matter what field they pursue in the future," said Al-Marashi.

For seven years now EEG's Interschool Public Speaking Competition has been successful in rallying hundreds of youth from many schools across the UAE.. It is widely seen as a value added exercise, promoting environmental research and skills, and providing a platform for networking, sharing and learning. It is a highly anticipated event that attracts students and teachers, and is ably supported by environmental experts from the government, academic and business sectors.

In 2006, the EEG won a grant from Ford Motor Company's Conservation and Environment Grants for the conduct of the Inter-school Public Speaking Competition. EEG's third time to win the region-wide environment initiative from the world's leading automobile brand is a testament to the Group's cutting edge skill in project development and deep commitment to environmental protection in the UAE. "We're thankful to Ford for its unrelenting support for the environment in general, and for this grant which will help us broaden the scope and reach of the competition," added Al-Marashi.

This year, Ford Motor Company will once again select winners for its annual Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environment Grants. The grants were introduced in the GCC in 2000, and expanded to include Jordan, Lebanon and Syria in 2001. An independent jury of government officials, private and international environmentalists selects winners, and applications this year are accepted until February 14, 2008. More information on the 2007-2008 Ford Grants can be found at the bilingual website www.ford-environmentalgrants.com.

The criteria to enter remain unchanged. The Ford Grants are open to small-scale, non-profit groups and individuals in the GCC and Levant countries with ongoing projects aimed at the natural environment, environmental education, or conservation engineering. Grants have ranged between $1,000 and $15,000, and more than 75 projects have received funding since 2000. A total of $600,000 has been given as grants since its inception in the region. The grant received by EEG was used to accommodate the rapidly increasing number of participants, accompanying teachers and spectators in the competition year after year.

"Supporting a project like EEG's Interschool Public Speaking Competition is a worthy cause. With this initiative, environmental issues are tackled and brought to the awareness of the younger generation as they carry forward their responsibility to maintain a healthier environment," said Hussein Murad, Ford Middle East's Sales and Marketing director.

With a groundswell of support, Al-Marashi is confident about the long-term prospects of the project. "The competition will be in its eighth cycle next year. We will still pursue our aim be to have more participation from government schools and to engage the younger populations of the country in environmental protection and awareness."