Clean Up UAE rallied thousands at natural and built environments of the country

Clean Up UAE 2008 was eagerly attended by more than 23,000 participants at 44 different locations in seven Emirates.

"This is an indication of the growing understanding of people about the environmental challenges that the country is facing, like climate change, desertification, massive waste, habitat destruction just to name a few. These challenges bring about many social and economic effects in the short and long run, resulting to food insecurity and to economic decline. The time to take action is now as there is an urgent need to address these challenges. We are glad that EEG, through Clean Up UAE, provides a common platform for people to meet and express their concern,"

said Mrs. Habiba Al Marashi, EEG Chairperson.

Clean Up UAE 2008 was participated in by thousands of school children together with representatives of companies and government agencies. The participants were assigned to clean different areas as a symbolic gesture of concern for the environment. This year EEG selected areas which represent both the natural and built environments of the country in the seven Emirates.

The list of sites included wadis, reservation areas, beaches, oases, parks, residential and commercial areas. The participants, using specially printed biodegradable garbage bags, collected an overall total of 125 tons of waste from the 44 sites.

Mrs. Al Marashi added that the conduct of the seventh Clean Up UAE 2008 is the most challenging campaign that EEG has launched so far in the campaign's 7 year history. She said, "We have to keep up with the growth of the campaign and anticipate more participants and activities that would make the campaign more meaningful year after year."

The campaign was opened simultaneously across the seven emirates through a ceremony which started with the hoisting of the UAE flag. Key supporters, both from the public and private sectors, volunteers and EEG representatives conveyed their environmental message and the safety procedures for the event. After distributing the biodegradable plastic bags and gloves to the participants, the clean up activity officially began. Prominent EEG Honorary Members attended different Clean Up sites to represent EEG and oversee the smooth running of the event.

Clean Up UAE is a pioneering activity that has successfully rallied thousands of participants each year, since its inception in 2002. With strong support from volunteers and supporting agencies, an extensive effort has been undertaken to pick the locations while ensuring greater participation from the community. The clean up drive likewise featured exciting side activities that made the entire event enjoyable and memorable for all participants.

The campaign was held in association with leading environmental and governmental bodies namely the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, Environment and Protected Areas Authority of Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone Authority, Municipality and Planning Department Ajman, Fujairah Municipality and Umm Al Quwain Municipality. The event received strong support from the police and civil defense offices in all the emirates in maintaining health, safety and security at the clean up sites.

Clean Up UAE united the efforts of several civil and environmental organizations like Sharjah Humanitarian City, Canadian Business Council, Friends of the Environment Society Abu Dhabi and the Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS) which joined Clean Up UAE for the first time, amongst others.

"We are glad that all of these organizations have come on board Clean Up UAE, and we look forward to their future involvement in this national campaign. Protecting the environment is everybody's responsibility and many organizations from diverse background are heeding this call," said Mrs. Al Marashi.

The overall sponsors of the event are Al Safi Club for Friends of the Environment and Union Properties which came on board the campaign for the first time.The co-sponsors of Clean Up UAE this year is Tokio Marine Nichido while support sponsors include Acer, Dubai Festival City, Jumeirah Group, Intercontinental Dubai Festival City, Island Global Yachting, Land Rover, Laing O'Rourke, McDonald, Tabreed and Tiger Profiles.

Logistical support for Clean up UAE is provided by Abela, Byrne Equipment, ETA Zenath, and Masafi. Flyers and posters were distributed by Emarat Petroleum, DHL and Fedex. Media adverts were carried by Arab Media Group, Khaleej Times and 7Days. Clean Up UAE announcements were aired over FM Channels Dubai Eye 103.8 and Dubai 92, Umm Al Quwain Radio and CNBC TV.

At the end of the 2008 campaign Mrs. Al Marashi expressed her optimism in future campaigns. She said, "I am very pleased with the level of support that we received this year from sponsors, volunteers and the community at large. I am confident that we will receive the same level of support or even more in the coming campaigns. Clean Up UAE does not end in one day. This is an on-going commitment from all of us for the environment."