Awareness on UAE's coastal environment to be raised on National Environment Day

This year's theme focuses on the UAE's marine and coastal environment as an essential part of the country's cultural and natural history.

The theme, Towards the Sustainable Development of our Coasts, was selected by the National Commission for the Celebration of National Environment Day. Activities on this day will focus on the importance of preserving our marine and coastal environment, especially as it has been affected by population growth and industrial development.

On Saturday (February 7, 2009), EAD will organize a clean-up campaign of Mina Zayed Port, near the Fish Market. A large numbers of volunteers are expected to participate in the campaign including students, fishermen, Government and Private sector employees and members of social centers.

In parallel, awareness presentations will be delivered to fishermen and the public at Mina Zayed, Delma Island and Al Mifra. These presentations will focus on the dangers of marine debris on our marine environment and how people can help to keep their beaches and seas clean.

A brochure entitled Marine Debris: A Silent Killer. What You Need to Know was produced and will be distributed to the general public. The brochure carries general information on marine debris and enlightens the reader as to how a careless act can negatively impact endangered marine life such as turtles and dugongs.

EAD has also called on Abu Dhabi's Government and Private schools to highlight National Environment Day through their respective Environmental Clubs, morning assemblies and newsletters.

In cooperation with the Emirates Radio Network, EAD will be running an environmental competition on Abu Dhabi FM station. Moreover, more than 15 teachers from Abu Dhabi Government and Private schools will be taken on a field trip to Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve on Wednesday (February 18, 2009).