Schools across the UAE receive grants for 2005 Better Environment Award field studies

At briefing sessions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the teachers and pupils were instructed on how to carry out the field studies for the Award which is now in its 10th year. And they were also given boxes of books and reference material to help them make a success of their studies. For the next three months, they will be examining the flora and fauna in their chosen areas in detail, reporting on the factors affecting wildlife from rainfall to pollution.

Dr. Ahmad Al Shareef, Assistant Undersecretary Students Activities and Care Department, Ministry of Education and Youth - Shell partners in the BEA - said: "Students and teachers are increasingly aware of their responsibilities towards preserving the environment for future generations. This is due not only to government policy but also in large part to the BEA which puts that policy into practice."

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, External Affairs Manager, Shell Markets Middle East, commented: "Our grants to schools participating in the BEA over the years now total around Dhs 2-million. The enthusiasm and commitment of the schools, the students and the teachers to their projects and to the conservation of the environment makes this a very worthwhile investment."

Entries for the BEA must be submitted to the Ministry of Education and Youth by 27 March and the winners of the Award will be announced in April.

The BEA 2005 is organized by Shell with the co-operation and assistance of the UAE Ministry of Education and Youth, and supported by the Federal Environmental Agency (FEA), the Environmental Department of the Dubai Municipality and ERWDA (Environmental Research Wildlife and Development Agency).