The Abu Dhabi Department of Finance (DOF) has signed a MoU with the Environment Friends Society (EFS) to raise the level of environmental awareness throughout UAE and enhance co-operation and communications between the two sides.

This is in line with the commitment of DOF to protect and preserve the environment in Abu Dhabi and in the UAE, said a department statement.

Mohammed Sultan Gnome Al Hamli, executive director of DOF, and Dr Ali Mohamed Ibrahim, chairman of EFS, signed the agreement at the DOF headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

“This MoU builds on the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of DOF, to safeguard and preserve the environment. It confirms the importance of taking care of environment and raising environmental awareness among our staff and partners.'

'We are taking the lead in spreading awareness of environment related issues amongst members of society, keeping in mind that environment is an integral part of UAE’s history and heritage”, said Gnome Al Hamli.

'We encourage our staff to participate in all environmental conservation related events and initiatives. Furthermore, DOF will continuously participate in all awareness raising campaigns aimed at protecting the environment from the negative impacts due to the rapid development of the UAE.'

'We also support campaigns that guide community members to change and adapt practices to ensure the sustainability of our precious environmental resources,' he added.

Dr Ali Mohamed said the agreemnet confirms DOF’s lead in enhancing environmental awareness and in the government’s commitment to social responsibility.

'The agreement reflects a spirit of cooperation and the coming together of the two sides to maintain the UAE's heritage and nature by preserving the integrity of its environment.'

Last month, DOF participated in the “UAE free of plastic bags” campaign that aims to eliminate the phenomenon of excessive consumption of non–biodegradable plastic bags, and promotes biodegradable bags instead.-TradeArabia News Service