Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF, better known as EWS-WWF, is calling on UAE residents to adopt sustainable living practices, and be mindful of how their daily actions impact the natural environment.

The call to action comes as part of the organisation’s 10th anniversary celebrations this month, which marks a decade of environmental conservation in the UAE.

During its 10-year history, EWS-WWF has become known as a leader in environmental conservation in the UAE, helping to address key conservation and environmental issues by successfully implementing projects that seek to tackle climate change, conserve biodiversity and address UAE’s ecological footprint.

Established in 2001 to help drive positive environmental change, the Emirati non-profit organisation is committed to working in partnership with the government, NGOs, companies, institutions and individuals to facilitate environmental action and help lay the foundation for a sustainable future for the UAE and the region.

During the last decade, raising awareness and empowering environmental action in the community has been an integral element in all of EWS-WWF’s conservation, education and policy projects, a statement from the organisation said.

It has also initiated several awareness campaigns such as Heroes of the UAE, Choose Wisely and Earth Hour, by working closely with the community.

Chairman of EWS-WWF, Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, said: “Throughout its journey, EWS-WWF has stayed committed to its key founding principles; helping to protect and preserve our natural heritage.  By striving to achieve shared goals in protecting the natural environment and underpinning a sustainable future for the country, EWS-WWF has worked closely with the community to elevate environmental consciousness and empower all UAE residents to become part of the solution.”

EWS-WWF has been successful in implementing several conservation and education projects, such as the Marine Turtle Conservation Project, Wadi Wurayah, Coral Reef Conservation, Blue Flag, Be’ati Watani and Eco-Schools, the statement said.

It was a key partner in Al Basma Al Beeiyah (the ecological footprint initiative), and has been collaborating closely with WWF to validate the country’s footprint as part of the WWF’s bi-annual Living Planet Report.

Jim Leape, director general of WWF International, said: “EWS-WWF plays an integral role in raising consciousness among the UAE community of the country’s high per capita ecological footprint, as well as working with all sectors of the society to help lower it. As an associate office of WWF in the UAE, EWS-WWF reaches out all over the region helping address the ever present threats and challenges to our environment.”

“The impacts of climate change are expected to be felt across the region and the globe, posing pressure on our energy, food and water security. Our high consumption patterns are leaving their marks on the natural environment. With species driven to extinction and important habitats vanishing, the need for environmental action is more evident than ever, as we face growing challenges that threaten our seas, deserts, mountains, and natural resources,” Leape added.

EWS-WWF celebrated its 10th year in a private event held in Dubai, attended by key stakeholders and supporters.

To mark the milestone in EWS-WWF’s history, the environmental organisation published a limited edition book highlighting its top 10 achievements called ‘10 Years – A Conservation Journey in the UAE’. – TradeArabia News Service