10-day clean-up campaign to cover entire UAE

Dubai - The caravan will reach Dibba, Fujairah, on December 10 and Ras Al Khaimah on December 11.

The 17th Clean-Up UAE campaign is set to go on a 10-day nationwide tour, kicking off in Sharjah on December 8 and moving to Ajman the next day, senior officials of the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) announced on Wednesday.
The caravan will reach Dibba, Fujairah, on December 10 and Ras Al Khaimah on December 11, said Habiba Al Mar'ashi, chairperson of EEG, at a Press meet in Dubai.
"The tour will arrive in the Capital on December 12 and reach Dubai by December 15. It will conclude in the last clean-up location in Umm Al Quwain," it was announced.
Introduced in 2002, the annual event takes place under the patronage of Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al Khaimah, and the RAK Scouts. Since its launch, it has attracted a great deal of interest from environment lovers.
Dina Mustafa, head of sustainability operations of Expo 2020 Dubai, said at the Press event:  "In line with Expo 2020's key sub-theme of sustainability, our team is excited to contribute to Clean-Up UAE. We will continue to work with our fellow EEG members before, during and after Expo 2020 to empower people to lead more sustainable lives across the UAE and beyond."
Celebrating Year of Zayed
On December 18, the EEG will mark the Year of Zayed by celebrating the recycling achievements of governments, businesses, academic institutions, students and families through the group's 'For Our Emirates We Plant' programme.
"A tree-planting event will be held in Ras Al Khaimah where a total of 1,000 Sidr trees will be planted in Al Minaei by those who achieved the targets of various EEG recycling programmes throughout 2018," Mar'ashi said. Through the campaign, the EEG provides a platform for all the people in the UAE to actively be involved in making a difference in two ways, she added.
"First, it offers them the opportunity to participate in cleaning up large areas that have been carefully selected with the support of the relevant government bodies. Second, it provides the opportunity to be involved in active afforestation efforts for our country, and therefore, combines the protection and re-establishment of sustainable green places in the UAE."
KT NANO EDIT
In Zayed's footsteps
What can be a better way to honour the legacy of a great man like Sheikh Zayed than to follow in his footsteps. Sheikh Zayed cared for the environment and natural surroundings. At a time when we are grappling with extreme climate changes and dwindling forest reserves, the drive to plant trees and encourage recycling will do a world of good. Small changes lead to transformations.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Dubai