Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The Environment Friends Society (EFS) highlighted its ecosystem conservation efforts at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025 with a focus on innovative projects and collaborations.
In an interview with Aletihad at ADSW, Dr. Ibrahim Ali Mohamed, Chairman of the EFS, discussed the society’s projects, challenges and future goals.
He said that their efforts are in alignment with the UAE’s environment vision.
"We are proud to have over four strategic partners, including the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Abu Dhabi City Municipality, and Tadweer Group. We have expanded to 25 partners and aim to reach 30 by 2030, all aligned with the UAE’s Vision 2030 and 2050," Ali Mohamed said,
Among the society's key projects are participating in planting 100 million trees by 2030, with 60 million already planted, and planting 20,000 fruitful trees in schools across Al Ain.
“We are also launching a solar-powered hydroponic farming project, encouraging schools nationwide to participate," he said.
Discussing the main challenges in environmental conservation, he highlighted the importance of shifting societal behaviours, especially in a country with diverse cultures.
“While the government sets energy-efficiency policies, our role is to influence public behaviour. We have reached every home in the UAE and expanded to countries like Egypt and Morocco through virtual initiatives," Ali Mohamed said.
The society also believes in harnessing technology in its efforts, having held virtual events that reached over 1,000 participants, and launched an app for donating used clothes and paper. Next year, they plan to start collecting used cooking oils for recycling, he added
Also speaking to Aletihad, Dr. Asma Al Otaiba, a member of the society, discussed their initiatives and their commitment to fostering sustainability in the UAE.
“I am here to support our group, focusing on empowering young girls and students to save the environment. We are thinking about the future generation—those who will be responsible for saving the planet. We want them to breathe clean air and eat healthy food, and that’s what motivates our work,” she said.
"By engaging them now, we are planting the seeds for a better tomorrow. In 10 to 20 years, they will be the ones leading the country and caring for the environment," she added.
Talking about their environmental efforts, she explained that the society is working with schools to encourage students to plant trees, use solar energy, and even provide food and water for migrating birds during the summer months.
“We teach them how to recycle, reduce waste, and develop sustainable practices. We are proud of the progress we have made, from the use of recycled clothing to the collection of used frying oils for further recycling,” she added.
