Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Grounded in the belief that caring for the planet is an extension of the late Sheikh Zayed’s humanitarian legacy, the Environment Friends Society (EFS) has launched a green passport, aiming to translate the UAE Founding Father’s vision of social responsibility into daily practice.
Launched in partnership with government entities, strategic partners, and community representatives, the programme draws inspiration from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his values of giving, humanitarian work, and environmental stewardship.
“On Zayed Humanitarian Day, we recall the values instilled by Sheikh Zayed and how he made environmental protection and humanitarian work an integral part of the UAE's approach,” said Dr Ibrahim Ali Mohamed, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the EFS.
The society’s ‘Environmental and Sustainability Passport’ aims to encourage individuals and institutions to take steps toward greener lifestyles.
It serves as a card on which participants collect stamps by taking part in eco-initiatives such as recycling, conservation, or reusing materials, Dr Mohamed told Aletihad.
“As these stamps accumulate, environmental commitment becomes ingrained in the daily behaviour of the participating entities, especially when they witness the tangible and encouraging impact of their participation,” he said.
The initiative focuses primarily on children, youth, and families, recognising their central role in building a sustainable society, Dr Mohamed said.
“Schools and universities provide an ideal environment for instilling environmental concepts in students, while families play a pivotal role in translating these concepts into daily practices at home.”
The initiative also seeks to engage various segments of society, including volunteers and employees in governmental and private institutions, he added.
Private companies and educational institutions are invited to take part in accredited activities that could earn their teams and community members passport stamps. These include recycling campaigns, environmental awareness workshops, and waste reduction initiatives.
“The private sector can also contribute to the initiative through sponsorship, incentives, and awards.”
The campaign’s impact will be measured through a set of indicators, including the number of registered entities and participants, the number of environmental activities implemented, and the quantities of materials collected for recycling, such as clothing, oil, and reusable items, Dr Mohamed said.
Volunteer hours will also be recorded, and shifts in the community’s habits and behaviour will be tracked through the frequency of their participation in various environmental initiatives.
“Every environmental initiative or act of volunteerism contributes to building a more sustainable future for generations to come,” he said.
