The UAE Ministry of Environment and Water recently launched the annual Desert Protection Campaign which will be running from January to April.

The campaign will see the participation of environment-specialized entities, school and university students, and nationals and residents of the UAE, said a statement.

Aisha Mohammed Al Abdooli, director of the Ministry of Environment and Water’s Education and Awareness Department, said that the launch of the Desert Protection Campaign is a testimony of its tremendous success which reflects people’s care for the UAE’s environment and their dedication to conserve it.

She added that the ministry is committed to supporting all ecological initiatives aimed at increasing environmental awareness in line with the requirements to implement the National Environmental Education and Awareness Strategy.

Arif Ali Al Abbar, chairman of the campaign, said, "Through this campaign, we aim to enhance and make people more aware of UAE culture by educating them on the importance of keeping our environment clean and free from any harmful materials to humans or animals in the desert."

The campaign will feature a series of seminars, workshops and educational discussion panels through recreational activities such as horseback and motorcycle rides. In addition, it will organize tours on cars and cycles to visit various camps and other tourist destinations across the country to increase awareness.

It will take part in desert-based events and activities being held in the UAE, such as the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival in Dubai International Endurance City, Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Endurance Festival in the Bou Theib Endurance Village, Al Marmoum Camel Racing in Dubai, UAE Awafi Festival, and Liwa International Festival in Moreeb Dune. It will also visit schools and universities as part of its activities aimed at instilling environmental awareness in the younger members of the community, said the statement. -TradeArabia News Service