Saving the planet: All about the Emirates Environmental Group
The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) is dedicated to protecting the environment via action programmes, education and community involvement. Over the past decade or so, the UAE has been a front runner in environmental protection and has pushed different initiatives for a sustainable future. Supporting the EEG are local and federal agencies. Here is everything to know about this much-respected organisation.
THE EMIRATES ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP: AN OVERVIEW
Established in 1991, EEG has grown tremendously in terms of membership, partnerships and support programmes. The group’s members belong to all segments of society. Additionally, EEG is provided support from local and federal government agencies.
KEY DISTINCTIONS OF EMIRATES ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP DUBAI
Here is what makes the Emirates Environmental Group unique:
- The first environmental NGO that was certified ISO 14001.
- The only organisation with the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) accreditation.
- Accredited to the United Nations Convention to Combating Desertification (UNCCD).
- A signatory of the UN Global Compact (UNGC).
- Hosted the local network for the Gulf States from 2008-2014.
- Member of the International Union of Conservation for Nature (IUCN).
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Emirates Environmental Group Dubai has outlined different objectives to protect the planet:
- Enhance public awareness about environmental issues of all kinds.
- Support relevant authorities in executing environmental projects.
- Encourage positive environmental action by people via participation in specifically developed projects, campaigns and activities.
- Push for recycling schemes.
- Develop a database on various environmental issues, make it public and share it with the relevant institutions.
- To exchange experience, best practices and information with relevant stakeholders.
- Mobilise support of public and private sector experts on various environmental issues.
- Communicate with various target groups to spread the message and encourage volunteer participation in the EEG programmes.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES BY EMIRATES ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP
Emirates Environmental Group organises different educational incentives to create awareness about key issues. Popular ones include:
- Annual Environmental Drawing Competition with more than 350 participating schools — with a focus on UN’s Sustainable Development Goals no. 7, 11, 13 and 15.
- Inter-School Environmental Public Speaking Competition with 400 students participating in 2021. Emphasis on UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 11, SDG 13, SDG 14 and SDG 15.
- Students Workshops that raise awareness about current environmental issues and their causes.
- Inter College Environmental Public Speaking Competition focused on the issues of today. Last year’s competition had more than 180 speakers.
- The campus outreach programme allows Emirates Environmental Group to engage with students within and outside of the UAE. Some of the institutes EEG has worked with include the Canadian University Dubai, GEMS Modern Academy, Al Raha International School, Al Ghurair University, University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong), GEMS Camp (Texas) and Hashemite University (Jordan).
OUTREACH PROGRAMMES
EEG organises several incentives to spread the word and interact with the community at large:
- At the Annual Corporate Gala Dinner, EEG hosts all the members, partners and sponsors to acknowledge their support. In 2020, the theme of the dinner was ‘Beyond 30 Years: Going to the Next 30’ as per the vision of the UAE government.
- The Corporate Outreach programme is designed to engage with members through dialogue sessions, meetings, presentations and more. These sessions help align members with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Panel Discussions to create awareness.
Other programmes that have been executed in the past include:
- Can Collection Campaign
- Quick Race
- Green Call
- Paper Walk
- For Our Emirates We Plant
- Clean Up UAE
- Green December
- Recycle. Reforest. Repeat (3R)
- One Root One Communi-Tree (OROC)
- Neighbourhood Recycling Project (NRP)
EEG WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME
The aim of EEG Waste Management is to promote recycling and reduce the amount of waste dumped in landfills. In the long run, this can help improve the quality of life in the country.
Residents across the UAE are encouraged to separate waste materials, which are then collected by EEG and sent to authorised recycling centres. Here is the list of specified waste materials.
- Glass
- Mobile phones
- Paper
- Plastic
- Toner
- Aluminium cans
So far, the campaign has seen tremendous success as thousands of kilograms of weight have been recycled.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW CAN I BECOME AN EMIRATES ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP MEMBER?
You can opt for any of the following membership categories at the EEG:
- Associate
- Corporate
- Academic
- Individual
- Student
Corporations, governmental entities, educational institutes, students and individuals are eligible for membership. Members get a copy of the monthly e-newsletter and bi-annual Wastepaper Magazine. They can also participate in waste management programmes, competitions, public events and community lectures.
For queries regarding fees and membership process, visit the official website.
HOW CAN I FIND EMIRATES ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?
Emirates Environmental Group volunteer opportunities are advertised on the official website. The group offers internships to students as well.
WHAT IS EMIRATES ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP CONTACT NUMBER?
You can get in touch with the Emirates Environmental Group on +971-4-344-8622.
Emirates Environmental Group has played a pivotal role in promoting change. The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has also taken multiple initiatives in this regard. Similarly, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi has played an important role via sustainability efforts.
As a resident, you can do your part in saving the planet. For instance, you can take part in the waste management programmes by EEG. Residents can also consider moving to one of the eco-friendly communities in Dubai. Another change you can make in your life is buying eco-friendly products in Dubai.
