UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Al Ain Zoo sign MoU

AL AIN, 24th August, 2016 (WAM)--The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium have agreed to join forces to spread awareness about the environment. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Monday by Eng. Aisha Al Abdooli, Director of Environmental Awareness and the Education Department of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and Muna Al Dhaheri, Chief Operating Officer from Al Ain Zoo. Also in attendance were Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Ghanim Al Hajeri, Director General of Al Ain Zoo, along with other officials from both entities. The MoU stipulated three main areas of collaboration, including carrying out awareness campaigns and environmental initiatives, exchanging data and expertise between the two establishments to encourage positive environmental behaviour, and exchanging technical information and expertise in the field of laboratory analyses and veterinary testing. Regarding the memorandum, Eng. Al Abdooli said, "The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment believes that raising awareness about preserving the environment and protecting the country’s biodiversity is the responsibility of all individuals and establishments in the UAE. We are keen on collaborating with entities, such as Al Ain Zoo, as we work towards building a sustainable future. This is why we consider this agreement both strategic and essential." Commenting on the agreement, Al Dhaheri noted, "We are pleased to collaborate with the Ministry when it comes to raising awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and promoting relevant positive behaviour. The agreement is in line with the values of our organisation, as we aim to establish ourselves as one of the leading national entities that support environmental sustainability. Through this agreement, we hope to succeed in raising awareness amongst individuals and organisations in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and in the UAE." Earlier this year, the ministry launched the "Sustainability," a lifestyle initiative, which is part of the national awareness and educational strategy as well as the framework of national environmental awareness programmes. The initiative, which will continue until 2020, aims at educating the UAE public and the business and industrial sectors about adopting positive environmentally-friendly practices. These include improving behaviours when consuming, in a bid to preserve resources and reduce the negative effects of human behaviour on the environment. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395299091962.html