Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi's Naha Platform Celebrates First Anniversary
2023 saw naha’s Green Youth Majlis win the Best Volunteering Initiative of the Year by the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work.
In November 2023, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) launched naha, an innovative environmental engagement platform. Over its first year, naha has achieved remarkable milestones, including the collection of nearly five tonnes of waste, 650 hours of volunteer contributions, and the enrollment of over 100 members in its Green Youth Majlis initiative. These accomplishments highlight naha’s commitment to fostering sustainability and environmental awareness across Abu Dhabi and beyond.
Driving Sustainability Through Community Action
naha’s bespoke programmes aim to transform climate intentions into meaningful actions. As part of the Agency’s Sahim (Citizen Science) programme, 647 public clean-up events were held in collaboration with Emirates Nature-WWF, resulting in the collection of nearly five tonnes of waste. Among the recovered items were food containers, balloon sticks, and plastic bags, with plastic bottles (131,836) and glass (94,257) accounting for the largest quantities. These efforts align with the UAE’s broader sustainability goals and demonstrate the power of community-driven environmental initiatives.
Enhancing Engagement Through Digital Platforms
The naha digital platform serves as a central hub for environmental outreach, offering resources and information to empower the public. Since its launch, the website has recorded 232,000 visits, with users spending an average of three minutes exploring its content. The platform’s integration of tools like the BAADR app—downloaded over 2,810 times—encourages eco-friendly practices by allowing users to earn and redeem points for completing green tasks.
Fostering Volunteerism and Youth Involvement
Volunteering is at the heart of naha’s mission. Over 650 hours of community service were completed in its first year, including 300 hours through the Murshed Youth Rangers Programme. This initiative targets children and young adults, cultivating a sense of environmental responsibility. Additionally, members of the Green Youth Majlis, aged 15–35, dedicated over 350 hours to discussions and actions aimed at environmental preservation.
Engaging Through Events and Technology
naha played a central role in major events like the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, which attracted over 7,000 visitors. These events showcased naha’s themes and offered a glimpse into its future, including plans to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) for enhanced environmental learning. This approach underscores naha’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainability education.
Empowering Learners Through Educational Initiatives
Education is a cornerstone of naha’s efforts. The e-Green platform, an e-learning initiative, has registered over 5,000 users and issued more than 11,000 certificates. Similarly, the Envirospellathon App has been downloaded over 18,500 times, with nearly 3,000 certificates awarded to users. These programmes promote eco-literacy by focusing on local flora, fauna, and environmental challenges.
Promoting Environmental Excellence in Schools
Youth empowerment remains a key focus for naha. Through the Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI), 167 Abu Dhabi schools renewed their registration, enabling students to explore environmental issues and reduce their ecological footprint. Sponsored by bp and held in partnership with ADEK and Emirates Schools Establishment, the initiative saw 11 schools achieve the prestigious Green Star rating for their exceptional efforts in sustainability.
Expanding Environmental Awareness Through Media
naha’s Naturally Educated Podcast has become a valuable resource for public education, with over 10,500 listeners across four seasons. This platform encourages open dialogue and knowledge-sharing on environmental topics, further cementing naha’s role as a leader in environmental engagement.
Conclusion: A Vision for a Sustainable Future
In just one year, naha has established itself as a transformative force for environmental engagement in Abu Dhabi. From large-scale clean-ups and educational programmes to innovative digital tools and youth initiatives, naha continues to inspire action and foster a culture of sustainability. With its forward-thinking approach and dedication to empowering communities, naha is poised to drive an even greater impact in the years to come.
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