The Communication and Community Services Department at the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) recently introduced an initiative as part of a campaign to raise awareness about the safe disposal of barbecue charcoal in wilderness areas on Maliha Street (Khatm Tunnel and Hamdah Tunnel), in cooperation with EPAA’s Inspection Department and staff volunteers, including Sharjah Police Headquarters (Central Region). The campaign was aimed at visitors to the wilderness areas on Maliha Street.

HE Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA Chairperson, said that the Authority was keen to implement the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, with regards to the protection of the environment, conservation, cleanliness and sustainability. EPAA develops plans and strategies to this end, and specialised teams execute their tasks perfectly, especially during awareness campaigns and initiatives such as the initiative to raise awareness about waste charcoal in the wilderness areas. Visitors to these areas were taught the correct way to barbeque and dispose of charcoal safely in the wilderness.

Mrs Al Suwaidi pointed out that the initiative on Friday was aimed at visitors to the wilderness areas on Maliha Street to highlight the risks that wrongful charcoal disposal poses to the environment. The goal of the campaign is to provide the optimal environment for visitors to wilderness areas and to allow them to enjoy nature without polluting or harming the environment.

Mrs Al Suwaidi said that the campaign aimed to raise visitors’ awareness of the importance of maintaining and conserving the wilderness by keeping areas clean and to teach people to how to avoid environmental degradation.

She explained, “The campaign included a variety of events that were well-received by participants, volunteers and the target audience. The gathering started at 7 PM in Al Muntather Reserve 2 with the registration of participants and volunteers. Epaulettes were distributed to the volunteers, and visitors, participants and volunteers gathered. The visitors learned how to dispose of waste charcoal safely to avoid adversely impacting the vegetation, and brochures and boxes of ghaf seeds and seedlings were distributed. At the end, the visiting families were honoured.”

She said that EPAA is interested in implementing initiatives that help to raise the community’s awareness about the environment. Everyone should take responsibility for protecting and maintaining the environment in the interests of conservation and sustainability. This was one of several EPAA initiatives during the year.

Mrs Al Suwaidi extended her thanks and appreciation to the EPAA team and Sharjah Police for their successful efforts. Participants expressed their thanks and appreciation for the EPAA’s efforts and role in maintaining and protecting the environment and conserving biodiversity.