Transforming UAE Communities: Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Emirates Nature-WWF marked 5 Years of Connect with Nature

United Arab Emirates, 7th Nov 2024: Founding partners Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Emirates Nature-WWF proudly marked the five-year anniversary of ‘Connect with Nature’ in the Year of Sustainability. The programme was established in 2019 to connect youth with nature and equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to build a sustainable future. Over five years, more than 14,000 youth have engaged with nature through 250 online and in-person events held across the country – far exceeding expectations.

Connecting Youth with Nature

Youth began their journey by participating in expert-led excursions into UAE’s natural landscapes, where they learned about the region’s wadis, deserts, wetlands and coastal lagoons as well as its incredible plant and animal species – drawing upon the expertise and visionary leadership of partners such as EAD. Signature field trips such as Kayak 4 Mangroves that takes place under moonlight and Turtle Patrol on Saadiyat Island have inspired a deep connection to nature in a fun and exciting way.

Developing New Skills and Knowledge

To engage youth around the science of conservation, Connect with Nature launched immersive nature-themed Escape Rooms – virtual and physical escape rooms which challenge participants to find clues and solve real-world environmental issues. Over 6,000 people have participated in the Desert Survival and Mangrove Edition escape rooms in prominent local and global events including the Youth 4 Sustainability Hub at the World Future Energy Summit, Dubai Fitness Challenge, Al Hosn Festival, Al Quoz Arts Festival, Middle East Youth Expo and COP28. The Mangrove Edition escape room continues to tour the nation, driving action and awareness in the Year of Sustainability.

Nurturing Future Leaders of Sustainability

Over the years, youth have shown inspiring leadership and optimism in creating a sustainable future. Nearly 2,000 youth participated in the Reimagine Youth Circles, a virtual platform which brought together youth and high-level decision-makers – including UAE Ministers of State, business leaders and industry specialists – to reimagine life and our relationship with nature following the COVID19 pandemic. Several of these change makers have since ventured into public policy and conservation, with some earning the prestigious title of Ambassador for Nature.

Organized by Connect with Nature, the UAE youth Ambassadors for Nature initiative upskills and mentors promising students and youth in leadership and environmental advocacy, positioning them to shape global discourse on climate and nature. To date, Connect with Nature has selected two cohorts of Ambassadors, with 30 young leaders receiving intensive training, organizing community events and representing the youth voice at prominent forums including the Food for Future Summit, Stockholm+50, COP15, COP27, COP28 and COP16.

Ushering in an Era of Citizen Science

Youth across the UAE are making a tangible difference on the ground as ‘citizen scientists,’ working alongside experts and scientists to gather valuable data that contributes to scientific research and informs conservation strategies. Together, the Connect with Nature community has collected 13,505 data points around the state of biodiversity and waste management, removed 2,572 kgs of litter from the natural environment and categorized 12,047 pieces of litter to guide future policies.

The response to Connect with Nature has been overwhelmingly positive. A survey conducted amongst participants found that the programme has drastically increased youth commitment to nature, with 94% of respondents saying they would recommend Connect with Nature to a friend.

Next Steps: Growing the Movement

As Connect with Nature enters the next five years, it aims to achieve even greater conservation impact, by harnessing the power of community and placing a stronger emphasis on citizen science field trips. To strengthen and scale the programme in line with the evolving needs of our environment and our community, younger audiences, school children and adults of all ages will be welcome to join the movement alongside UAE youth. Connect with Nature will continue to serve as a crucial stepping stone for passionate game changers, helping develop their skills, knowledge and hands-on experience. Youth will remain at the heart of the programme, with more leadership roles introduced to engage and empower future leaders of sustainability.

H.E. Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) commented: “We are thrilled to celebrate the five-year milestone of Connect with Nature, which has become a powerful force for environmental stewardship. From the outset, our goal was to bridge communities with nature, and this achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. We would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the passionate youth whose energy and creativity have been the cornerstone of this initiative. Their involvement has been instrumental in driving our success and will continue to be a vital pillar as we look to the future. Together, we have built something truly meaningful, and we are excited to see how ‘Connect with Nature’ will continue to inspire and transform lives in the years to come.”

Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General, Emirates Nature-WWF commented: “Over the past five years, Connect with Nature has not only deepened our appreciation for the natural world but has also empowered countless individuals and communities to forge a lasting bond with it. I am grateful to everyone who has been part of the phenomenal growth of Connect with Nature—from our dedicated team and passionate volunteers to our supportive partners and engaged communities. A special thank you to our wonderful youth role models, whose enthusiasm, innovation, and dedication are inspiring a movement to shape an optimistic future for all.”

Key supporters of Connect with Nature include the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, a strategic partner in the first year of the programme.

Download the ‘Connect with Nature: 5 Years of Impact’ report at this link.