dar al khair

© Earth Hour-Fujairah
Emirates Wildlife Society
in association with WWF
(EWS-WWF) is a non-profit
organisation, established
in February 2001, driving
positive change to conserve
our natural environment
through the protection
of biodiversity and the
promotion of sustainable
lifestyles.
DAR AL KHAIR
Volumes 25 & 26 - Winter 2010 & spring 2011
WELCOME TO DAR AL KHAIR
It’s been a busy few months with significant progress in many of our projects: from our turtle tagging
escapades across the Gulf to securing commitment from all seven emirates to take part in Earth Hour
2011, so naturally this issue is packed full of interesting facts and exciting updates... Enjoy!
Follow us!
Join our online communities and tune into our latest news, events, videos and discussions on
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ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT INITIATIVE
The first report of its kind in the Middle East to carry out such in-depth research into
a country’s Ecological Footprint has been published by EWS-WWF and its partners.
‫وزارة الـبيئــة والـميـــاه‬
Ministry of Environment & Water
THE UAE
ECOLOGICAL
FOOTPRINT
INITIATIVE
SUMMARY REPORT 2007-2010
The Ecological Footprint Initiative (EFI) Report / Al Basma
Al Beeiyah, explains the UAE’s world ranking, while giving
eye-opening recommendations of scenarios the country could
implement to help reduce its Ecological Footprint.
In 2007, the UAE government took significant measures to
address its high per capita Ecological Footprint, resulting in the
establishment of the Ecological Footprint Initiative, a partnership
between the Ministry of Environment and Water, EWS-WWF, Abu
Dhabi Global Environment Data Initiative and the Global Footprint
Network. One of the initiative’s key findings was that householders
are the major contributors to the UAE’s footprint, followed by
business and industry; motivating the launch of the Heroes of the
UAE Sustainable Living campaign in 2009.
Thanks to its groundbreaking research, a scientific tool was
developed to track how the power and water sectors’ development may affect Abu Dhabi’s carbon
dioxide emissions and the country’s Ecological Footprint up to 2030. The tool assesses the impact of
potential policies and discovered that if the most ambitious plans were implemented in Abu Dhabi
alone, by 2030 the emirate’s CO2 emissions could be cut by up to 40%. This tool was developed to
assist the UAE government in designing policy portfolios that would result in long-term meaningful
reductions in the country’s Ecological Footprint.
H.E. Dr Rashid Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water said:
Since its launch, the EFI has been an inspiring journey for all involved [...]
I am proud to say that the EFI has demonstrated unprecedented levels of
collaboration that I hope will continue long into the future.
EWS-WWF Dar Al Khair volumes 25 & 26 page 2
Project manager of the Carbon Footprint Policy Laila Abdullatif
from EWS-WWF said: We are immensely proud of the EFI report
in documenting the journey we embarked on to address the
country’s high per capita Ecological Footprint. The report gives
strategic recommendations for future environmental policy in the
UAE as well as highlight the continuous need for all organisations
to work together in order to achieve a reduction of that footprint.
In a bid to inspire people to rethink their consumption choices,
a dedicated website www.ecologicalfootprint.heroesoftheuae.ae
was developed in English and Arabic, offering interactive visual
communication tools. The website provides a wealth of information
including how Ecological Footprints are calculated, a product’s
environmental cost and how the indicator works overall.
In addition an award-winning animation was developed out of
recycled newspaper set as a ‘day in the life’ of a typical Emirati.
The short animation shows the environmental implications of
our actions and was aired on cinema screens across the UAE. It
won Best Animation at Dubai Lynx Awards, Best Animation at
Ottowa International Animation Festival as well as gold in the Best
Animation category at Bradford International Film Festival. It has
also been entered in the Cannes Film Festival 2011.
To read the full EFI report, visit www.ewswwf.ae
Environmental
WORKSHOPS
Workshops were held for
various government agencies
raising awareness about
climate change, the issue of
high consumption patterns
and how to address it.
Following an initial workshop
for the employees of the
Ministry of Environment and
Water, a second workshop
was delivered to a group of
employees from the Ministry
of Presidential Affairs,
Ministry of Education,
Ministry of Energy and
Ministry of Social Affairs.
Workshops were also delivered
to different branches of
the Family Development
Foundation in Abu Dhabi, Al
Ain and the Western region.
Employees and Imams from
AWQAF took part in another
workshop that focused on
energy and water conservation.
As a result, mosques across
the UAE talked about
environmental action in their
weekly Friday sermon.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Dubai Municipality is leading
by example after signing
up as a Corporate Hero
committing to long-term
reduction in energy and
water consumption. Dubai
Municipality also received
the environmental workshop
and joins other government
entities such as Abu Dhabi’s
Department of Transport
and the Executive Affairs
Authority Abu Dhabi in
becoming Corporate Heroes.
EWS-WWF Dar Al Khair volumes 25 & 26 page
3
EARTH HOUR
© Wednesday Group Photography - Alberto Cual
Earth Hour 2011 proved to be a groundbreaking event in the UAE as all seven
emirates signed up to participate in the global initiative for the first time ever.
Earth Hour asks individuals,
businesses, governments and
communities to switch off
their lights for one hour in
a bid to show their support
for environmental action.
From a single city event in
Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour
continues to gather pace and its
popularity was marked in 2011
as more than 5000 cities in 135
countries and territories across
the world took part.
© Wednesday Group Photography - Zubair Safdar
Here in the UAE more than
400 organisations and over
60 schools participated in this
year’s event. Abu Dhabi saw its
first public Earth Hour event
organised by the Municipality
of Abu Dhabi City. In Dubai,
DEWA organised a switch
EWS-WWF Dar Al Khair volumes 25 & 26 page 4
off celebration and bazaar to
commemorate the event at
the Burj Khalifa Plaza, while
students expressed their
commitment through an
art exhibition held at Dubai
Festival City. Meanwhile
diners at Dubai Festival City
ate by candle light and Sharjah
Aquarium and Maritime
Museum held family oriented
activities including a recycling
workshop before flicking the
switch.
Thousands of individuals
showed their commitment
to making a change for the
betterment of our planet by
taking part from the comfort
of their own homes as well as
attending specially organised
events in UAE cities.
© Wednesday Group Photography - Waleed Al Temimi
LOCAL LANDMARKS PLUNGED INTO DARKNESS
The iconic Burj Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque joined a
number of top landmarks across the country and the world, by plunging
into darkness for Earth Hour. The lights were also switched off at
Fujairah Fort, Burj al Arab, Qanat Al Qasba and Eye of the Emirates
among many others.
GLOBAL Landmarks
Las Vegas strip, United States
Lions Gate Bridge, Canada
Gold Museum, Columbia
Eiffel Tower, France
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
Bosphorus Bridge, Turkey
Parliament Palace, Romania
India Gate, India
Times Square, United States
Just to mention a few.
EARTH HOUR IN VIDEO
Documenting this year’s event was twofour54 who created a video of the UAE’s participation.
To view the video, visit our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/wwfuae
The international video of Earth Hour 2011 features a number of local shots and can now
be viewed on our website: www.youtube.com/wwfuae
Go beyond the hour
The Go Beyond the Hour campaign was launched globally so everyone
can make small changes to their daily lives. EWS-WWF invited people
in the UAE to Go Beyond the Hour by using commitment boards
to pledge their commitment to protecting the planet. UAE Earth
Hour Ambassador H.H. Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi, better known
in the region as the Green Sheikh, joined the Go Beyond the Hour
movement by submitting a photo demonstrating his commitment to
the environment using our commitment boards.
This led to a photography competition in partnership with Canon
Middle East for people to show their commitment to Go Beyond the
Hour. Christian Vasquez was picked as the winner and won a range of
Canon products.
“I will...turn the tap off
during toothbrushing to
save water”
by Samra, Dubai
“I will...turn all the lights
off, turn the AC off when it’s
not needed and try to use
public transport instead of
a car”
by CrisTheEcoHelperPerson,
Dubai
“I will...switch off all PCs
and A/C in the office after
business hours”
by Getjitto, Dubai
© Christian Vasquez
“I will...turn off all lights,
computers and TVs”
by Amoory, Ras Al Khaimah
The winning photo
by Christian Vasquez
H.H Sheikh
Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi
Share your go Beyond the
Hour tips on
www.beyondthehour.org
EWS-WWF Dar Al Khair volumes 25 & 26 page
5
WADI WURAYAH
A royal visit was in order at Wadi Wurayah when His Highness Sheikh
Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah welcomed
HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden on a tour of the UAE’s first
established Mountain Protected Area.
Wadi Wurayah is home to some of the world’s most endangered
and rare wildlife and is also one of the few remaining intact
freshwater catchments in the UAE. This wadi was made a
protected area in 2009 following a 3-year assesment conducted
by EWS-WWF in partnership with Fujairah Municipality, and
sponsored by HSBC Bank Middle East.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, who encourages
people to visit the wadi to enjoy its beauty, thanked HRH
Princess Victoria for her interest in the protected area and
taking the time to visit.
A SITE OF INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE
The wadi was declared a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
in February 2011. This new declaration elevates it to an even higher status giving it greater attention and
recognition as a site of international importance.
© EWS-WWF
Gotcha!
Caracal lynx caught on camera
EWS-WWF Dar Al Khair volumes 25 & 26 page 6
Our team collected impressive
photos of different wildlife
species taken by camera traps,
sponsored by Bridgestone
Middle East & Africa set in the
Wadi Wurayah including the
Caracal lynx, Blandford fox,
Gordon’s wild cat, Arabian
tahr, Brandt’s hedgehog, sand
partridges and shrub warbler.
Our team has been trying to
capture footage of the Caracal
lynx for the past 4 years, and
with these photos they are able
to prove its existence in the wadi.
SWISS SNAPSHOTS
Another visitor helping to raise
the profile of the importance of
Wadi Wurayah is renowned Swiss
photographer Michel Roggo,
who chose the wadi to represent
the Arabian Peninsula in his
photographic documentation
of important fresh water
environments around the world.
His project is a contribution to
safeguarding the future of the
world’s wetlands, from wellknown locations like the Amazon
to places like Wadi Wurayah.
Visit www.roggo.ch/
thefreshwaterproject
OPEN AIR CLASSES
Continuing the educational
theme of visits to Wadi Wurayah,
12 students visited the wadi
in December from the Higher
Colleges of Technology Fujairah.
The students have been
integrating their experiences
at the wadi into their end of
semester assignments.
MARINE CONSERVATION
FORUM 2010
EWS-WWF hosted the region’s second ever Marine Conservation
Forum in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with The Pew Environment Group.
Representatives from research agencies, NGOs and the private sector
across the Gulf met to share ideas and discuss joint solutions to the
common threats facing the region’s marine environment.
During the forum’s final session, the threat of climate change was
discussed in light of recent studies predicting that Gulf species
and habitats are likely to be among the worst affected by rising
temperatures. The role of public awareness and involvement was
highlighted as a catalyst for conservation efforts.
The forum was open to members of the public and the private sector
and identified priority actions for the region including: controlling
the shark trade, encouraging in-depth research on species, enhancing
regional cooperation and communicating scientific recommendations
to policy makers rapidly and efficiently.
Programme Director Lisa Perry said: “As a result of this multirepresentative forum, communicating with other NGOs and
governments from the region, has led to the cooperation between
stakeholders to work towards safeguarding the shared natural
environment of the gulf.”
To view the published Proceedings of the Marine Conservation Forum
2010, please visit www.ewswwf.ae/mcf2010
WWF IS 50!
Fifty years ago on the shores of Lake Geneva, a group of
conservationists signed an international declaration with a singleminded statement of intent: “We must save the world’s wildlife,” and so
WWF was born. Since its founding, WWF has grown to become one of
the largest and most respected independent conservation organisations.
With its aim to stop the degradation of our planet, WWF leads several
initiatives to tackle climate change, resource overconsumption and to
conserve species and habitats.
In the same year it was established, 1961, the organisation launched
Operation Oryx to save the dwindling numbers of Arabian Oryx in the
Gulf region. Since 2001, WWF’s presence in the UAE is now recognised
through its association with the Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS).
Visit www.panda.org/50 for more information.
© naturepl.com / Edward Giesbers / WWF
EWS-WWF Dar Al Khair volumes 25 & 26 page
7
CHOOSE WISELY
Something fishy? Then it’s likely to be the buzz around our Choose Wisely
campaign aiming to get people eating more sustainable fish.
With statistics from government bodies indicating that fish stocks
are declining in the UAE, dropping by 80% in the last 30 years,
EWS-WWF launched this campaign to raise awareness of how
overfishing is causing stock depletion and to encourage consumers
to choose more sustainable fish options.
© Tiffany Schultz
Conservation Officer Darren Hiltz said: “We are simply removing
more species than our oceans can provide - placing a wide variety
of marine life under duress. Unsustainable fishing is affecting the
health of fish populations and their surrounding environments.”
The Sustainable fish cookbook,
launched at Gordon
Ramsey’s restaurant Verre
in Dubai, contains 20 fish
recipes submitted by local
residents.
“After a nationwide survey found 70% of UAE residents would be
less likely to consume a particular species if they knew it was being
overfished, we decided to publish a pocketsize consumer guide and
the first ever sustainable fish cookbook in the UAE.”
There are eight local species currently being overfished:
Kanaad (Kingfish), Shaari (Spangled Emperor), Farsh (Painted
Sweetlips), Zuraidi (Golden Trevally), Hamour (Orange-Spotted
Grouper), Yemah (Snub Nose Emperor), Qabit (Goldlined
Seabream) and Safi Arabi (White-Spotted Spinefoot).
Download your copy of the Sustainable Fish Recipes Cookbook at www.ewswwf.ae
IN THE COMMUNITY
In an outreach programme designed to encourage more people to Choose Wisely when shopping for fish,
EWS-WWF visited a number of institutions across the UAE to help spread the message: from giving
informative talks at the American University of Sharjah, Sharjah Museum, Sharjah Cultural and the
Women’s Higher Colleges of Technology in Fujairah, to public events at the Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach.
Since the launch of the campaign, one more species of fish has been added to the orange classification
list and a further two to the green classification list:
Go for it
(stock is not experiencing heavy fishing pressure)
Shaam (Yellow Fin Seabream)
Hilali (Blackspotted Rubberlip)
Good choice but there’s better
(stock exploited within sustainable levels)
Beyah Arabi (Blue Spot Mullet)
To download the full consumer guide, please visit www.choosewisely.ae
EWS-WWF Dar Al Khair volumes 25 & 26 page 8
HEROES OF THE UAE corporate programme
Toolkit on demand
Heroes to your inbox! GREEN MAKEOVERS
Developed in a bid to assist
companies with reducing their
carbon footprints, the Heroes
Business Toolkit has been
downloaded by hundreds of
businesses in the UAE.
Following the success of the
toolkit, we asked for feedback
and as a result will be adding
more important tools to the
Heroes Business Toolkit soon.
The most downloaded tools
were the stickers and posters.
Currently the kit includes
tips on energy and water
conservation in the workplace
and management tools to
help develop an appropriate
conservation strategy.
EWS-WWF is now delivering
updates of the Heroes of the
UAE Corporate Programme to
your inbox!
Designed to be a quick read
for businesses, tightly packed
with information about
reducing electricity and water
consumption, the newly
launched e-updates will be sent
to your e-mail monthly.
Want your business to enter
understand environmental
issues and learn how to take
action? Then sign up to receive
the monthly e-update from the
Heroes of the UAE team by
e-mailing: [email protected]
Green Corporate Makeovers are
underway at One to One Hotels
and Kanoo Group thanks
to funding from Emirates
Foundation for Philanthropy.
One to One Hotels has already
installed LED lighting and
water saving measures that will
contribute to potential annual
carbon emission reductions
of 116 tonnes. The financial
payback from the investment
will take only 2.3 years and will
save the hotel AED 21,000 per
year. Meanwhile Kanoo Group
is investing its fund money in
installing LED lighting and has
agreed to co-invest to reduce its
energy and water consumption
even further. These changes
will reduce the company’s
emissions by 6 tonnes of carbon
per year.
UAE Young Lions
© UAE Young Lions
Creative junior teams in Dubai participated in the UAE Young Lions
competition to produce an inspiring print advert for the Choose Wisely
campaign. The winners of the competition were Josephine Younes and
Nayabb Rais from DDB, Andre Bose do Amaral a and Nisha Wagh
from Wunderman (picture), and Sajesh Pudussery and Alok Mohan
from Team Y&R.
Le Royal Meridien, Abu Dhabi Le Meridien, Abu Dhabi
Le Meridien Al Aqqa, Fujairah
Sheraton Corniche, Abu Dhabi
Sheraton Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi
Aloft Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Carrefour, Abu Dhabi & Dubai Abela Superstores, Abu Dhabi
Lulu Hypermarkets, Abu Dhabi
Hilton, Dubai Creek
Sheraton, Dubai Creek Grand Hyatt, Dubai Radisson Blu, Yas
Choitram
EWS-WWF Dar Al Khair volumes 25 & 26 page
© Tiffany Schultz
BUSINESSES OFFERING SUSTAINABLE FISH OPTIONS
9
HSBC Eco-Schools Climate Change Initiative
UAE Eco-Schools illustrate climate change action
A new programme encouraging schools to actively reduce their environmental
impact was launched in the UAE in October 2010.
The HSBC Eco-Schools Climate Initiative gives schools the chance to make a positive contribution
to the environment by following a seven-step methodology to learn about and act to lower their
emissions. In this first year of operation, about 15,000 students worked on the Eco-Schools’ core
themes of energy, water and waste. The schools are being supported by 60 staff volunteers from HSBC
Bank Middle East Ltd.
Senior education manager Rashmi De Roy said: “The initiative has been enthusiastically received by
schools. The idea is to empower students to take action on climate change and trigger behavioural
changes in themselves, school staff and their families.
“Some highlights of this programme are that it links the environment into school curriculums and
gets pupils involved in taking action in their local communities.”
© Tiffany Schultz
HSBC is sponsoring the implementation of the HSBC Eco-Schools Climate Initiative in 18 countries,
including the UAE. The initiative is delivered to schools in the UAE through a partnership between
EWS-WWF, HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd, the Foundation for Environmental Education and the UAE’s
Ministry of Education.
Posters created by two schoolchildren have been selected to represent the UAE at the international round of
the Eco-Code competition part of the HSBC Eco-Schools Climate Initiative following an award ceremony
in Dubai earlier this summer.
Students taking part in the initiative were challenged to demonstrate their commitment to tackling climate
change through imaginative posters where their eco-friendly attitudes and behaviour can inspire concrete
action within their school and beyond.
Visit www.ewswwf.ae/eco_schools
Educating Online
Beati Watani, endorsed by the Ministry of Education,
has been converted into an online course
www.beatiwatani.com. It will be used by students during
summer camps and formally launched in schools in September 2011.
EWS-WWF Dar Al Khair volumes 25 & 26 page 10
PRESTIGIOUS
BLUE FLAG
AWARDED TO
UAE
Two marinas and a beach in the
UAE have just been recognised
by the prestigious, international
award scheme Blue Flag.
The proud new owners of the
first-ever Blue Flags in the region
are Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach, Al
Bandar Marina and Yas Marina,
from the UAE. Blue Flags are
granted to coastal destinations
which have achieved the highest
quality in water, facilities, safety,
environmental education and
management following the
compliance to a strict set of
criteria.
Now operating in the UAE, Blue
Flag is run by EWS-WWF and
aims to encourage more beaches
and marinas to apply for this
status of coastal excellence.
Conservation and education officer, Moaz Sawaf, said: “To have Blue Flag recognised beaches and marinas
in the UAE is fantastic as they can be used to promote eco-tourism and inform beach and marina users that
they are among the best maintained spots in the world. More importantly it is a vital means of safeguarding
the country’s 1360km coastline, the marine environment and public health. It also encourages community
involvement in maintaining beaches and marinas and raises awareness of the sensitive marine environment.
To apply for a Blue Flag for your marina or beach, visit www.ewswwf.ae/ blueflag to download the criteria
documents and the How to Apply for a Blue Flag guide.
EWS-WWF is currently looking for sponsors for this programme.
Please email [email protected] to register your interest.
School Winners
Four schools across Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al
Quwain were given green makeovers as competition
winners of the Heroes of the UAE Schools Programme.
Now kitted out with energy and water saving devices it is expected these schools’ combined savings
will total more than 120 tonnes of CO2 per year. Visit www.heroesoftheuae.ae
EWS-WWF Dar Al Khair volumes 25 & 26 page
11
MARINE TURTLE CONSERVATION PROJECT
This year’s turtle race has kicked off following a successful tagging season.
24 Hawksbill turtles are now swimming in the waters of the Gulf, equipped
with satellite tracking devices as a result.
The three-year-long Marine Turtle Conservation Project, now in its second year is charting the
movements of the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles in a bid to protect their nesting and foraging
grounds. The team successfully tagged turtles on the coasts of Oman, Qatar, Iran and the UAE.
Conservation officer Marina Antonopoulou said: “Turtle tagging is always unpredictable as you never
know when the animals will appear. For three nights we waited and not one turtle appeared, but then
on another night four appeared!”
“What makes this project unique is that by studying the movements of these turtles, it is hoped the
knowledge we gain can in turn guide the design of future conservation programmes which would help
ensure the protection and survival of this species.”
The Great Gulf Turtle Race sees 23 tagged turtles compete to win the titles of long distance traveller
and most popular turtle across a five week period starting on June 6.
Follow the race on www.gulfturtles.com
Scouting for turtles
Corporate members were invited
to visit the Emirates Marine
Environmental Group’s reserve
on the Dubai coast earlier this
year in partnership with EWSWWF. Visitors were able to help
scout the beaches at night time
for potential nesting turtles.
Whatever floats your
boat
Thank you to all the volunteers
who helped us build Ms. Shelly
Hawksbill in November last year.
and thanks also to Imdaad LLC
for donating plastic bottles and
Union Paper Mills for donating
wood to build the base of the
raft. We would like to also thank
Intercontinental Festival City,
Mourjan Marinas and Dubai
Festival city for donating the
event proceedings to EWS-WWF.
EWS-WWF Dar Al Khair volumes 25 & 26 page 12
NAMING THE TURTLES
How Amal got her name
The Fairmont Hotel in Dubai engaged their Facebook fans in
helping to name their sponsored turtle. With more than 300
entries on the social networking site of potential names for the
endangered Hawksbill, which was tagged off the coast of Oman,
Fairmont announced the winning name – Amal which translated
from Arabic means Hope. The winning submission was posted by
Neha Rag.
How Latifa got her name
The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi engaged children attending
their annual awareness event in voting for their sponsored turtle. The
name Latifa (meaning the gentle one) was chosen by popular vote.
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE TURTLE
GREEN MAJLIS
The first ever ‘Green Majlis’
for Emirati women to talk
about environmental issues
and concerns was held in
May. Generously hosted by
Mrs Mariam Gargash, EWSWWF had the chance to
chat to 40 women about the
issue of overfishing in the
UAE and the Choose Wisely
campaign as well as the
Heroes of the UAE and the
importance of conserving
energy and water.
These brave turtles are taking part in the Great Gulf Turtle Race and
need your support. Cheer for your favourite turtle on
www.gulfturtles.com
• Journey, Otohime sponsored by Bridgestone
ANNUAL REPORT
• C, N, A sponsored by College of North Atlantic Qatar
• Latifa sponsored by Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
• Malabo, Flores, Sheeva, Salome sponsored by Géant/ Le Marché
• Rayhana sponsored by Gulftainer
• Amal sponsored by Fairmont Dubai
• Hurriya sponsored by Mubadala
• Estidama sponsored by UOC
• Maweyyah, Baby T sponsored by anonymous sponsors
• Khadhra, Khanferoosh, Hassa sponsored by
Shaikha Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation
• Toodles sponsored by 7 days
• Speedy sponsored by Jebel Ali Hotel & Resort
Adopt a turtle
Support the project by
purchasing your adoption pack
from Al Boom Dive Centre,
Fairmont Dubai, More Café,
Desert Island Resort and Spa
Anantara and Pavillion Dive
Centre in Jumeirah, or online
from Goumbook, Ekotribe and
Journey Toys.
Download our latest
Annual Report from our
website covering all of the
projects undertaken by the
organisation throughout
2010. The Annual Report
is an all-encompassing,
resource to EWS-WWF
activities from the past year.
Visit www.ewswwf.ae
EWS-WWF Dar Al Khair volumes 25 & 26 page
13
Interview with
Gabriel De Andrade, Head of Region, Géant/Le Marché
of the community and the
environment which Géant is an
integral part of.”
© Geant/Le Marche
“It is imperative that we
educate our stakeholders
on species which are on the
brink of extinction. The
Future of marine turtles is
threatened and we felt that as
a company we must try to put
our efforts towards educating
the community through the
conservation project.”
Sponsoring four turtles in this
year’s Marine Turtle
Conservation Project is French
supermarket retailer Géant / Le
Marché:
“We decided to sponsor
turtles in the Marine Turtle
Conservation Project as marine
life is an integral part of our
eco-system,” said Gabriel De
Andrade, Géant’s Head of
Region.
“As a responsible retailer, it is
important that all our activities
and operations help preserve
the environment for future
generations.
“We felt that as responsible
citizens of this country,
we should contribute our
efforts towards the benefit
Géant’s first presence in the
region was when the French
supermarket chain opened in
Bahrain in 2005 followed by
further stores in Dubai and
Kuwait in 2009.
When asked about how they
finalised the names of their
turtles, Gabriel added: “We
shortlisted a number of names
for the turtles suggested by
various departments within
the company – we decided on
calling our four turtles: Flores,
Malabo, Salome and Sheeva.
We will be encouraging our
employees to vote for the Géant
sponsored turtles in this year’s
turtle race: www.gulfturtles.
com ”
By being a corporate member,
companies are able to
fulfil their corporate social
responsibility: engaging their
employees while helping the
Marine Turtle Conservation
EWS-WWF Dar Al Khair volumes 25 & 26 page 14
Project to be successful in
safeguarding against the
demise of this critically
endangered species.
“I believe the private sector can
help promote environmental
issues by introducing
environmentally friendly
policies and procedures, such
as effective waste management
including recycling.” explained
Gabriel.
“Protecting the environment to
us implies conserving natural
resources. For humans to exist,
it is vital the environment we
depend on also exists.
“EWS-WWF has continually
provided support and guidance
to ensure that our corporate
social responsibility objectives
are not diluted. We have been
working alongside EWSWWF since we started our
No Plastic Bag campaign
in February 2008. We now
encourage our customers
to use jute bags instead of
plastic bags and as well as
offering other sustainable
product choices through a
range of phosphorous free
detergents, energy saving
light bulbs and environment
friendly appliances including
washing machines. We also
have a facility where customers
can trade in their old mobile
phones which are recycled
through an external agency.”
JOIN OUR CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMME
The Corporate Membership Programme gives companies who care about our
natural environment a simple way to make a change today, by supporting our
overall work.
As the list of our Corporate Members continues to grow, we would like to thank and acknowledge all
the businesses who share our passion and play an active role in helping us move closer towards a more
sustainable society.
To find out more about how you can make a difference as a Corporate Member, visit www.ewswwf.ae
or e-mail: [email protected]
We would like to thank our corporate members for their valuable support and we look
forward to working with you all!
PLATINUM MEMBERS
GOLD MEMBERS
Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative
Abu Dhabi Media Company
Abu Dhabi Accountability
Authority
Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority
AECOM
Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council
Bab Al Shams Resort
Aldar Properties PJSC
Baker Botts LLC
Applied Materials
Culimer
Booz & Co.
Gulftainer
Bridgestone
Khaleej Times
CineStar
Marina Mall - Abu Dhabi
Dubai School of Government
Sabban Property Investments
Ekotribe
The National
Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy
Touchpoints Consulting & Communications
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
Géant / Le Marché
GHC
SILVER MEMBERS
Hill and Knowlton
HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd
Al Gurm Island Company
Latham & Watkins
Aldar Marinas
LinkLaters
Canon Middle East
Masdar
Grand Hyatt Dubai
Motivate Val Morgan Cinema Advertising FZ LLC
Hyatt Regency Dubai
National Bank of Abu Dhabi
Park Hyatt Dubai
OmniCom Media Group - OMD
Union National Bank
SNR Denton
Standard Chartered Bank
EWS-WWF Dar Al Khair volumes 25 & 26 page
15
TEAM NEWS
EWS-WWF has seen a number of changes in the last six months.
In this edition of Dar Al Khair:
We welcome:
Ali Gargash – Business Development Associate, Darren Hiltz – Conservation Officer
Erin Langs – Policy Researcher, Joanna Abu Hejleh – Administration Assistant
Marina Antonopoulou – Marine Conservation Project Manager
Melissa Matthews – Communications & Marketing Officer, Nicolas Delaunay – Director, Business
Development & Marketing, Nosheen Attai – Business Development Officer
We say goodbye to:
Leaving EWS-WWF is Conservation Officer Nessrine Alzahlawi and Business Development Associate
Marie-Louise Scholdtz. We would like to wish Nessrine the best of luck in her new endeavours with
the Red Cross in Darfur, Sudan. We also wish Marie-Louise all the best as she relocates back to the
beautiful city of Stockholm, Sweden.
Welcome new arrivals:
Acting Director General Ida Tillisch and her husband Nicolai welcomed baby Axel in September.
Science and Research Manager Christophe Tourenq and his wife Debra welcomed baby Adrien in
January.
HOW CAN YOU HELP
Umm Suqaim Road
Ext 63
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In addition to purchasing
a turtle adoption pack
and joining our corporate
membership programme,
there are many ways that you
can lend us your support;
• Follow us on social media
EWS-WWF Dar Al Khair volumes 25 & 26 page 16
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• Become a Fish Finder
•H
elp us spread the word on
your blog or website
Sh. Zaid Road
•P
ledge to become a Hero
Mall
• Volunteer your time and
expertise
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Hypermarket
The Dubai branch is moving to a new
office in the Al Barsha area of the city.
The new office is in a convenient location
tucked just behind Mall of the Emirates
and will be the working hub for more than
15 staff.
You can find us in:
Al Barsha Business Point
Office 301
Tel 04 3549774
PO Box 454891, Dubai
www.ewswwf.ae
Text © EWS-WWF
Photos except where indicated© EWS-WWF