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As part of its mission to protect the environment and ensure the sustainability of natural resources, the Abu Dhabi Environment Authority (EAD) has announced the launch of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environment Prize.
The awards are designed to encourage environmental initiatives, increase interest in environmental work, help bring about positive change, and raise public awareness of the importance of environmental protection and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
In its first edition, the awards consisted of three main categories and six subcategories for nominees from the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The first major category includes the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Medal, which will be awarded to successful individuals who have achieved excellence in the field of environmental work.
This main category contains three subcategories: “best users of natural resources” (fishers, farmers, groundwater well owners, falconers); “environmental sponsors” (individual environmental initiatives) and “environmental influencers”.
The second main category, the Environmental Research Awards, focuses on the best individual or collective scientific research in the field of environment and sustainable development, through which innovative scientific and practical solutions to current and future environmental problems and challenges are proposed.
This category includes two subcategories: “Research Institutions” and “Environmental Researchers”.
The third main category, the Environmental Performance Awards, focuses on best practice or pioneering activities in the field of environment and sustainability by private institutions and industrial facilities.
Under this category, a subcategory targets industrial facilities, large private companies, aviation, etc.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the EAD Board of Directors, emphasized that the award represents an opportunity to recognize individuals and entities who are working hard to protect and preserve the environment and encourage them to lead and go beyond, and Propose innovative ideas to protect the environment.
Furthermore, given the challenges the world faces in the environmental field, it is also important in supporting scientists and professional experts working to find innovative and effective environmental solutions. This requires a sustained and integrated effort to find innovative practical and scientific solutions that help protect the environment and its natural resources.
Sheikh Hamdan added that the award was launched to fulfill the vision of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who declared 2023 to be the UAE’s “Year of Sustainability”, according to the theme It is “today for tomorrow”.
The theme is in line with EAD’s goal of leading and creating the future to bring about positive change for the environment.
This will be achieved in a way that does not impede Abu Dhabi’s progress by building sustainable concepts into everyday life and incentivizing sectors to incorporate environmental considerations into their action plans to achieve sustainable development, as established by the UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said: “The launch of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Medal is a testament to EAD’s commitment to continue its tireless efforts to protect the environment and stimulate innovation in the environment and green technologies. Initiatives that contribute to environmental protection and the sustainability of natural resources, enhance Abu Dhabi’s image and reputation at the local and global levels.”
Dr. Al Dhaheri emphasized: “The award provides an incentive framework to increase interest in environmental work and environmental initiatives, which will help to increase the level of public awareness on the importance of protecting the environment. Apart from promoting active efforts in environmental compliance This is true outside of all elements of change to protect and protect the environment.”
She added: “The award will also help increase competitiveness among entities and improve their environmental performance to enhance their environmental credibility. It will also raise awareness on the issue of industrial pollution and the importance of conserving resources, And focus on adopting innovative scientific and practical solutions that help address current and future environmental challenges across sectors.”
She elaborated: “The award is open to scientific institutions, researchers, the private sector, industry and members of society, and is a source of encouragement for initiative and leadership in the field of the environment. Its vision is to “play a role in protecting the environment and maintaining natural resources.” leadership to achieve best environmental practice”, while its mission is to “improve the environment, promote positive change in environmental compliance, observe all elements of the environment and protect it, and stimulate environmental interest. “
The criteria for the award were developed in collaboration with EFQM to take advantage of the organization’s experience in developing diagnostic tools – resulting in the creation of the Environmental Diagnostic Tool.
Russell Longmuir, CEO of EFQM, said: “EFQM is honored and excited to be partnering with Abu Dhabi Environment Authority to create this prestigious award. For more than 30 years, EFQM has encouraged global organizations to adopt Our EFQM model and its suite of assessment tools focus on their impact on society, sustainability and the environment. We are sure this award will showcase Abu Dhabi’s commitment to inspiring its organisations, research institutes and people to address the environmental challenges we all face world leadership.”
Isra’a Mobideen, EFQM Regional Director Middle East, said: “To present this award together with Abu Dhabi Environment Authority confirms EFQM’s commitment to creating a better future for all. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, President of the UAE His Highness Al Nahyan declared 2023 the Year of Sustainable Development, and we are proud to support his vision and contribute to the global goals of protecting the environment and achieving a sustainable future.”
Mobideen added: “For over 30 years, EFQM has been integrating environmental principles into its management models. We have also been developing different diagnostic tools such as the circular economy, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero to support organizations in their adoption. With EAD The new sustainability diagnostic tool created together will further support the vision of organizations and individuals in Abu Dhabi and the UAE as host of COP28.”
In the coming period, EAD will be hosting a publicity workshop about the award, while nominations and requests for participation will open on 28 May via EAD’s official website. This involves completing an eligibility form, after which nominees will receive an update on their eligibility to submit a nomination.
The award is open to self-nominated or third-party entries from all entities (individuals or institutions) with competence in the field of environmental management. Researchers and research institutes, private institutions and industrial bodies are evaluated according to the criteria and conditions established by the technical committee of the award.
Winners of the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Medal will be announced at a ceremony during COP28 and will receive the medal and prize money, while the individual recipient of the Environmental Science Research Award will receive the trophy and prize money.
Winning entities and institutions have the right to use the award logo in their documents, publications, websites and advertising campaigns until the announcement of the next round.
The agency will also publish the winners’ success stories on EAD’s website to spread the word and publicize their awards.
Winners can present their success stories, review their outstanding performance and share it with others through the seminars and training sessions held to introduce the award, as well as through related conferences.
Institutions and industrial companies participating in the Environmental Performance Awards can also benefit from fast-track environmental permits and approvals, classifying award-winning companies as having low risk to the environment.
Entities will also be subject to fewer environmental inspection visits and, in the case of industrial establishments, a one-year permit.-TradeArabia News Service
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