Successful clean-up operation at Dubai marine reserve
Dubai’s last remaining natural beach, a protected marine reserve, has been cleared of litter and algae pollution in the second phase of a campaign to raise environmental awareness in the Middle East.
Siemens, Volkswagen and Rotana have been working together on a series of events to educate the public about the need to protect the region’s varied habitats and the wildlife that depends on them.
Having collected and recycled 1,000kg of litter from the desert in March, this latest effort – Clean the Beach – saw more than 150 volunteers take to Emirates Marine Environmental Group’s marine reserve to collect rubbish from the beach and clear lagoons polluted by algae. The litter will be recycled by EMEG.
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Siemens, Volkswagen and Rotana have been working together on a series of events to educate the public about the need to protect the region’s varied habitats and the wildlife that depends on them
An important nesting area for turtles, the beach is home to a wide variety of marine and land-based wildlife, and is managed by EMEG to protect endangered species and conserve the fragile ecosystem for future generations.
“Stefan Mecha, Managing Director of Volkswagen Middle East, said: “Our teams of volunteers have done a remarkable job, and it’s extremely encouraging to see this level of enthusiasm for environmental responsibility.
“Clean the Beach, like Clean the Desert, forms part of our Think Blue campaign which encourages people to take small initiatives in everyday life to reduce the impact of their lives on the environment.”
Erich Kaeser, CEO of Siemens in the Middle East, added: “A clean environment isn’t something we can take for granted, which is why it is important for responsible companies and individuals to come together and actively work towards greater environmental awareness.”
As wells Volkswagen, Siemens, EMEG and Rotana, other organisations contributing to the event success included Expat Aktuell, PNS and Al Ain Water.
Comments
by Keep It Clean (KIC)
Sunday, August 19 2012, 2:32PM
“Great initiative!
There is so much to do to protect the environment and the marine life.
EMEG is definitely doing a great job!
This is also very important to educate the public about the need to protect the region's varied habitats as it is said in this article.
Collecting rubbish from the beach and clear lagoons polluted by algae is very important.
However those initiatives are very important, we can also play a major role in prevention.
This is the goal of Keep It Clean.
The goal is to educate people and work in a preventive way: "Keep It Clean" distributes for free, on JBR beach, mini disposable trash Bin ("Mister Bin") to collect every small trash: cigarette butts, ring pulls, piece of paper or plastic packaging...”