UAE's concern over environment continues to intensify: Nahyan bin Mubarak

• Published date: 20 May 2022
• Publication title: LETA

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, has reiterated the UAE's concern over climate and environment, noting "a strong connection between our spiritual values and how we care for the environment."

Sheikh Nahyan made the remarks at a large-scale public event at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in the presence of Indian spiritual guru Sadhguru who wrapped up the UAE leg of his 'Journey to Save Soil' with the event, which was organised by the Conscious Planet Movement to Save Soil (Conscious Planet), in partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).

Aimed at raising awareness on the importance of soil conservation, the gathering drew the participation of around 10,000 people, including several VIP guests.

It kicked off with an opening address by the guest of honour, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, who said, "Our observation of the alarming soil erosion around the world, and our desire to understand what we see, reminds me of the UAE's most prominent environmentalist, our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed, who had a deep love of nature. After Sheikh Zayed's passing, our country's concern for the environment continued to intensify so that now the UAE, led by the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has established many environmental initiatives and organisations."

"In the spirit of the love of nature, we must all continue to explore ways to improve how we plan, protect, manage, and use our natural resources. I also believe there is a strong connection between our spiritual values and how we care for the environment. Our spiritual values provide the moral imperative to ensure that all people in all countries can enhance their standard of living without acting in ways that will leave their future generations living and working in a barren environment," he added.

In her keynote speech, Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, commented, "In the UAE, we have developed several strategies and policies that aim not only to enhance food security but also to implement sustainable soil management systems. These include the National Food Security Strategy, the National Strategy to Combat Desertification, and the UAE General Environmental Policy. We also support the outcomes of COP26 that consider soil a vital component of sustainable farming systems. Let's all work together to preserve our soil for the next...