Several students carried out a unique climate action initiative at Ghantoot Reserve of Emirates Marine Environmental Group (EMEG) to raise awareness on climate change. Thoughtful planning took a few months and the event was well promoted for nearly a month through Facebook but sadly another group did a similar activity just a few days before our event and timed to get their story published the very next day of our event, I am still wondering did they really gain anything by doing this.
Held for the purpose of educating and fostering interest in climate change action by building a community of youth change-makers globally, the students carried out a cleanliness drive at the reserve and were involved in mangrove rehabilitation. They also took part in natural history scavenger hunts, creating art from collected waste, bird watching, and engaging in discussions on local heritage.
All of us were welcomed by Major Ali Saqer Sultan Al Suwaidi, President of EMEG who visited the area while Dr Shahid Mustafa, a Senior Ecologist at EMEG reserve, explained the ecological features of marine and terrestrial biodiversity at the reserve.
The participants enthusiastically extracted climate change components that affect mangroves - including changes in sea-level, high water events, atmospheric CO2 concentration, ocean circulation patterns, health of functionally linked neighboring ecosystems, as well as human responses to climate change. The sea-level has been on the rise and human activities have contributed the most to global warming and pose a serious threat to this fragile ecosystem.
I organised COP in MyCity Dubai 2014 in UAE playing my role assigned by the global think-tank as COP in MyCity (CIMS) Country Ambassador for the UAE, because I believe that the generation of young people is the largest in history and as a result youth have a critical role to play in every aspect of life and society. I am confident that a few caring people can change the world. Each one of us has a responsibility to live peacefully without jeopardising the natural resources.
LINK: In GULF TODAY NEWSPAPER
IN KHALEEJ TIMES
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16 Comments
Thanks Rin for your comments and I agree as this is what keeps us getting stronger.
Posted 12-12-2014 19:30
What a nice action is! I hope you and your friends keep doing this. I think even it another group seems to copy your group idea, but it doesnt matter as long as they have a good goal, not for the fame. Thank you Simran.
Posted 12-12-2014 06:17
Aksana Dallakoti Thanks for valuable comments
Posted 11-12-2014 23:54
Thanks
Manav Jha for promising comments and adding value post
Posted 11-12-2014 23:53
Ahaa!! As I live in Landlocked country I always get amazed to learn about ocean circulating patterns, beach cleanup programs. Thanks for sharing and photos are fascinating. Keep up your good works Simran!!!
Posted 11-12-2014 21:52
Excellent work, Simran! Mangroves are known to produce 3 times the O2 produced by an average plant. A beach clean up and planting mangroves are great ways to a healthy,clean and pollution-free environment. Nice pictures of your initiative! Thanks for sharing!
Posted 11-12-2014 19:35
Thank you so much Raunak for your valuable input.
Posted 11-12-2014 13:48
Well done Simran! You are ever so energetic. The pics are great & the cause very noble. Keep it up, All the best.
Posted 11-12-2014 12:31
Thank you so much Jack for the lovely comments
Posted 11-12-2014 03:06
Wow! wonderful report, love the photos and the event behind it. Keep it up Simran, well done
Posted 11-12-2014 02:08
Thank You Rahul for your comments
Posted 10-12-2014 22:48
Amazing work Simran. Hats off to your effort.
And I am glad to know you were CIMS Ambassador for UAE as well.
Posted 10-12-2014 22:15
Thanks Arushi for your ever positive comments
Posted 10-12-2014 18:04
Mangrove forests, along with the animal species they shelter, represent significant sources of biodiversity and provide humanity with valuable ecosystem services so they are very crucial and any efforts to restore and protect them are great and appreciable. Good job , Simran. Your activities are leaving a big positive impact on UAE youths and environment conservation. Keep it up.
Posted 10-12-2014 15:29
Thanks a lot Rohan for the comments and wishes
Posted 10-12-2014 14:04
This is superb Simran. Mangrove rehabilitation is a noble service to the nature that was carried out in the best interest. I believe true & selfless service matters.
We youth are the driving force to bring the sustainability back on track. Keep it up & God Bless.
Posted 10-12-2014 12:26