EPAA raises awareness on disposal of barbecue charcoal

Environment and Protected Areas Authority, EPAA, has implemented an initiative to raise awareness about the negative impact of charcoal from barbecues and the best way to dispose of it.

Targeting visitors to wilderness areas in Sharaa Elwohosh, which is situated between Nazwa and Al Madam, the initiative included the distribution of brochures with tips for disposing of charcoal and information about laws and regulations related to preserving natural resources, and boxes of Ghaf seeds to encourage the public to grow Ghaf trees.

The initiative was preceded by a campaign to clear the area of bags, waste from barbecues and other rubbish. A large number of volunteers from government and private organisations in the Emirate of Sharjah participated in the campaign, which was held between 16:00 and 17:00 on Friday, 25th January, 2019.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA Chairperson, said, “The EPAA is keen to act on the directives of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Its plans and strategies are based on the interest of the Ruler of Sharjah in environmental protection and preservation, cleanliness and sustainability. Our specialised teams work hard to fulfil their tasks, which include awareness campaigns and initiatives such as this one.”

The initiative targeted visitors to wilderness areas in order to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the beauty of these areas and to educate them about risks to the environment and ways to avoid harming the environment. The aim is to make it possible for visitors in the wilderness areas to enjoy nature without using pollutants and damaging the environment.

Al Suwaidi explained that the EPAA was keen to carry out various campaigns to improve the community’s environmental awareness and to spread the message that everyone is responsible for preserving and protecting the environment. These campaigns and initiatives are meant to benefit the environment, its conservation and sustainability, and this initiative is one of several that the EPAA will implement throughout the year.