Latest news with #Environmentand
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- General
- Sharjah 24
Tree-planting initiative by Dibba Al Hisn Municipality in WED
Leadership involvement Talib Abdullah Al Yahyai, Director of Dibba Al Hisn Municipality, and department directors participated in the project. The action is intended to boost afforestation efforts, improve the area's natural aesthetics, minimise maintenance and water usage, and restore the symbolic importance of the GHAF tree, which has historically given shade and symbolised principles of tolerance and coexistence. Gesture to promote sustainable lifestyles The Agriculture Department handed additional ghaf tree saplings to participating department heads as a symbolic gesture to urge them to implement the project in their workplaces and social contexts, as well as to practice sustainable planting in their daily lives. Ghaf in every institution Khadija Najib Al Nuaimi, Director of the Agriculture Department of Dibba Al Hisn Municipality, noted that the ghaf planting is part of the " Ghaf in every institution" campaign initiated by Sharjah's Environment and Protected Areas Authority. The campaign encourages afforestation at government and private institutions while emphasising the ghaf tree's national symbolism of tolerance, resilience, and a strong connection to the UAE's environment. The ghaf was chosen specifically because of its high adaptation to desert environments. Najib further stated that the effort goes beyond simply giving shade and fresh air; it actively contributes to transforming carbon emissions into clean air for future generations. Municipality's broader sustainability vision According to Talib Al Yahyai, this event is part of a series of environmental events aimed at supporting long-term environmental efforts and making Sharjah a role model in natural resource conservation and ecological balance in the UAE. Al Yahyai emphasised the necessity of community involvement in environmental protection, as well as the value of such activities in increasing awareness and reinforcing collective efforts to conserve the natural environment for future generations. A global call to act World Environment Day, commemorated every year, provides a chance to highlight global environmental challenges and inspire people to take concrete steps to protect the world. In this context, Dibba Al Hisn Municipality intends to take an active role in this global movement by developing meaningful projects that raise awareness and encourage responsible environmental practices.
Calgary Herald
12-05-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Alberta places 'indefinite freeze' on industrial carbon tax
Alberta is indefinitely freezing the industrial carbon tax at $95 per tonne for heavy emitters. Article content Premier Danielle Smith said the decision comes in the wake of the ongoing tariff threats by U.S. President Donald Trump and after industry feedback indicating that further increases would be 'detrimental' to businesses and market competitiveness. Article content 'Alberta remains committed to reducing emissions through the development and implementation of new technologies, not unrealistically high taxes, while responsibly powering the world for decades to come,' Smith said at a Monday press conference. Article content Article content The carbon price was set to increase to $110 per tonne in 2026 under the Alberta Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program and continue to increase to $170 per tonne by 2030 — which the province had agreed to with Ottawa in late 2022 to comply with federal standards. Article content Article content According to Smith, any additional increases above $100 per tonne will 'wipe out any benefits' the province has seen so far. She said Ottawa's decision to increase the carbon tax to $170 per tonne by 2030 would be 'devastating' to the Alberta economy. Article content 'This is yet another example of Ottawa overstepping,' Smith said. Article content Parliament is set to resume at the end of May after being prorogued in January. Prime Minister Mark Carney and his cabinet are set to be sworn in on Tuesday. Article content Alberta's industrial carbon tax system has been in place since 2007. Under the program, industry pays into a central TIER fund when emissions exceed specified limits. The fund is used to support various technologies and initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Article content Article content Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz said revenue in the TIER fund has fluctuated and did not voice concerns on how various initiatives will be funded if the annual $15 increase on industrial carbon price is stagnant. Article content Article content 'This year we've been able to even increase some of our investments. I think some of that fluctuation is normal. Again, the most important piece has to be economic competitiveness for our industry,' Schulz said. Article content Article content Article content Article content
Dubai Eye
06-03-2025
- Science
- Dubai Eye
Three new plant species recorded in UAE
Three new plant species have been reported in the UAE for the first time, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah said on Wednesday. The newly recorded species include Dactyloctenium australe (Durban Crowfoot Grass), a notable addition to the UAE's wild flora, along with two new varieties of Neurada procumbens, namely Neurada procumbens var. stellata and Neurada procumbens var. al-eisawii. Commenting on this significant achievement, Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the EPAA, emphasised that the discovery of three new recorded plant species for the first time in the UAE is a testament to the EPAA's unwavering commitment to scientific research and biodiversity conservation. She stated: "This milestone reflects our dedication to field research through the efforts of our specialized team at the Sharjah Seed Bank and Herbarium, which stands as one of the most successful scientific research initiatives launched by the Government of Sharjah. The initiative is dedicated to preserving and protecting the Sharjah's plant biodiversity, ensuring its sustainability for future generations." She further highlighted that this discovery is the result of meticulous scientific exploration using advanced and innovative research techniques. The field team conducts regular expeditions to explore, collect, analyse, and document wild plant species and seed samples, reinforcing national efforts to protect biodiversity and address environmental challenges. Al Suwaidi also pointed out that these newly recorded plant species, distinguished by their unique characteristics, open new avenues for future scientific studies on their ecological role within desert environments. She emphasized that the discovery further strengthens Sharjah's position as a leading center for environmental sustainability and ambitious scientific initiatives. Expressing her appreciation for the dedication of the Sharjah Seed Bank and Herbarium team, she stated: "Their ongoing efforts to explore the local environment not only expand our scientific knowledge of native plant species but also enhance research collaboration at both local and international levels. Through their work, we continue to document rare and previously unrecorded wild plants, contributing to global botanical research." She reaffirmed EPAA's commitment to sustainable strategies for conserving natural resources, with a strong focus on raising environmental awareness and fostering international collaboration to ensure a prosperous and ecologically balanced future. Additionally, EPAA remains dedicated to training and equipping national talents in field-based scientific research and practical applications. Sharjah Seed Bank and Herbarium, launched in 2018 in Al Dhaid, is a pioneering initiative aimed at preserving rare wild and desert plant species in the UAE. The Seed Bank plays a crucial role in developing a comprehensive database on plant biodiversity, contributing to the discovery and documentation of new plant species in the UAE for the first time. Furthermore, the initiative actively publishes scientific research in international journals, playing a vital role in updating the Arabian Peninsula's plant registry and the Red List of endangered plant species. Through its work, the Sharjah Seed Bank and Herbarium continues to strengthen national efforts in preserving the UAE's natural resources and fostering sustainable environmental conservation.
Al Bawaba
25-02-2025
- General
- Al Bawaba
EPAA Launches the 13th Edition of the "Sharjah Sustainability Award"
As part of its strategic vision to support Sharjah's Strategic Environmental Protection Plan, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainability principles across the emirate and the UAE, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah has launched the 13th edition of the "Sharjah Sustainability Award". This initiative aims to encourage institutions, university students, and school students to present innovative environmental solutions and creative projects that contribute to building a sustainable environment in line with global best Talent and Encouraging Contributions Toward a Sustainable FutureH.E. Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, emphasized that the current edition of the award reflects EPAA's steadfast commitment to fostering environmental innovation and embedding sustainability as a fundamental approach across various sectors. This commitment aligns with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah."We have witnessed remarkable participation from both public and private institutions, alongside outstanding academic contributions from universities and schools. This strong engagement underscores the growing environmental awareness and the deep-rooted sense of social responsibility within the community," Al Suwaidi further highlighted that the pioneering projects submitted in scientific research, sustainable design, future energy solutions, and AI applications in sustainability demonstrate the immense creative potential of today's generation. Al Suwaidi stressed the importance of providing platforms that celebrate and nurture these talents, empowering them to contribute toward building a more sustainable future."At EPAA, we take great pride in supporting such impactful initiatives, and we aspire for these projects to serve as a springboard for transformative environmental solutions that achieve a balance between economic growth and natural resource conservation. This initiative translates the UAE's ambitious sustainability vision into actionable reality."Broad Participation Reflects Growing Environmental AwarenessThe current edition of the award has attracted a significant number of high-quality submissions across various sectors. A total of 19 public and private institutions have submitted projects aimed at enhancing environmental innovation and the academic category, participation has been particularly strong, with 338 students and academic supervisors from universities presenting projects spanning scientific research, sustainable design, future energy, emissions reduction, and AI applications in the school level, 213 public and private schools took part, with 474 students, under the guidance of 158 teachers, showcasing outstanding projects in fields such as energy and water conservation, environmental innovations, sustainable projects, environmental short story competitions, AI applications, sustainable schools, and short environmental films. This high level of participation reflects the increasing environmental consciousness within the community and the shared commitment to achieving a more balanced and sustainable Evaluation to Select the Most Impactful ProjectsThe evaluation process for the submitted projects is now underway, with a total of 267 projects under review across various categories. A panel of 20 environmental experts is conducting the assessments, ensuring a thorough and fair selection process. The evaluation is carried out in two phases: an initial review of all submitted projects, followed by a final evaluation of shortlisted projects to identify the most outstanding and impactful initiatives in each category.
Sharjah 24
06-02-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Final day of SICFAB celebrates species assessment results
Over four days, the forum featured a series of insightful panel discussions, presentations of scientific research and university student projects, and a comprehensive reassessment of Arabian reptiles that were last evaluated in 2012. This reassessment covered all amphibian species and freshwater turtles in the region, supporting future conservation efforts in the Arabian Peninsula and addressing critical biodiversity challenges. The forum also highlighted the role of the Sharjah Strandings Response Program, explored capacity-building programs in environmental sciences, conducted specialised technical training, and included a field visit to Sharjah Safari to examine ongoing conservation initiatives. Strengthening research efforts and enhancing regional and international cooperation Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), emphasised that the SCI successfully achieved its goals in raising environmental awareness, supporting research initiatives, and reinforcing regional and international collaboration in the Arabian Peninsula. "At EPAA, we believe in the importance of scientific dialogue and collaborative efforts to achieve environmental sustainability. Over the years, this forum has become a global platform bringing together experts to exchange knowledge, explore best practices, and address pressing environmental challenges. This year's edition was particularly distinguished by its focus on reassessing reptiles and amphibians in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as highlighting marine life conservation, including discussions on protecting endangered species and presenting pioneering research on biodiversity. Additionally, the forum provided an opportunity for university students to showcase their research projects, reinforcing the role of youth in shaping the future of environmental sustainability," Al Suwaidi stated. She further emphasised that the SICFAB's findings and recommendations will help chart a clear roadmap for the coming years, strengthening environmental efforts and fostering research collaboration between academic institutions and relevant organisations. She reaffirmed Sharjah's commitment to environmental leadership under the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has made environmental sustainability a core pillar of the Sharjah's development strategy. Completion of red list assessments On the final day of the forum, the Red List Assessment Group announced the completion of evaluations for 46 widespread species, including snakes, lizards, and amphibians. The session also marked a significant milestone with the formation of an active regional working group of reptile scientists. This newly established group will be responsible for maintaining a comprehensive species database, developing action plans for priority species, and strengthening regional cooperation, representing a key outcome of the species assessments and a stepping stone toward future conservation successes. Final marine research session The closing sessions of the fourth day featured a specialised discussion on marine research, focusing on dugong post-mortem examination techniques and ethical euthanasia protocols for marine mammals in critical cases. The session also presented regional research on toxins affecting cetacean species, highlighting opportunities to expand this crucial area of study. The discussions concluded with a collaborative dialogue on enhancing stranding networks and identifying solutions to current conservation challenges. The final report highlighted the progress made in species assessment and marine conservation strategies. Additionally, awards were presented for the best student research presentations and projects, recognising the next generation of environmental conservation experts. Honorees included Ateah Alfakih from Al Baha University, Saudi Arabia, for his project on Colouration-based behaviour in the Arabian killifish, and Caroline Vieira from the Federal university of Minas Gerais, Brazil, for her research on Highly pleomorphic semen in captive Gyrfalcons.
