Initiated under the patronage of H.E.Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi,known as the Green Sheikh,Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) launched a green initiative specifically designed for children with special needs to give them the opportunity to express their thoughts and experiences on the challenges that planet Earth is facing, and how they can contribute effectively in saving the scarce resources by reducing energy and water consumptions in their classrooms and homes. This initiative came as part of ADAC’s Earth Hour 2012 campaign, with the themes of ‘Going Beyond the Hour’ and ‘I Will If You Will’, to drive employees and community engagement towards saving the environment.

Supported by the Centre of Waste Management (CWM) in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Private Center of Care and Rehabilitation (APCCR), the green initiative consisted of a specially designed workshop, where the Green Sheikh talked to children with special needs about the best environmental practices. The workshop was followed by the launch of an art competition in the private center’s art classroom to encourage children with special needs to createartworksinspired by specific topics related to planet earth, such as saving the scarce resources and reducing energy and water consumption.

In this regard, H.E. Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi, Environmental Advisor to the Government of Ajman,stated: “We are here to talk and learn about Earth Hour, environmental conservation and to exchange expertise, however UAE’s sustainability vision cannot be attained without the sincere commitment of our local community and the continued collaboration between business partners and stakeholders. This is about individual effort leading to collective results.Through this great initiative, we hope to play an active role in ensuringthat the next generation is better equipped for the challenge of building a sustainable world. Our aim is to raise environmental awareness and inspire the community, children in particular, about the importance of saving our natural resources.”

Eng. Ahmad Al Haddabi, Chief Operating Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports Company, commented:“ADAC’s environmental awareness program demonstrates the company’scommitmentto a long-term sustainability and serving the local community, whichare core contributors to advancing sustainable solutions. ADAC would like to take this opportunity to thank the Center of Waste Management (CWM) and Al Ain Private Centre of Care and Rehabilitation for their support in this initiative to further raise awareness about saving the scarce resources of our planet.”

Furthermore, a judging panel consisting of art teachers from the centre, members of the Awareness Department atCWM and members of the Corporate Responsibility team at ADAC will review and evaluate the children with special needs’ artworks.The winning entries will be displayed in an exhibition at Terminal 1 of Abu Dhabi International Airport.

 

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