The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Emirates Nature-WWF are celebrating the five-year anniversary of the Connect with Nature programme in the Year of Sustainability.

The programme, established in 2019, connects UAE youth with nature and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to build a sustainable future. Over five years, more than 14,000 youth have engaged with nature through 250 online and in-person events held across the country, to exceed expectations.

UAE youth began their journey by participating in expert-led excursions about the UAE’s natural landscapes, where they learned about the region’s wadis, deserts, wetlands and coastal lagoons as well as its diverse plant and animal species – drawing upon the expertise and leadership of partners such as the EAD.

Field trips such as Kayak 4 Mangroves and Turtle Patrol on Saadiyat Island have inspired a deep connection to nature.

To engage youth around the science of conservation, Connect with Nature launched immersive nature-themed escape rooms, virtual and physical, which challenged participants to find clues and solve real-world environmental issues.

More than 6,000 people have participated in the Desert Survival and Mangrove Edition escape rooms in prominent local and global events including the Youth 4 Sustainability Hub at the World Future Energy Summit, Dubai Fitness Challenge, Al Hosn Festival, Al Quoz Arts Festival, Middle East Youth Expo and COP28 UAE.

The Mangrove Edition escape room continues to tour the UAE, driving action and awareness in the Year of Sustainability.

Over the years, UAE youth have displayed leadership qualities and optimism in creating a sustainable future.

Nearly 2,000 youth participated in the Reimagine Youth Circles, a virtual platform which brought them together with high-level decision makers – including UAE Ministers of State, business leaders and industry specialists – to reimagine life and the relationship with nature following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several of these changemakers have now ventured into public policy and conservation, with some earning the title of Ambassador for Nature.

The UAE Ambassadors for Nature initiative upskills and mentors promising students and youth in leadership and environmental advocacy, positioning them to shape global discourse on climate and nature.

To date, this initiative has selected two cohorts of ambassadors, with 30 young leaders receiving training, organising community events and representing at prominent forums including the Food for Future Summit, Stockholm+50, COP15, COP27, COP28 and COP16.

Youth across the UAE are making a difference on the ground as citizen scientists, working alongside experts and scientists to gather valuable data that contributes to scientific research and informs conservation strategies.

Together, the Connect with Nature community has collected 13,505 data points around the state of biodiversity and waste management, removed 2,572 kgs of litter from the natural environment and categorised 12,047 pieces of litter to guide future policies.

A survey conducted amongst participants found that the programme has increased the UAE youth’s commitment to nature, with 94 per cent of respondents saying they would recommend Connect with Nature to a friend.

In the next five years, it aims to achieve greater conservation impact, by harnessing the power of community and placing a stronger emphasis on citizen science field trips.

To strengthen and scale the programme in line with the evolving needs of the environment, community, younger audiences, school children and adults can join the movement.

Connect with Nature will serve as a stepping stone for game changers, helping develop their skills, knowledge and hands-on experience. Youth will remain at the heart of the programme, with more leadership roles introduced to engage and empower future sustainability leaders.

Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), said: “We are thrilled to celebrate the five-year milestone of Connect with Nature, which has become a powerful force for environmental stewardship.

"From the outset, our goal was to bridge communities with nature, and this achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. We would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the passionate youth whose energy and creativity have been the cornerstone of this initiative.

"Their involvement has been instrumental in driving our success and will continue to be a vital pillar as we look to the future. Together, we have built something truly meaningful, and we are excited to see how Connect with Nature will continue to inspire and transform lives in the years to come.”

Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General, Emirates Nature-WWF, said: “Over the past five years, Connect with Nature has not only deepened our appreciation for the natural world but has also empowered countless individuals and communities to forge a lasting bond with it.

"I am grateful to everyone who has been part of the phenomenal growth of Connect with Nature - from our dedicated team and passionate volunteers to our supportive partners and engaged communities.

"A special thank you to our wonderful youth role models, whose enthusiasm, innovation, and dedication are inspiring a movement to shape an optimistic future for all.”

The Connect with Nature programme will celebrate the five-year milestone at Gracia Farm, Al Bahyah, Abu Dhabi, on 23 October 2024.