DEWA plans special expedition to the Amazon Rainforest

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) will be sending some of their employees on a special expedition to the Amazon Rainforest in Peru in May 2016. The move is part of DEWA’s ongoing efforts to achieve its vision to become a sustainable innovative world-class utility, and raise awareness about environmental issues, especially conserving natural resources and reducing carbon emissions.

The expedition, scheduled for May, was planned based on the success of DEWA’s last expedition to Antarctica, which was part of the 2041 International Antarctic Expedition initiative. The expedition aims to highlight the effects of global warming, raise awareness regarding the importance of preserving Antarctica and to stop major companies from drilling and mining in the Antarctic, by the time the international protection protocol expires in 2041.

“DEWA strongly supports the Dubai Plan 2021, and the long-term national Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make the UAE a pioneer in the field of environmental awareness,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.

Al Tayer explained that Peru was the destination of choice because of the clearly-visible effects of climate change within the Amazonian rainforest. He also mentioned that the expedition aims to study the effects of climate change on biodiversity, ecosystems and the inhabitants of the Amazon.

“DEWA takes priority in contributing positively towards the effects of climate change and is fully-committed to developing their employees and broadening their knowledge on the topic. Sustainability is a major part of DEWA’s government and public identity. Staff enthusiasm to participate in this expedition reflects their commitment as ambassadors to environmental issues and their desire to raise awareness on the importance of preserving our natural resources, for generations to come,” added Al Tayer.

“The expedition will run for 12 days and will focus on 3 specific areas in Peru. These include the desert coast, the cloud forests of the Andes and the lowland rainforest. Once returned from the trip, the participating employees will join the ranks of already existing Climate Change Champions and share the knowledge they gained from the expedition, with the public, and other DEWA employees. Through this initiative, DEWA promotes a culture of sustainability among employees,” Waleed Salman, Executive Vice President for Strategy and Business Development at DEWA.

DEWA is committed to meeting all needs and requirements to preserve the safety and health of its employees during their expedition to the Amazon Rainforest, including required medical vaccines. DEWA sends employees to participate in climate change programmes around the world annually, as part of its Climate Change Champions programme. During the initial year of the programme, DEWA sent 5 employees to Antarctica to participate in the Leadership on the Edge Programme, which is organised by the 2041 International Antarctic Expedition to promote sustainability among youth and to encourage them to make to the right decisions in the preservation of natural resources.