HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), launched the Amazon/Antarctica Experience on 29 May 2016. The event was held at DEWA’s head office, and allowed DEWA employees, as well as the public to learn about DEWA’s expedition to Peru in 2016, and DEWA’s expedition to Antarctica in 2015, through activities that imitate those that the expedition teams experienced while abroad. This aims to raise awareness about the importance of climate change and protecting the environment.
The event was organised under the supervision of DEWA’s Sustainability and Climate Change Department as part of Strategy and Business Development. The Amazon/Antarctica Experience took place from 29 May to 2 June. DEWA employees had the change to enjoy an exciting journey through the rainforest, and through Antarctica, which was re-created within a large container connected to a dome. DEWA’s Climate Change ambassadors will share their skills, experiences, and knowledge acquired while abroad.
DEWA sent a group of employees on an expedition to the Peruvian Rainforest on 9 May 2016. The expedition ran for 12 days, and focused on 3 specific areas in Peru. These included the desert coast, the cloud forests of the Andes, and the lowland rainforest. The expedition was part of efforts to highlight the effects of global warming.
“As part of efforts to achieve sustainable development, based on knowledge, innovation, and sustainable green growth, DEWA annually sends employees to participate in climate change programmes around the world, this supports the Dubai Plan 2021, and the long-term national Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative, launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to build a green economy in the UAE. DEWA cooperates with the international community in efforts to face climate change, highlighting our role to adopt and implement the best standards of sustainability, and launch new renewable energy projects. We are pleased to launch the Amazon/Antarctica Experience today, and create a platform by which the Climate Change Ambassadors can share their skills and expertise with the audience and other DEWA employees. This will raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and our natural resources for generations to come,” said Al Tayer.
“Climate Change is one of the most significant challenges we face today, it is our responsibility to combine efforts and find a solution to this issue, while limiting its effects. The expeditions reflect DEWA’s commitment towards protecting the environment, and its efforts to improve the skills of Emirati talent, enabling them to become future leaders. Sustainability is a major part of DEWA’s government and public identity. Staff enthusiasm to participate in this expedition reflects their commitment as ambassadors towards environmental issues, and their desire to raise awareness on the importance of preserving our natural resources,” added Al Tayer.
The audience was able to gain insight into the experiences witnessed by the Climate Change Ambassadors, as well the skills they acquired during their visit to Ushuaia, Argentina. The audience were also able to experience the adventures had by the Climate Change Ambassadors during their visit to Puerto Maldonado, in the Madre de Dios region of south-eastern Peru. Considered the most biologically diverse place on the planet, the region is a microcosm of the Amazon.
The ambassadors also briefed the audience about the Tambopata national reserve, the Posada Amazonas reserve, the Refugio lodge reserve, the depths of the rainforest, and the village of Infierno, a community of native Ese’eja people.
The Champions informed the audience on ways to protect the forest, and restoring damaged areas of the rainforest, allowing the mitigation of climate change. The Champions also highlighted tropical forests, and their role in climate change.
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