Sharjah Tourism Authority launches afforestation initiative to lower carbon emissions

As part of its commitment to support environmental issues and promote afforestation, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) planted 100 trees on Saturday as part of an awareness campaign in the Al Muntather area.

The planting was done in partnership and attendance of 100 representatives from Sharjah's Environment and Protected Areas Authority and the UIM F1H2O World Championship, in solidarity with UIM’s global reforestation programme.

The initiative is renewed during every edition of the Sharjah World Championship Week, which SCTDA organises under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council. The initiative's launch was held in the presence of Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCDTA; and Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of Sharjah's Environment and Protected Areas Authority; officials and organisers of Sharjah World Championship Week, in addition to participating teams and international racers.Commenting on the initiative, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa stressed that SCDTA's keenness to support environmental initiatives stems from the notion that tourism and the environment are inseparable, adding that tourism relies on environmental elements to attract tourists.

He noted that the environmental sector is a key component in developing various economic sectors that bolsters cities' status on the global tourism map. He added: "The environmental awareness initiative during the Sharjah World Championship Week is part of our mission to strengthen ecotourism, especially in light of the growing global awareness of the importance of preserving the environment and frightening climate change and lowering carbon emissions. Therefore, and in cooperation with our partners, our initiative is aimed at increasing afforestation, which helps decrease air pollution, enhances the quality of life, and supports the efforts to promote outdoor activities in green places, which falls in line with the ongoing quests to promote conscious and sustainable tourism.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of Sharjah's Environment and Protected Areas Authority said that: "The participation of the Formula 1 athletes in the afforestation process at Al Muntathar Reserve confirms the Authority's efforts to allow everyone to participate in the cultivation of this reserve. We are pleased with the participation of the athletes to sustain environmental culture and raise community awareness of positive behaviours for the benefit of the environment.

Hana Al Suwaidi pointed out that this participation came from 12 teams, 18 racers and 100 participants, which complements and integrates with the record of the Authority's campaigns and initiatives in the afforestation process of the reserve, in a manner that reflects the visions and directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to focus on the importance and necessity of protecting and preserving the environment, maintaining biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

WAM