Sustainable future in harmony with nature underscored in Teachers’ Workshop

With the theme, “Sustaining our Future in Harmony with Nature,” the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) conducted its 12th Annual Teachers’ Workshop attended by around 60 educators at the Millennium Plaza Hotel today. 

The Teachers’ Workshop was first held in 2001 as part of EEG’s continuing endeavor to develop environmental literacy and build the capacity of the teachers in analyzing environmental challenges and  engaging their students in problem solving and taking action in improving the environment. 

In her opening speech, EEG Chairperson Habiba Al Marashi said: “To talk about sustaining our future and be in harmony with nature is to be a protector of nature. As teachers, you are the frontline stewards of this planet and it is incumbent upon you to provide our students with the necessary skills to make informed decisions and take responsible action for the benefit of our environment.” 

Mrs. Al Marashi posed a challenge to the educators to raise the level of their students’ awareness of various environmental issues; help them identify their skills and mobilise them in activities that will contribute to the resolution of environmental challenges. 

A panel of experts shared their expertise on the two topics during the workshop and provided a deeper understanding of the overarching concept of climate change and its various impacts on the planet and gave practical skills in discussing water-related issues.  

Ms Julia Hofstetter, a biologist and head of the Education Department of myclimate–The Climate Protection Partnership, an international environmental initiative based in Switzerland, facilitated the discussion on the first topic – My Climate, My Responsibility. 

She explained the concept of carbon offsetting in accordance with the principles of “avoid–reduce–offset” and “do the best and offset the rest” and talked briefly on the various projects that they have conducted in different parts of the world to empower and educate the students. 

She also gave a comprehensive overview of how to augment climate change lessons and shared her strategies in conducting an online environmental school. 

In the second topic – ‘Every Drop Matters’ – Mr. S. Ramanathan, Senior Auditor of DNV (Det Norske Veritas) Business Assurance, discussed how to conduct Water Accounting Assessment in homes, schools, work places, and other public and private establishments. He said that a comprehensive water assessment is an important step towards water conservation. 

The Director of Sewage Treatment Plant Department at the Dubai Municipality, Mr. Mohammed AbdulAziz Najm, also shared various Wastewater Treatment Methods – their social, economic and environmental impacts and importance in water conservation. He pointed out that we can not talk about sustaining our future if we do not ensure a sustainable source of clean potable water. 

The teachers enjoyed the practical demonstrations and group activities during the Workshop. They unanimously pledged to continue learning and sharing their knowledge to forge a world that is healthy and vibrant for generations to come. 

EEG thanked the Al Safi Club for Friends of the Environment for continuously sponsoring the Teachers’ Workshop for the last seven years. The workshop was also supported by the UNDP Water Governance Programme and the Eurasia and Africa Group of Coca-Cola Company through the Every Drop Matters project; myclimate–The Climate Protection Partnership and Farnek Avireal.