Shell in the UAE, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, has announced that it will hold today (Tuesday, May 1, 2007) the awarding ceremony of the Shell Better Environment Award (BEA) 2007, the UAE’s foremost initiative aimed at addressing and raising awareness of environmental issues, at the Dusit Dubai. Today's event held at the presence of official authorities representatives; culminates a yearlong search for the most innovative and effective environmental projects conceptualized by students of different schools in the UAE.
Three schools won “Pedestrian Safety” category: Al Khamael Namousajieh School won first spot while Al Ain Al Khaleej private school won the second prize. The third prize won by Al Al Alfieh School. In the “Vehicles safety” category; Falaj Al Moualla School and Pakistani Academic School bagged the first prize jointly. The second prize was won by Fatima Bin Asad School while Al Arqam private school won third spot. Three schools won “Off shore Environment” category: Dubai National School won first spot while Al Mahlab School won the second prize. Al Ghazali Namouzajiah School won the third spot. In the “Toxic waste” category; Shamsa Bint Majed School bagged the first prize while the second prize went jointly to Mariam Bint Sultan School and Rakiah Secondary school. Dahmaa Namouzajiah School bagged the third prize. Four schools won “Obesity” category: Al Wihda School won first prize, Indian high school bagged the second while Zoubaida Bint Jaafar School and Hamham School bagged the third prize jointly.
In the “Smoking” category; Hamzah Bin Abdallah School won the first prizeEmarat Al bagged the second. The third prize was won by Abu Jandal School.
"We are very proud to hold this event. It is a very heartwarming feeling to be a part of an initiative that contributes to the welfare of the environment. I hope these kids will feel the same way and continue to be role models as they move on with their lives after this very enriching experience," said Omar Al Qurashi, Head of Communications, Shell.
This year's edition of the annual Award saw a phenomenal increase in participation with a total of 820 applications submitted, which more than tripled last year's 187 entries. A select panel of judges carefully examined the entries and pruned down the list to 64 project proposals, which were given funds by Shell to implement and showcase their projects in exhibitions held in different emirates.
"This growth has been the result of a sustained campaign to promote environmental issues that affect our society. On top of our efforts to raise awareness, the Better Environment Award has also evolved according to the topical concerns that are most relevant to the society, particularly the students," said Al Qurashi.
For this year, the Better Environment Award has expanded its categories to three, which now include Road Safety and Health in addition to Environment. The introduction of the changes has been credited as one of the reasons the event has generated an overwhelming response this year.
The competition format requires students to submit project ideas on the three themes. Participants may pick one of two subjects from each theme: vehicle safety or pedestrian safety under Road Safety; shores environment or toxic waste under Environment; and obesity or smoking under Health.
"These new topics we have introduced are close to heart to these students, which further motivates them to participate and contribute positively to the environment. Road safety and health are now major concerns in our society and our children are usually the most vulnerable if issues related to these categories are not addressed. Through the eyes of these students, we get a fresh perspective in finding solutions to the problems of road safety, improper diet and environmental degradation," said Al Qurashi.
All applications were finalized in December last year, while the jury came up with the 62 grant winners shortly thereafter. The final projects were submitted last April and have been judged according to thoroughness and effectiveness.
The Shell Better Environment Award is organised in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Education and enjoys the support of the Federal Environment Agency, the UAE General Secretariat of Municipalities, the Environmental Agency, Emirates Heritage Club, The Abu Dhabi Environmental Authority and Zayed International Prize for the Environment.
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About Royal Dutch Shell plc
Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 145 countries with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of Liquefied Natural Gas and Gas to Liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects including wind and solar power. For further information, visit http://www.shell.com
