EEG’s Monthly Community Lecture opens its curtains on ‘Planet Ocean’

This week Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) conducted its sixth community lecture of the year at the Canadian University of Dubai. Such events are held monthly by the Group and usually features a special guest speaker who provides unique and valuable insights into environmental themes and issues. This month, however, guests were treated to a special viewing of the documentary film Planet Ocean. The lecture series are part of EEG’s educational and awareness agenda and aim to engage the wider public, bringing them into the fold of environmental advocacy. The event is always free and all are welcome. 

The documentary initially premiered at the UN Summit for Sustainability and Development in Rio De Janeiro in 2012 (Rio+20).  Directors Yann Arthus-Bertrand and Michael Pitiot take viewers on a cinematic journey of spectacular aerial views and underwater shots from around the world. The film, however, is not purely about underwater life; instead it has a deeper message. 

Produced in collaboration with an international group of researchers, oceanographers and biologists, the documentary examines the ocean system in its entirety, and highlights the importance of the relationship between the ocean and humanity in addition to the need for sustainable governance of this precious life source.  The documentary is narrated by actor Josh Duhamel.

The group’s chairperson, Ms. Habiba Al Marashi, began the event with a brief statement on EEG’s recent activities, in particular the annual Awarding Ceremony held on World Environment Day (June 5^th) to honour the hard work carried out by individuals, companies and schools during the various recycling campaigns as well as those who took part in the Environmental Drawing Competitions, both of which were organized by EEG. Ms. Al Marashi proceeded by elaborating a little bit on the importance of waste and resource management, particularly during the upcoming holy month, and implored the audience to consider the significance of sustainability within the context of faith and religion. Finally, the chairperson related the evening’s aquatic theme to EEG’s current water conservation campaign entitled “Every Drop Matters”. She ended by wishing everyone a Ramadan Kareem. 

EEG is thankful to its supporters Abela & Co., Canadian University of Dubai and the Crystal Gallery for the successful event