Dozens of teacher and student groups from schools across the UAE have begun investigating the desert and oases after receiving four-figure cash grants from Shell to help them implement environmental field studies for entry into Shell’s Better Environment Award 2005 (BEA).
At briefing sessions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the teachers and pupils were instructed on how to carry out the field studies for the Award which is now in its 10th year. And they were also given boxes of books and reference material to help them make a success of their studies. For the next three months, they will be examining the flora and fauna in their chosen areas in detail, reporting on the factors affecting wildlife from rainfall to pollution.
Dr. Ahmad Al Shareef, Assistant Undersecretary Students Activities and Care Department, Ministry of Education and Youth – Shell partners in the BEA - said: “Students and teachers are increasingly aware of their responsibilities towards preserving the environment for future generations. This is due not only to government policy but also in large part to the BEA which puts that policy into practice.”
