April 2015 | 1 2 creating green communities for a better tomorrow 3 As the lights went out across city skylines and landmarks in 172 countries and territories across the globe in commemoration of the Earth Hour on March 28th, it not only demonstrated the eagerness of citizens to participate in the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment but the unprecedented unity from people around the world also showed their commitment to use their power to change climate change. Through science, we learn that climate change is a global concern and is affecting small and large nations but Earth Hour shows us that people have the power to take on the climate challenge and it also confirms our belief that in order to change climate change we need to act together. Prof. Mohammed bin More than just turning out the lights, the ninth edition of Earth Hour was Fahad about people around the world sending a clear message that climate action is Executive Editor a political priority. It proved that climate change is on top of their agenda, no matter which part of the world they live in. In the UAE, Earth Hour sent home the message that we can be part of the solution to climate change by reducing our water consumption habits. The UAE is one of the highest water consumers in the world although we have very little fresh water resources. The process of desalination the UAE employs to generate potable water from the sea is a highly energy intensive one which emits a large amount of carbon emissions. Too much of this greenhouse gas is harmful to our climate and our environment. Last year was designated as the hottest year on record and as reports of record low Arctic Sea ice come in, this year’s Earth Hour reminds us why it is imperative for all of us to be part of the climate conversation. Climate change and the rising of global temperatures affects us all – humans, species and plants. Even a slight change in temperature can throw off our delicately balanced ecosystems. It is only by powering collective action as we did for Earth Hour that we can address local climate issues well beyond the hour. April 2015 | 3 4 creating green communities for a better tomorrow Conference Roots & Shoots 32 50 UAE calls for urgent Youth-led community action to tackle action programme to the illegal wildlife effect positive trade at Botswana environmental change conference WETEX 2015 24 in the UAE A global platform Award 38 for green solutions Innovation 58 COVER STORY and technologies USD 100,000 Ford 06 environmental prize Jotun Powder Earth Hour 2015 sees divided among Coatings unveils all seven Emirates 12 Middle East new innovations in sustainable “switch off’’ organisations technology Earth Hour 10 Millions unite to light the way on climate change Discovery 24 Rare owl discovered in Wadi Wurayah National Park Going organic Sustainability COVER STORY 30 Initiative 46 62 14 UAE hospitality Dubai Municipality Carbon Ambassadors Sustainable honours heroes of group offset 326 a step closer to technologies and ‘Grow Your Food’ tonnes of carbon building Dubai’s materials transform organic farming emissions in just new sustainable bus Dubai skyline initiative nine months stops creating green communities for a better tomorrow Executive Editor Prof. Mohammed Bin Fahad From the Managing Editor Managing Editor Dr. Meshgan Al Awar “Water in our land is a great blessing. We have to thank God for this blessing by preserving it and Advisor helping those who are in need around the world.” Dr. Eisa Abdellatif HH Sheikh Mohammed Editor Sangeetha Swaroop “Water holds the key to sustainable development,” [email protected] said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as he joined great leaders and top officials across the Design Director globe in focusing attention on the fresh water Nash - Intoto and advocating for the sustainable management [email protected] of this fragile resource on the occasion of World Dr. Meshgan Al Awar Marketing Secretary General Water Day on 22nd March. Zayed International Prize for [email protected] the Environment In the UAE, the Zayed International Foundation for the Environment too has advocated for the efficient and equitable Published by management of water resources as it plays a key enabling role in strengthening the resilience of social, economic and environmental systems. As early as 2002, the Zayed Prize had called for strengthening international efforts on water resources in arid regions at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa. Through its participation in and by hosting and organizing several major water-related conferences and forums worldwide, the Zayed Foundation has worked to .P.O. Box 28399, Dubai, UAE identify challenges facing our water resources and find solutions so as to Tel: +971 4 3326666 preserve precious water resources for future generations. Fax: +971 4 3326777 Website: www.zayedprize.org.ae email: [email protected] In 2001, the first cycle of the biennial Zayed International Prize for the Environment recognized the work of the World Commission on Dams (WCD) as a model for addressing complex water-related issues such as the equitable management of shared water resources. The close links and interdependency of water and energy are now at the top of the global development agenda. In the light of increasing pressures and challenges on water resources posed by the growth of population and economy, climate change and consumption patterns, it will do us well to remember the old saying that ‘we never know the worth of water till the well is dry’. April 2015 | 5 Cover Story 6 creating green communities for a better tomorrow Earth Hour 2015 sees all seven Emirates ‘switch off’ UAE residents and businesses unite in taking a stand against climate change by switching off the lights for an hour. esidents from across the the emirates’ skyline show their Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi (The United Arab Emirates (UAE) support by participating in the Green Sheikh), DEWA’s climate Raccepted the Earth Hour movement, including the world’s change champions; Nana Badawi, invitation to ‘switch off and use tallest building the Burj Khalifa Adel Altamimi, Taha Alhamry and their power’ on the 28th of March, and Burj Al Arab in Dubai, and Ahmed Abu Alam, entrepreneur 2015. Homes and businesses Emirates Palace and Sheikh Zayed and media personality Anas throughout the seven emirates Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Bukhash, TV star and radio joined the call to protect the presenter DJ Bliss, The Scoop planet and switched off all non- The successful stand against Dubai blogger Dana Kalache essential lights for one hour at climate change saw more UAE and popular Dubai One show 8.30pm. participants than ever before presenters Dina and Omar Butti, thanks to the ever increasing and DJ Nile. The Earth Hour movement in the awareness of the project by UAE, coordinated by Emirates EWS-WWF, partners and local Ida Tillisch, Director General at Wildlife Society - WWF (EWS- ambassadors including His EWS-WWF, said: “Earth Hour 2015 WWF), and supported by key Highness Sheikh Hamdan in the UAE has been another great partners across the emirates, bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al success and we are proud that saw iconic landmarks that grace Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh participant numbers have been creating green communities for a better tomorrow Earth Hour continues to highlight how people all over the globe can come together and make a positive environmental change. higher than ever before. We would together, and we hope that more list of prestigious buildings to like thank everyone who took part people know today about climate switch off their lights. this year. The UAE community, change and are moved to take individuals, businesses and action.” Earth Hour UAE 2015 aimed government, made this movement to raise awareness about the a memorable success. Many Earth Hour continues to highlight issue of climate change; and organisations went above and how people all over the globe how our lifestyle habits, such as beyond and mobilised their entire can come together and make a our water usage, can impact the communities to join Earth Hour, positive environmental change. environment. In order to support others inspired action among The event is the world’s largest this, DEWA held an Earth Hour their employees that goes beyond grass-roots movement towards a event at Bay Avenue Park, where the hour. Many influential social sustainable future for the planet, they invited residents to witness media users, media personalities, which began its journey across the switch off, and entertained students of all ages also lent 172 countries on March 28 with the excited crowd with a fire show us their social power, joining over 1,400 global landmarks and activities hosted by other our Earth Hour Tongue Twister taking part. The Eiffel Tower in Earth Hour partners. Challenge. It is inspiring to see Paris and the Golden Gate Bridge what we can do when we come in San Francisco joined the long EWS-WWF was also present at April 2015 | 7 8 creating green communities for a better tomorrow the event inviting residents to the UAE in the month of March beyond the hour by continuing celebrate the planet, with support alone. Hashtags in relation to to find new ways to implement a from Pico UAE, a global Total Earth Hour reached a total of sustainable lifestyle. Brand Activation company and a 31.7 million people across the recognised certified sustainable emirates. organisation, to help spread the message and drive awareness “From the Earth’s extremes among local residents. to outer space, people came together to send a clear message To help spread the Earth Hour that action on climate is on top of message, the UAE community also their agenda.