Emirates Nature-WWF, the non-profit organisation created to drive positive environmental change in the UAE and conserve the nation’s natural heritage, will spearhead the country’s participation in this year’s Earth Hour.
Earth Hour is an iconic global movement that WWF International started in 2007 and involves switching off all non-essential electricity for an hour to raise awareness for climate change and nature loss.
As the regional representative for the World Wildlife Fund, Emirates Nature-WWF is executing a comprehensive awareness campaign, and has called for five million people in the UAE to take part in Earth Hour this year.
The non-profit is also inviting the public to participate in a special ‘Switch Off Parade’ around Expo 2020 on Saturday, 26 March. Additional activities include a ‘Nature at Night’ event in Sharjah on Friday, 25 March.
The ‘Earth Hour Switch Off Parade’ will be led by the Dubai Police Marching Band and followed by the members of Emirates Nature-WWF’s newly launched “Leaders of Change” programme as well as the general public.
The activation is a key opportunity that the public is encouraged to be a part of. Walking side-by-side, the parade will build on the sustainability through innovation ethos of Expo 2020 to emphasise on this year’s Earth Hour message: Go Beyond the Hour.
It is emblematic of the UAE’s commitment towards net-zero and a nature-positive world by transforming and mobilising mass society to help overcome our greatest environmental challenges.
The Earth Hour Switch-Off Parade: When and where?
The Earth Hour Switch Off Parade will make its way throughout Expo 2020 from 8:30 pm, starting at the Peruvian Pavilion in the Mobility District and ending at 9:30 pm at the UK Pavilion in the Opportunity District.
An estimated 60+ pavilions will be participating in a symbolic switch off at intervals of 1 minute, for the duration of Earth Hour, to honour the iconic global event.
The director general of Emirates Nature-WWF, Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, said: “It is apt to be carrying out this year’s event at Expo 2020 as it embodies the UAE’s vision of being at the forefront of sustainable development through innovation.
“Although Expo 2020 is coming to an end, the legacy of what has been built – the ideas, the cooperation, and the symbolism of the world in one place looking towards a prosperous future where people and planet collaboratively thrive – illuminates how we must move forward. We are proud to be powering down at Expo 2020 and playing a part in the symbolic lights-out movement.
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif added: “We encourage collective action and call on the UAE community to come together in solidarity for the environment on the upcoming occasion of Earth Hour.”
The Nature at Night adventure in Sharjah
Emirates Nature-WWF is also inviting nature enthusiasts to attend its ‘Nature at Night’ adventure and spend three hours in Sharjah’s Nazwa Desert surveying the rock hills and surrounding desert, learning about the UAE’s nocturnal flora and fauna, and assessing the myriad of challenges facing nature and wildlife.
“Nature at Night is just one of the many activities that we feature in our “Leaders of Change” membership programme, that we have designed as an organisation to help tackle environmental issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Through its activities, members get the opportunity to master environmental issues, co-create solutions alongside the UAE’s brightest minds and volunteer for nature, in nature.” Laila Mostafa Abdullatif said
To sign up for the ‘Nature at Night’ event click the link here and begin your journey as a Leader of Change.
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