The United Arab Emirates is preparing to celebrate Union Day, which falls in December of each year, to commemorate the legacy of the founder,
His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul.
His diverse interests encompass all areas of life, including the environment.
Climate and global warming
At a time when climate and global warming issues were not
as much of a global concern as they are today,
His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of
the United Arab Emirates, may God have mercy on him,
A race to present an integrated environmental vision that links humans and nature.
Recognizing that the environment is the foundation of sustainable
development and the well-being of peoples.
Sheikh Zayed embodied a unique model of a leader who combined
deep environmental awareness with practical action to protect the land and humanity.
The first environmental man
From the very beginning of the Union’s establishment, Sheikh Zayed,
may God have mercy on him, gave exceptional attention to the issue of the environment.
He personally led extensive afforestation campaigns
that transformed the face of the barren desert.
He planted millions of trees across the country,
earning him the title of “the first environmentalist”.
He believed that agriculture was not just about producing food,
Rather, it is a means to revive and develop the land.
He said in one of his speeches: “Give me agriculture and I will guarantee you civilization.”
The interest of His Highness Sheikh Zayed, may God have mercy on him, did not stop at agriculture,
It even extended to protecting wildlife and establishing nature reserves,
which have become among the most important environmental landmarks of the UAE today.
He established the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
and the Sir Bani Yas Island Reserve.
And other reserves that have contributed to protecting rare species of animals and birds,
Like the Arabian oryx, which the UAE saved from the brink of extinction.
International environmental award
In a pioneering move, both regionally and internationally,
Sheikh Zayed launched the “Zayed International Prize for the Environment” in 1993.
This is to honor outstanding efforts in environmental protection worldwide.
And to confirm the UAE’s position as an international center
for spreading environmental awareness.
This initiative served as an early declaration
that the UAE leadership understands
For decades, the dangers of climate change and the need
for collective action to protect the planet have been recognized.
Sheikh Zayed was also keen to integrate the concepts of sustainability
and environmental balance into urban and agricultural planning.
He recommended that development in the UAE be environmentally friendly.
A balance between modernity and the preservation of natural resources.
This vision represents the foundation upon which the UAE’s modern policies
in the field of clean energy and climate change are based.
Which extended to global initiatives such as “Masdar” and “Zero Neutrality”.
Pioneer of Arab environmental awareness
The experience of Sheikh Zayed is a landmark in contemporary Arab history.
He was ahead of the world in understanding the relationship between man and nature.
He spoke early on about “climate” and the need to adapt to
the desert environment without harming it.
While nations debated industry priorities,
Zayed was establishing a culture of environmental awareness in education, media, and society.
Today, more than five decades after the founding of the Union,
the UAE continues to follow its path.
This is done by hosting climate conferences.
Supporting renewable energy projects and global afforestation campaigns.
Thus, Sheikh Zayed’s environmental legacy remains
a source of inspiration for new generations.
And a timeless message that protecting the environment
is not an option, but a national and humanitarian duty.
