Connect With Nature Uses Technology To Empower Youth To Act For Nature At The Middle East Youth Expo 2020

Connect with Nature, a programme that encourages young people across the UAE to protect the environment, will be taking stage at the GCC’s very first Middle East Youth Expo (MEYE). Backed by Emirates Nature-WWF, the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi, and with the International Fund for Houbara Conservation as strategic partner, Connect with Nature which announced its search for the 20 for ’20 UAE Ambassadors for Natures will have lots of opportunities for youth to get a on a fast track for the honorary title at MEYE.

The three day festival held in Abu Dhabi from 03rd to 05th February at Mubadala Arena, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, will include over 70+ inspirational international speakers, over 35 workshops and panel discussions and over 10 immersive experiences for young people to participate in, including: Connect with Nature’s Desert Survival escape room thriving in a caravan, Keynote speech in light of National Environment Day on "Harnessing the Power of Tech to Sustain Life" by Arabella Willing of Emirates Nature-WWF, a Youth Now session about "The Houbara – how to preserve the species and traditional falconry" moderated by Rasha Al Saleh at Emirates Nature-WWF, and “Our Marine, Our Responsibility”, Youth Circle hosted by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.

Arabella Willing, Outreach & Research Manager at Emirates Nature-WWF said: “Children, lawyers, doctors, waiters, students, professors – it doesn’t matter who you are – with technology and people who care, you can do amazing things to help science and conservation – and there is a term for it – it’s called citizen science. Citizen Science is an incredible tool to help advance science, and provide evidence to decision makers but it’s also a great way for you to learn about the world around you, meet like-minded people and be part of the movement that is shaping an optimistic future for the planet.”

This National Environment Day, considering the growing attention and commitment of the United Arab Emirates to steadfast the efforts in the field of conservation and development of the environment, Connect with Nature aims to adapt to the changing needs of young people, and drives environmental sustainability in a fun and engaging way.

Connect with Nature announced the first UAE-nationwide initiative to identify the nature leaders of the future earlier this year. The Ambassador for Nature competition will find 20 next-generation environmental advocates who will be granted access to mentorship, skills-building opportunities and nurturing to become environmental leaders.  Young people attending MEYE will have the opportunity of earning badges by taking part in Connect with Nature’s on ground activities, these badges will bring them one step closer to getting the honorary title of ‘UAE Ambassador for Nature’. Young people aged 15-30 have until 22 April (Earth Day) to submit their applications for the illustrious title. All they have to do is:

• earn 10 badges by discovering natural wonders in the UAE and creating a positive impact on the planet
• refer 10 friends to the platform and
• lastly, capture a video which explains how they would make a difference as an ambassador

In 2019, Connect with Nature released results into the perceptions among young people, which found that nearly two-thirds of 18-29-year olds in the UAE want to protect the environment. While 70% of young people want to have access to more information about ways to help the environment.

Connect with Nature encourages people to rewild and re-engage with nature, rethink and act in a more mindful way about the environment and ultimately become leaders who champion a sustainable future giving youth the opportunity to explore the wild wonders of the UAE and make a tangible impact to science through citizen science.

Willing added: “We are faced with daunting challenges and it’s vital that we work collectively to increase our impact. Reversing nature loss is everyone’s business. By participating in citizen science, everyone can take action and contribute to scientific research and the protection of nature. Through Connect with Nature we are looking to empower and enable youth to use their technology  for good, to further understanding of the problems and become part of the solution.”

The Expo will bring together thousands of young delegates in the Middle East, between the ages of 14-21, to collaborate and explore sustainable solutions for people as well as the planet.

For more information and to sign-up to upcoming activities and events visit Connect With Nature and download the App on the App store or on Google Play.