Khalifa calls for greater desert conservation efforts

President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed that the National Environment Day is an important annual occasion for the UAE leadership. Shaikh Khalifa said the slogan, ‘The desert throbs with life\', for this day rings true with regard to the activities of Environment Day. He added that developing the desert is a major component of the Vision of the Emirates 2021 and the federal government\'s strategy, and a vital and essential part of the UAE\'s heritage, culture and traditions. Shaikh Khalifa said maintaining the desert\'s resources while securing its sustainable growth is everyone\'s responsibility Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler\'s Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi, also called for renewed commitment to preserve the UAE\'s environmental achievements as well as its success in protecting and developing its natural resources both at the regional and international levels. Article continues below In a speech during cele-brations marking the 15th National Environment Day yesterday under the theme ‘The living desert\', Shaikh Hamdan hailed the UAE\'s anti-desertification efforts as a model that others had come to follow. He said the country had recognised early the significance of reclaiming arid land and maximising its green cover. Meanwhile, Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water, said that the Environment Performance Ticket scheme has succeeded in encouraging the UAE industrial sector to adopt clean production methods and to raise environmental awareness. Bin Fahd spoke at the Environmental Performance Ticket awards ceremony that honoured seven companies in Dubai, one in Abu Dhabi, one in Sharjah, two in Ajman, three in Umm Al Quwain, three in Fujairah and 20 establishments in Ras Al Khaimah.