Sharjah’s Environmental Protection Authority issues 200 fines

Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) have issued 200 fines to combat environmental violations, most of which are related to littering. The campaign is a result of EPAA’s drive to educate and guide visitors on the necessity of adhering to the law which seeks to preserve the environment and prevent littering in order to keep it clean. 
HE Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA Chairman, said, “The EPAA makes every effort to carry out the directions of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, with regard to environmental protection and the conservation of biodiversity. Therefore, EPAA teams carry out field trips in order to stop people from littering. The EPAA also arranges awareness campaigns that contribute to the promotion of environmental issues among the residents with a view to reducing littering as well as to eliminating the perennial tree cutting problem.”
Al Suwaidi said that the aim of issuing fines is not to raise money but to act as a deterrent to prevent individuals from littering in the future. “These areas are public property and everyone should respect them, so all visitors can enjoy them. Those who defile or damage them are committing an unlawful act that brings about consequences. Therefore, our employees deal very seriously with this and issue tickets,” added HE Al Suwaidi. 
According to Al Suwaidi the public respond well to such campaigns which is a good indication of how keen they are to protect the environment. In all cases, she said, EPAA teams work to reduce the actions of a few wrong-doers, through the application and implementation of laws. The EPAA is eager to apply and implement Executive Decree No. 9 of 2012 on the prevention of environmental degradation in Sharjah’s wild areas, believing this to be important to preserve and protect the environment and achieve the highest levels of sustainable development.