UAE citizens and residents between 18 and 35 are invited to participate in exclusive nature-based field trips.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

In 2023, the Year of Sustainability as declared by the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Emirates Nature-WWF are expanding on the success of their youth empowerment movement with the launch of the second edition of the Ambassadors for Nature Programme.

This youth-focused programme starts its second cohort at the most opportune time, as the UAE prepares to host the crucial COP28 climate conference in Dubai later this year. The nationwide search for youth changemakers calls upon individuals aged 18 to 35 to explore their passion for nature and unlock opportunities to develop new skills in the lead up to COP28 and beyond.

Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environment Information, Science Outreach Management Sector at EAD said: “Collaboration is the key to success in environmental conservation. Innovative programmes like Ambassadors for Nature open doors for UAE youth and members of society who are keen to pursue their passion for nature but unsure of where to start and how they can ensure a meaningful impact. We are excited to launch our search for the second cohort of Ambassadors for Nature and look forward to learning their vision for the future.”

Develop new skills and explore nature for free

To prepare young people to succeed as future leaders and changemakers, EAD and Emirates Nature-WWF are organising a series of free e-learning and training sessions in which environmental experts will cover important topics around climate change and nature loss – two of the most pressing threats to people and planet. They will also have the chance to learn from the personal experiences of ‘Youth Insiders’ who are already working to advance green solutions in the UAE.

  The participants' love for nature shows they care to make the planet safer and better.

In addition to learning new skills, the youth will get the chance to connect with nature and experience conservation on the ground. Participants will have the opportunity to join exclusive field trips organised by conservation experts, including the planting of mangrove saplings to restore coastal wetlands, as well as the exciting Nature at Night excursion where they will monitor the UAE’s unique and diverse wildlife as citizen scientists.

These activities enable participants to experience the science behind climate action and nature-based solutions, whilst also contributing to the vital conservation work implemented by EAD and Emirates Nature-WWF in alignment with national objectives. All training sessions and field trips, accessible through the Connect with Nature app, are free-of-charge and will take place during July, August, and September 2023. It is not mandatory to attend these sessions to apply for the role of Ambassador of Nature – youth can demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to nature via other mechanisms outlined in the application process.

Become an Ambassador for Nature

Applicants who are selected to become Ambassadors for Nature in 2023 will join an elite group of UAE youth leaders and changemakers in innovating solutions and ensuring the youth voice is heard by regional and global stakeholders. New ambassadors will undergo advanced training and gain access to mentorship and additional resources required to fulfil their vision for nature.

Conditions for applying To apply

for the esteemed and voluntary role of Ambassador for Nature, applicants must fulfil the following criteria by the end of October 2023:

• Be UAE citizens or residents between the ages of 18-35 at the time of application

• Demonstrate prior engagement with nature, by showcasing active participation and learning

• Achieve a score of 75 per cent or above in an online assessment quiz

• Submit a 1-minute video on what they hope to accomplish in this role and how they will inspire their communities to take action for nature For more details and to apply to become an Ambassador for Nature, visit connectwithnature.ae or download the Connect with Nature mobile app.

For youth, by youth

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview with a selection committee comprising representatives from EAD and Emirates Nature-WWF as well as a Youth Insider and a previous Ambassador for Nature. The inclusion of prominent youth leaders in the selection process ensures that the second cohort will be shaped by youth and representative of their priorities. The shortlisted 2023 Ambassadors for Nature will be announced in November.

They will undergo a 3-day training programme, which will conclude with a special conservation field trip, before embarking on their one-year tenure as ambassadors. Priority will be given to those already engaged in existing EAD and Emirates Nature-WWF youth programmes such as the Green Youth Majlis and Connect with Nature.