Sharjah Environment Authority Launches the Universities Category of Sharjah Sustainability Award

The Universities Category of the Sharjah Sustainability Award 2014-2015, was launched at American University of Sharjah (AUS) today by the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (SEPAA) and the Environmental Education and Awareness Committee in Sharjah.

Hana Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority said at a press conference held at AUS to announce the launch of the Universities Category, that the idea of launching Sharjah Sustainability Award was inspired by the vision of his Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Sharjah who shows keen interest in protecting the environment and its resources. The award also received strong support by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler and Chairman of the Executive Council and other members of the Executive Council since the launch of the Award.

Addressing the press conference, Salem Yousef Al Qaseer, AUS Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs, said that in accordance with the directions of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah who is also the President of AUS, the university launched a Bachelor degree in Environmental Sciences in 2001. This is one of several steps taken by the university and indicating its keen interest in playing a vital role in protecting the environment, he said. Salem emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation between AUS and SEPAA to raise environmental awareness, through joint events in a variety of scientific, research, academic areas.

The press conference has also reviewed the criteria and conditions of the award which contain of sustainable environmental project with practical environmental practices which will contribute in improving the values of the green economy and sustainable development in the Emirates Sharjah.

The students can participate from the following specialties such as Arts, Architectures, Design, Computer Engineering, Mass Communication, Visual Media, Environmental Sciences (Biology and Chemistry), and in addition, any individual of any talented student from another specialty can participate also and the award categories are Outstanding Student Award and Outstanding Students Team Award.

The award focuses on designing environmental awareness and education poster about environmental aesthetics and the protection of biodiversity and also focuses on smart applications for information about endangered wildlife and the wild plants in the Arabian Peninsula and the learning centers in Desert Park in Sharjah like the Islamic Botanical Garden and Kalba Birds of Prey.

It is worth to mention that the winner of Sharjah Sustainability Award- Universities Category will get a financial award, shield Award and a certificate of excellence in participation field and also the non-winners participants in the award will get certificates of participation.

The launching of the Award was held in cooperation with Sharjah Education Council, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA), American University of Sharjah, Sharjah University and Sharjah higher colleges of technology, Sharjah Educational Zone, Sharjah city for humanitarian services, Sharjah Media Center, Sharjah Media Cooperation, Skyline University College and Emirates Photography Society.