ABU DHABI: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Emirates Nature-WWF have announced a new 5-year Citizen Science strategy to empower youth and promote environmental conservation across the UAE.
Launched under the Year of the Community and building on the success of the Connect with Nature programme, the strategy will run from 2025 to 2029, aiming to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders. The initiative focuses on Citizen Science—where young people take part in hands-on conservation activities like collecting data, monitoring wildlife, and shaping environmental policies.
Since its launch in 2019, Connect with Nature has reached over 2.5 million youth. The next chapter will see a major boost in field activities, with the new Field Trip Series offering 2,000 students annually the chance to work alongside scientists and conservationists. From mangrove planting to coastal kayaking, these real-world experiences are designed to turn young participants into active changemakers.
Students aged 9 to 18 in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra can participate, with schools encouraged to sign up via the programme website.
A renewed partnership was formalised through an MoU signed by Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri of EAD and Laila Mostafa Abdullatif of Emirates Nature-WWF. They reiterated the shared goal of building a sustainable future by blending environmental education with practical action, aligned with UAE Vision 2030.
The programme has already seen 14,000 youth volunteer over 32,000 hours through 250 events, reflecting growing interest in green careers and climate advocacy.
Parents, teachers, and schools can register at connectwithnature.ae/schools.
