Tadweer Closes Submissions for Eco-Awareness Award for Schools and Universities in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 23 December, 2014 – The Center of Waste Management - Abu Dhabi (Tadweer) today closed submissions for Abu Dhabi schools and universities seeking to participate in its Eco-Awareness Award.

An estimated 556 models, drawings and photographs on the theme of positive behavior in public hygiene and the preservation of the environment have been received from Abu Dhabi schools at the close of submissions. This figure marks a significant increase over the 172 entries received in 2013 for the inaugural edition of the award.

In its expanded format this year, the competition has for the first time drawn the participation of 20 out of the 26 public and private universities based in Abu Dhabi.

Following the close of submissions, the competition has entered the second phase that involves the evaluation of entries by a specialized evaluation committee comprising experts from among Tadweer’s strategic partners that have supported the initiative since its inception. These include Abu Dhabi Education Council, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development, and the Abu Dhabi Media Company represented by Al Ettihad newspaper, as well as stakeholders from the Tadweer team.

Commenting on the close of submissions, His Excellency Eissa Saif Al Qubaisi, General Manager, Tadweer, said: “At Tadweer, we seek to use creative and innovative methods to develop a generation that is aware of its responsibilities and of the importance of preserving the environment. The award this year is valued at around AED76,000, to be divided among 12 winners across four different categories. The winners of this year's award will be announced in mid-January 2015."

Tadweer’s Eco-awareness Award for schools and universities aims to raise environmental ownership among the students in the emirate of Abu Dhabi while developing social responsibility in the younger generation. This year’s award has targeted school students across three levels: elementary, preparatory and secondary schools, as well as public and private college students. The competition awards winners across four categories: best drawing from waste, best work of art from recycled waste, best photograph depicting waste management, and best 3D model from waste.

Nada Khamees, Senior Public Awareness Officer at Tadweer, and Head of the Arbitration Committee, said: “The second phase of the prize is nearing completion, as the arbitration and evaluation process has begun. It is interesting to note the significant increase in the number of applications received and the growing engagement of schools and universities, as well as the huge improvement in the quality of the entries received this year. We hope to see greater advancements and innovation in the coming years that can positively impact the environment and effectively support Abu Dhabi’s sustainable vision for the future."

Tadweer seeks to promote integrated waste management practices such as waste reduction at source, waste recycling, encouraging active community engagement and promoting joint work with relevant organizations and stakeholders in its efforts to create a safer and cleaner environment in Abu Dhabi.