Sharjah desert litterbugs to get Dh2,000 fine
sharjah — Picnickers and dune bashing enthusiasts casually dropping food wrappers, cigarette butts, camping equipment and plastic bottles are a common sight in the deserts of the UAE.
While some people would never think of doing such a thing, others think nothing of it.
But litterers had best think twice before strewing rubbish in protected areas, as protection agencies and ministry officials have adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards litterbugs. A fine of Dh2,000 will be slapped on those who leave behind rubbish in desert areas.
“No warnings will be issued to people who litter… they will be fined straightaway,” Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, chairman of the Sharjah Media Corporation (SMC) told Khaleej Times. He was speaking on the sidelines of the ‘My Environment, My National Responsibility’ campaign organised by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) in the Al Fay Desert area on Saturday.
Over 250 volunteers from across the UAE collected up to 200 bags of waste during the clean-up drive. The rubbish will later be sorted and processed by Bee’ah.
Senior government officials also participated in the clean-up drive along with the volunteers. Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, who was also present at the event, said: “It is a humble request to all visitors and residents of this country. Please do not leave behind rubbish in our protected areas when you bring 4x4 vehicles into the desert.”
He added: “Municipalities of different emirates as well and rural areas are levying fines on people who violate rules and litter these areas.”
Dr Al Zeyoudi stressed that deserts are an integral part of the country’s ecosystem and must be protected at all costs. Sheikh Sultan added: “Not just our cities, but our deserts must also be kept in great condition.”
No warnings will be issued to people who litter… they will be fined straightaway.” Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, chairman, Sharjah Media Corporation
Big red bins for waste
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) chairperson, said: “Fines
It is a humble request to all visitors and residents of this country. Please do not leave behind rubbish in our protected areas when you bring 4x4 vehicles into the desert.” Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment
are issued to people who recklessly drive over areas of vegetation or of environmental importance in the desert and mountains.” She also informed that EPAA teams carry out field trips in order to stop people from littering.
EPAA has now placed big red waste bins in various locations across the protected desert areas, so that people can dispose of their trash properly.
Mohammed Ahmed, head of volunteers at Happiness Imprint said: “Over 250 volunteers participated in the event… People, including myself, have come all the way from Abu Dhabi to be part of the event.”
Abdullah Ahmed, another volunteer, said: “I come to the desert often and usually carry waste bags with me. This is a great initiative.”
Bee’ah cleaning staff who were also present at the clean-up drive informed Khaleej Times that workers collect over 100 bags of garbage every day from protected areas in Al Faya Desert. The dunes are littered with chips packets, cigarette butts and plastic bottles. “It is mostly residual camping waste, tissues, plastic bags, and burnt charcoal and wood,” revealed the worker.
Earlier this month, 200 fines were issued by the EPAA in Sharjah to combat environmental violations, most of which are related to littering.