Coinciding with the UAE’s ‘Year of the Community’, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Emirates Nature–WWF have announced a new five-year strategy (2025–2029) for their successful Connect with Nature program. The initiative aims to empower the next generation of environmental stewards by actively involving them in Citizen Science initiatives.

The strategy was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, and Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director-General of Emirates Nature–WWF. The renewed partnership builds on the success of Connect with Nature, which has engaged over 2.5 million youth across the UAE since its launch in 2019.

The Connect with Nature program offers students across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Al Dhafra region hands-on field activities that promote environmental awareness and participation in Citizen Science.

At the heart of the new strategy is the Connect with Nature Field Trip Series, which will give 2,000 students each year the chance to work directly with conservationists and environmental experts. Activities will include everything from ecological surveys in mangrove forests to coastal explorations.

Dr. Al Dhaheri said the initiative aligns with the UAE Vision 2030 and aims to combine knowledge with action. “By integrating Citizen Science and practical experiences in environmental conservation into school programs and activities, we are working to create an ecosystem that combines knowledge and action to achieve a green economy.”

Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environment Information Science and Outreach Management at EAD, emphasized the program’s role in shaping future environmental stewards. “We recognize that the path to a sustainable future starts with education and active participation,” he stated.

Abdullatif added that the program has already inspired over 14,000 young people to volunteer more than 32,000 hours in conservation efforts through 250 citizen science events and activities. “Today, with the launch of our new five-year strategy, we are excited to inspire similar connections amongst school students and nature and welcome our newest changemakers to the movement.”

Open to students aged 9 to 18, the Connect with Nature Field Trip Series offers more details on the program’s official website.