The UAE takes another green step with a sustainability camp set for February 26.
The United Arab Emirates has been up to all manner of green things over the last couple of years. From solar-powered cash machines to plans to go plastic-free by 2013, and now they are hosting a unique sustainability camp on February 26, 2011. Rather than taking a narrow understanding of sustainability, the campaigners insist that sustainability is more than just being a tree hugger. The groups says that, “sustainability is the potential for long-term maintenance of well being, which has environmental, economic, and social dimensions.” As such, they’re inviting everyone from human rights groups, animals rights activists to compost makers and tree planters along to share their struggles and successes in becoming more sustainable.
The event, which will take place at Dubai Knowledge Village from 10 to 5pm, will consists of a collective art installation made on the day, discussions, debates and setting goals for a more sustainable UAE.
Organised by BarCamp UAE, the event is modeled on the notion of Open Space Technology and so rather a rigid conference, the proceedings will be open and highly interactive. For example, the only way to register is to fill in a quick survey about your interests and concerns and then the answers are used to shape the event.
Visualisation of the survey's findings so far
According to their twitter feed, the famed Green Sheikh who we interviewed on his views on going green in the Middle East may also be attending, so it’s definitely worth a look if you are in the country.
It sounds like a fun way to take part in the debate around sustainability in the UAE and as the organizers state: “We may not change the world in a day, but I believe that it’ll be a good start to set collective goals in which each of us including the organizations actively involved in the space learn, build and contribute towards continuous action in our community.”
:Image via Pedronet via flickr.
For more green news from the UAE see:
Pacific Green Inaugurates Masdar City’s Sustainable Palm Gates
Your Green Money Maker? Solar Powered ATM in Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates to be Plastic-Free by 2013
Author: Arwa Aburawa
Arwa is a Muslim freelance writer who is interested in everything climate change related and how Islam can inspire more people to care for their planet and take active steps to save it while we can. She is endlessly suspicious of all politicians and their ceaseless meetings, especially as they make normal people believe that they are not part of the solution when they are the ONLY solution. Her Indian auntie is her model eco-warrier, and when Arwa is not busy helping out in the neighborhood alleyway garden, swap shopping or attempting fusion vegetarian dishes- with mixed success, she’d like to add- she can be found sipping on foraged nettle tea.
Sounds wonderful!