The Environment and Protected Areas Authority, EPAA, has issued 200 fines to combat environmental violations, most of which are related to littering.
The campaign is a result of the EPAA’s drive to educate and guide visitors on the necessity of adhering to the law, which seeks to preserve the environment and prevent littering to keep it clean.
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of EPAA, said, "The EPAA makes every effort to carry out the directions of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, with regards to environmental protection and the conservation of biodiversity. Therefore, EPAA teams carry out field trips in order to stop people from littering. The EPAA also arranges awareness campaigns that contribute to the promotion of environmental issues among the residents with a view to reducing littering as well as to eliminate the perennial tree cutting problem."
According to Al Suwaidi, public respond well to such campaigns, which is a good indication of how keen they are to protect the environment. In all cases, she said, EPAA teams work to reduce the actions of a few wrong-doers, through the application and implementation of laws.
The EPAA is eager to apply and implement Executive Decree No. 9 of 2012 on the prevention of environmental degradation in Sharjah’s wild areas, believing this to be important to preserve and protect the environment and achieve the highest levels of sustainable development.