EPAA begins judging process for Sharjah Sustainability Award

The judging panel consists of highly experienced and competent members assigned from the Emirates Foundation for School Education, Sharjah Education Council, Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), Sharjah Broadcasting and Television Authority, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, University of Sharjah, American University of Sharjah, Skyline University College, Arabic Language Protection Association.

Promoting the concept of a sustainable green environment
Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) said: "The judging process has commenced for the category of green schools and universities for the tenth edition of the Sharjah Sustainability Award. The judging team, consisting of professionals with distinctive expertise and experience in the arbitration of environmental and sustainability projects, will take around three weeks to complete the process.”

Hana Al Suwaidi explained that the award aims primarily to promote the concept of a sustainable green environment by inviting school and university students to develop their perceptions of projects, ideas and independent activities, to improve their environment and promote the principle of sustainability. It encourages competition between student sectors in schools and universities to innovate, find and implement sustainable solutions to urgent environmental problems, thus consolidating awareness of sustainability in educational settings. It is derived from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, on the importance of protecting the environment and preserving biodiversity in the emirate.

A committee specialised in evaluating projects in each field
There will be special committee evaluating the projects of each field, based on criteria including novelty and innovation of the idea and methodology, the project’s motives and reasons, the procedural plan for implementation, and the results of the project’s application in terms of providing sustainable environmental solutions related to the subject of the proposed project. The importance and usefulness of the project and its benefits to institutions or entities.

Field visits and virtual meetings
Projects evaluation work will take place over three weeks, and will include field visits and virtual meetings for schools with outstanding projects that have met the eligibility criteria. In addition, an exhibition will be organised to evaluate projects from university students, highlighting distinguished and modern projects worthy of an award.

Sharjah Sustainability Award was launched in 2012, with the general objective to strengthen the principle of partnership with environmental action, a fundamental pillar in supporting the Sharjah strategic project to protect environmental resources and preserve biodiversity in the emirate. Expanding the circle of environmental work responsibilities and its multiplicity of parties to include schools, universities and official institutions will contribute to creating a green environment within a sustainable framework.