The initiative combined hands-on environmental action with awareness activities, featuring a seabed-cleaning diving campaign involving divers and volunteers. The campaign was launched from Khor Al Khan Marina to remove marine debris and reduce the impact of pollution on marine life and coral reefs, thereby contributing to ecological balance and the sustainability of marine ecosystems.

Support from participating entities

The initiative was supported by several collaborating entities, including the Sharjah Museums Authority, BEEAH Group, the Sharjah Fish Resources Authority, Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, Sharjah Municipality, and Majlan Marine Sports Centre, underscoring the importance of institutional partnerships in supporting environmental initiatives and advancing sustainability goals.

Promoting positive environmental behaviour

Her Excellency Aisha Rashid Deemas, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, affirmed that the marine environment is one of the most important natural resources, requiring collective efforts to protect and preserve it, given its rich biodiversity and vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

Her Excellency said: "The Sustainable Sea initiative reflects EPAA’s ongoing commitment to raising environmental awareness and encouraging community participation in marine conservation. We firmly believe that protecting natural resources is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration between institutions and individuals. Such initiatives also play an important role in promoting positive environmental behaviour and encouraging different segments of society to adopt more sustainable practices in their daily lives."

She added: "Plastic pollution remains one of the most significant challenges facing marine ecosystems worldwide because of the harm it causes to marine organisms and their natural habitats. Through awareness and field-based initiatives such as this, we seek to mitigate these risks and strengthen environmental stewardship among present and future generations."

Educational activities

The initiative also included a guided tour of the Sharjah Aquarium, along with several specialised awareness stations addressing marine pollution, the risks associated with excessive plastic consumption, and its impact on marine organisms and sea turtles. Visitors were also introduced to environmentally friendly alternatives that promote more sustainable consumption habits.

Educational lecture

The event featured an educational lecture by a specialist researcher on sea turtles and the impact of plastic pollution on their survival. The session highlighted the key challenges facing these species, the importance of preserving their natural habitats, and their role in sustaining healthy marine ecosystems.

Recognition of participants

At the conclusion of the initiative, EPAA honoured the participating entities in recognition of their contributions to the event's success, reaffirming its commitment to continuing programmes and initiatives that support marine conservation and strengthen a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility across the community.

The “Sustainable Sea” initiative supports national efforts to protect marine environments and preserve biodiversity by combining environmental awareness, volunteer engagement, and practical fieldwork to remove marine waste and encourage sustainable behaviours among community members.