emirates7 - Emirates Nature–WWF has unveiled “Sprint for Change,” a dynamic summer initiative aimed at encouraging environmental action throughout the UAE, in support of the Year of Community.
The initiative is part of the organization’s flagship Leaders of Change programme and brings together individuals, families, youth, and professionals to engage in climate and nature-focused activities. These include expert-led virtual workshops, on-the-ground field experiences, and community impact challenges that promote real, hands-on involvement.
Participants will delve into the key areas of the global environmental crisis — climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss — while learning practical steps they can take in everyday life to help protect the planet. With a blend of virtual and in-person events, Sprint for Change offers an engaging and accessible introduction to conservation efforts.
Arabella Willing, Head of Conservation Outreach and Citizen Science at Emirates Nature–WWF, emphasized that genuine change begins with individuals. “Whether someone is a sustainability veteran or just getting started thanks to the Year of Community, Sprint for Change offers a strong starting point for meaningful engagement,” she said.
“This year, we’re thrilled to offer new experiences — such as the in-person Herbarium workshop and DIY citizen science projects — that ensure every participant is empowered, educated, and motivated to contribute.”
Now in its third edition, the summer series is part of the Leaders of Change programme, which supports thousands of changemakers in driving real impact for the environment and society. The initiative guides participants from passive interest to active leadership in sustainability.
Attendees will also gain exclusive access to Conservation Diaries, a new mini-documentary series produced in the UAE. Featuring striking footage of local ecosystems and a behind-the-scenes look at conservation efforts, each episode is followed by a live Q&A with the filmmakers and experts involved, offering viewers deeper insight into the stories and science behind them.
Hands-on activities like monitoring native saplings and conducting waste audits help participants build useful skills that prepare them for more advanced conservation work in future Leaders of Change seasons. This practical component is a key new feature of this year’s programme and builds on the success of last summer’s Nature’s Resilience, which engaged more than 1,000 people in learning how native species thrive in the UAE’s environment.
Willing also announced the launch of the Leaders of Change Community Advisory Committee, a new platform giving dedicated members a say in the programme’s future direction. Those who contribute over 24 volunteer hours are eligible to join. “This community is poised to make a lasting difference — encouraging others to begin or deepen their sustainability journey,” she added.
The initiative is part of the organization’s flagship Leaders of Change programme and brings together individuals, families, youth, and professionals to engage in climate and nature-focused activities. These include expert-led virtual workshops, on-the-ground field experiences, and community impact challenges that promote real, hands-on involvement.
Participants will delve into the key areas of the global environmental crisis — climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss — while learning practical steps they can take in everyday life to help protect the planet. With a blend of virtual and in-person events, Sprint for Change offers an engaging and accessible introduction to conservation efforts.
Arabella Willing, Head of Conservation Outreach and Citizen Science at Emirates Nature–WWF, emphasized that genuine change begins with individuals. “Whether someone is a sustainability veteran or just getting started thanks to the Year of Community, Sprint for Change offers a strong starting point for meaningful engagement,” she said.
“This year, we’re thrilled to offer new experiences — such as the in-person Herbarium workshop and DIY citizen science projects — that ensure every participant is empowered, educated, and motivated to contribute.”
Now in its third edition, the summer series is part of the Leaders of Change programme, which supports thousands of changemakers in driving real impact for the environment and society. The initiative guides participants from passive interest to active leadership in sustainability.
Attendees will also gain exclusive access to Conservation Diaries, a new mini-documentary series produced in the UAE. Featuring striking footage of local ecosystems and a behind-the-scenes look at conservation efforts, each episode is followed by a live Q&A with the filmmakers and experts involved, offering viewers deeper insight into the stories and science behind them.
Hands-on activities like monitoring native saplings and conducting waste audits help participants build useful skills that prepare them for more advanced conservation work in future Leaders of Change seasons. This practical component is a key new feature of this year’s programme and builds on the success of last summer’s Nature’s Resilience, which engaged more than 1,000 people in learning how native species thrive in the UAE’s environment.
Willing also announced the launch of the Leaders of Change Community Advisory Committee, a new platform giving dedicated members a say in the programme’s future direction. Those who contribute over 24 volunteer hours are eligible to join. “This community is poised to make a lasting difference — encouraging others to begin or deepen their sustainability journey,” she added.