In the spirit of ‘The Year of Giving’ declared by the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Geant Hypermarket has announced its participation in the environment endowment fund by The Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Centre for Endowment Consultancy (MBRGCEC) and the Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF (EWS-WWF). The environment endowment fund is a first of its kind endowment, supporting studies, research, and programmes in the field of environment.
In 2014 Geant launched an initiative with EWS-WWF to reduce plastic consumption in their Ibn Batuta store, which has helped save an average of one tonne of plastic bags per month. Customers who ask for a plastic bag are charged a deposit fee of AED 0.25 fils per bag - this fee is returned when the customers bring their plastic bag back to the store. The success of this long-term partnership has seen Geant now come on board as an environmental endowment partner, offering support towards EWS-WWF’s marine conservation and climate & energy programmes. Geant have met the criteria to be eligible for the Dubai Endowment Sign in coordination with MBRGCEC - the sign demonstrates the company’s contribution to the vision of the country and gives privilege for the private sector in procurement with Government of Dubai as per the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
"We are honored to be awarded the Dubai Endowment sign by MBRGCEC. Our three year partnership with EWS-WWF has been very rewarding and we are thrilled to embark on an even more long-term partnership together now that we are part of the environment endowment fund. The success of our plastic awareness campaign with EWS-WWF showcases that consumer behavior can change if the right incentives are put in place to do so. As a forward-thinking organization that is serious about enhancing its community role in the UAE, Geant will be supporting several EWS-WWF programmes which contribute towards the UAE’s environment and sustainable development goals.” said Mohid Sayed the UAE HR MANAGER at Geant Hypermarket.
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General at EWS-WWF said: “The UAE has a rich natural heritage, it is our collective duty as residents to help preserve our environment for our children and future generations. We are delighted to have Geant Hypermarket on board, supporting the innovative environmental endowment fund and hope this will encourage more companies to invest in a more sustainable future. Together we can bring to life the first pillar of The Year of Giving which aims at creating a sense of community responsibility in the private sectors to fulfill their role in serving the community and contributing in the developmental march of the country.”
Dr. Hamad Al Hammady, Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Centre for Endowment Consultancy pointed to the importance of the cooperation between Geant Hypermarket and EWS-WWF adding that: “The concept of innovative endowment is aiming to find unique partners to work through innovative programs, which directly support the society needs. We are delighted to have Geant, an environmentally responsible organization, on board to support the environment endowment fund and have no doubt that they will support EWS-WWF to protect the UAE from the harmful impacts of environment pollution and excessive human activities”
Adding “We are always looking for new Innovative ideas from both government and private sector entities, to develop and service our local society, the year of giving declared by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE president, and the Innovative endowment launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai have both opened a wide door to the development of communities, which brings this important development tool to support community development”.
The Secretary General of the Centre said that the website - www.MBRgcec.ae is ready to receive inquiries from all interested individuals and organizations wishing to obtain the Dubai Endowment Sign.
To contact EWS-WWF directly, visit the website (http://uae.panda.org/).