Sprint for Change Launched by Emirates Nature–WWF to Drive Environmental Action in UAE

Abu Dhabi, UAE – The UAE’s leading environmental NGO, Emirates Nature–WWF, has officially launched “Sprint for Change”, a powerful new summer series aimed at activating climate-conscious communities across the country. Aligned with the UAE’s Year of Community, this initiative is designed to encourage people of all ages to take tangible, meaningful actions for nature and climate.

Held under the umbrella of the acclaimed Leaders of Change programme, Sprint for Change blends expert-led online workshops, in-person field experiences, and hands-on community challenges into a dynamic curriculum. The goal? To shift citizens from passive awareness to active environmental leadership.

“Real impact starts with people,” said Arabella Willing, Head of Conservation Outreach and Citizen Science at Emirates Nature-WWF. “Whether someone is new to sustainability or deeply engaged, Sprint for Change is a powerful entry point to make a real difference.”

Exploring the Triple Planetary Crisis: Climate Change, Pollution & Biodiversity Loss

Sprint for Change dives deep into the three major environmental challenges of our time:

Climate Change
Plastic Pollution
Biodiversity Loss

Through educational sessions, field visits, and community-based tasks, participants will discover practical strategies to reduce their environmental footprint — all while building skills that empower them to lead in their own communities.

From understanding carbon footprints to managing plastic waste and preserving native wildlife, the programme offers a holistic, science-backed approach to sustainability.

Guided by Leaders of Change: A Roadmap to Sustainability

Sprint for Change is the third edition of Emirates Nature–WWF’s summer activation under its Leaders of Change initiative — a national movement that has already equipped thousands of UAE changemakers with the tools to protect nature.

The programme is structured to take participants through an inspiring journey:

Passive awareness → Curiosity
Curiosity → Informed knowledge
Informed knowledge → Hands-on action
Action → Leadership

Previous campaigns, including Nature’s Resilience in 2024, saw over 1,000 individuals participating in biodiversity tracking and adaptive species learning. Sprint for Change builds on this momentum with new workshops, citizen science modules, and exclusive media experiences.

Conservation Diaries: Mini-Documentary Premieres with Live Expert Q&As

A standout feature of this year’s programme is the exclusive online screening of a brand-new mini-documentary series titled “Conservation Diaries.”

Shot across the UAE, the series showcases:

Behind-the-scenes footage of active conservation projects
Beautiful imagery of local wildlife and protected areas
Expert commentary from field researchers and community volunteers

Each episode is followed by a live Q&A session with the filmmakers and featured experts, creating a two-way dialogue between citizens and the science community.

This interactive media experience offers participants a unique chance to go beyond headlines and witness the heart of environmental work in the UAE.

Citizen Science in Action: Hands-On Skills for Real Impact

Another exciting highlight of Sprint for Change is the practical citizen science training. Participants will learn how to:

Monitor the health of native saplings
Conduct waste audits at home or in public spaces
Record and upload data to contribute to national conservation databases

These activities not only support scientific research but also prepare participants for advanced fieldwork in future Leaders of Change seasons. Whether you’re at home, in a park, or on a beach, there’s always an opportunity to contribute.

“This year, we’re introducing experiences like the in-person Herbarium workshop and independent citizen science tasks you can do from home,” said Willing. “We want every participant to be inspired, informed, and ready to make a difference.”

Open to All: Families, Professionals, Students & Changemakers

Sprint for Change is designed to be inclusive and adaptable for all age groups and backgrounds:

Families can engage in weekend nature activities
Youth can start their sustainability journey
Professionals can contribute their skills to projects
Educators can integrate lessons into their classrooms

With its flexible hybrid format — part online, part on-the-ground — Sprint for Change ensures participation is both accessible and rewarding, regardless of location or time availability.

Leaders of Change Advisory Committee: Driving the Programme’s Future

One of the most exciting updates for 2025 is the formation of the Leaders of Change Community Advisory Committee. This new platform enables active participants to shape the future of the programme, suggest enhancements, and take on mentorship roles.

Eligibility:

Minimum 24 volunteer hours for nature
Completion of at least one Sprint for Change season
Willingness to co-create conservation initiatives

This community-led governance model aims to make the programme more responsive, locally relevant, and deeply empowering.

“Together, this community has the power to create ripples of lasting impact,” Willing explained. “Whether you’re taking your first step or leading the way, Sprint for Change is the place to begin — or level up — your journey.”

Programme Highlights & Timeline: What to Expect

Month	Activity	Format
June	Launch of Sprint for Change	Online Event
July	Herbarium Workshop + Waste Audit Training	In-person
July	Conservation Diaries: Screening + Q&A	Online Premiere
August	Sapling Monitoring + Citizen Science Uploads	Field + Online
August	Community Advisory Committee Nominations	Online

How to Register for Sprint for Change

Registration is open now via Emirates Nature–WWF’s official website. All participants will receive:

Certification of participation
Access to exclusive online content
Invitations to in-person events
Eligibility for future field missions

Whether you’re a student, a parent, a teacher, or a professional, there’s a place for everyone in this journey toward a more sustainable UAE.

Why Sprint for Change Matters in 2025

In the face of urgent environmental threats, the need for community-led climate action has never been greater. By equipping individuals with the skills, knowledge, and tools they need to act, Emirates Nature–WWF is not just fostering awareness — it’s building a resilient, informed and active society.

With over 20 years of conservation leadership in the UAE and the global support of the WWF network, Emirates Nature–WWF continues to be a catalyst for change, amplifying the voices of citizens and igniting a passion for planet-first solutions.

Final Thoughts: Start Your Sustainability Journey Today

Sprint for Change by Emirates Nature–WWF is more than a summer programme — it’s a movement of purpose. Whether you’re joining for the love of nature, the science, or the community, you’re stepping into a transformative space.

Make this summer count. Join Sprint for Change. Lead the way.