The UAE has emerged as a leading force in empowering youth to combat climate change. Its efforts go beyond merely providing a platform for young voices in climate discussions aligned with UN goals. Initiatives like the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize demonstrably fund and recognise the impactful, innovative, and inspiring sustainable projects undertaken by schools worldwide.

This year’s COP28 serves as a perfect stage for the awards ceremony. The High Performance School La Libertad from Peru received a well-deserved $100,000 grant to further their project aimed at improving the water quality of the Mochica Canal in the Laredo region.

Project student Xiomara Enma Gutiérrez expressed her admiration for the UAE’s approach, saying, “The UAE supports the projects of young people who are eager to improve the quality of the environment in our country and the community.”

The winning project, competing in the High Schools in the Americas category, addressed the pressing issue of contamination in the 3,000-y
ear-old pre-Hispanic canal. According to student Víctor Eduardo Sánchez, the canal was polluted with heavy metals, organic waste, and sewage.

“The solution we proposed is phytoremediation, a process that utilises different types of plants, specifically bryophytes in this case,” Sánchez explained. “These plants have the remarkable ability to absorb pollutants present in the water, thereby improving its quality.”

Sánchez further emphasised the significance of winning the award, stating, “This is a great achievement, a true testament to the power of teamwork. It not only provides us with the opportunity to improve the quality of life in our community but also empowers both students and teachers to enhance their skills and contribute meaningfully to improving the situation in our region.”

Source: Emirates News Agency