Welcome to our first ever e-newsletter - bringing you all the latest from EWS-WWF as well as ideas on how you can help us build a sustainable future for the UAE and the region. Enjoy!

What better way to help youngsters learn about the importance of caring for the environment than through our bilingual online programme: Be'ati Watani (previously known as Enviro-Spellathon)? Complete with games and quizzes, this interactive course, sponsored by Dolphin Energy, is a fun way for 6-14-year-olds to understand more about the UAE's natural heritage and the importance of conserving it. Students between grades 1 - 9 can follow Emirati characters Hamad and Aisha as they learn about waste, wildlife, climate change and water and how they can contribute to preserving the environment.

Your child could win an iPad, among other prizes, if they sign up to Be'ati Watani and take the national test before March 20. Sign up now!

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Renewable energy in the Middle East was the hot topic of a panel discussion held by EWS-WWF at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi in January. Attended by government representatives, businesses and NGOs, the panel focused on the challenges and possible solutions of renewable energy in the region, low carbon policy scenarios for the UAE and a comparison with current government policies.

Calling for a shift towards alternative energy, WWF Director General Jim Leape, shared the organisation's answer for a world increasingly dependent on fossil fuels at the summit by introducing the WWF Energy Report. This report outlines WWF's vision of a world powered by 100% renewable energies by 2050.

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Calling all foodies! Gourmet Abu Dhabi recently featured our Choose Wisely campaign with chefs from around the world cooking up some tasty sustainable dishes. This support from Gourmet Abu Dhabi follows the publication of our updated consumer guide complete with three new sustainable fish options for UAE residents to try. The campaign urges consumers to Choose Wisely when selecting fish to eat at restaurants and during their weekly shop. For recipe ideas to tantalise your taste buds, why not download our award-winning Sustainable Fish Recipes cookbook?

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A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Fujairah Municipality and EWS-WWF on February 29 to implement a management plan for Wadi Wurayah. The wadi is home to more than 500 species such as blue tailed lizards, Arabian tahr and mountain gazelles. This next phase will look into establishing this important site as a sustainable protected area focused on conserving biodiversity and habitat, while also encouraging eco-tourism.

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Earth Hour UAE is back and this year we want to make it even bigger and better! To do this though we need your help - not only do we want you to switch your lights out during Earth Hour at 8.30pm on Saturday March 31, but we want you to dare the UAE to save the planet and join the 'I Will if You Will' challenge!

Leading the UAE movement is Ali Al Saloom, also known as Ask Ali, who will give up his 3 phones for 72 hours if 10,000 people pledge to swap plastic bags for eco-friendly bags.

Even our very own office chatterbox Oliver will stay quiet for two whole weeks, if 10,000 of you commit to using public transport for one week. Pledge your support or upload your own challenge now!