When it comes to spreading awareness about the environment, it’s certainly a full-time job that requires passion.

Determined to make an impact and educate the next generation, director general of Emirates Nature-WWF Laila Abdullatif’s passion started at a young age

“As a child, I always had a passion for exploration and the natural world; I think I knew very early on that I didn’t want to have the standard office-based job,” the Emirati begins. “I studied environmental sciences as my degree, before heading to Emirates Nature as an intern, which was almost 11 years ago. But it all really started for me when I dived with sharks when I was around 11 years old.”

Laila, a mother herself, knows the importance of her position: “I’m extremely passionate about my job, so I act as a role model to my two children and have to educate them on our environment and my position in protecting it. I even say to them, ‘Sorry, but mum can’t always pick you up from school – I’m busy saving the planet!'”

As she continues to pave the way for future generations: “I have always wanted to make an impact. I wanted to ensure that first and foremost I was giving back to my country. I want to raise awareness on the link between the environment and humanity because at the end of the day, this is what is required for our survival.”

“We need to start them at an early age so this becomes a habit for them – they are the decision makers of the future. We need to create experiences. We need to create memories in our natural environment and we do that by connecting with it.”

Along with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and International Fund for Houbara Conservation, Laila created a programme called Connect With Nature where a website, mobile app and a series of outreach events help grow a passion for nature, especially among the youth of UAE communities.