General
Connect with Nature- Challenges and rewards
How can I get involved?
UAE Ambassadors for Nature 2020
Q: What is Connect with Nature?
A: Connect with Nature is a movement by young change makers who love nature and want to protect it. Through this one-of-a-kind programme – brought to you by Emirates Nature-WWF and the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the International Fund for Houbara Conservation – we’re looking to empower positive change by inspiring more young people to rewild, rethink and become the change for a better tomorrow.
We give you the opportunity to get out and have fun, re-wild, re-connect to nature and explore places you never knew existed right here in our backyard. Join our awesome nature activities with friends, take on exciting new challenges or test your skills with our seriously fun escape room ... and all in that in the name of protecting the nature we love.
Q: How do I participate?
A: Easy! All you have to do after downloading the free Connect with Nature app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store is register and boom! You’re free to start exploring the UAE’s natural treasures, join fun challenges, experience once-in-a-lifetime activities, and earn valuable badges through super fun challenges around the UAE. You can find more information on how you can get involved in the programme here.
Q: What if I need help or support?
A: We’ve got your back! Just fill out the form on our contact us page, or send a shout via email to: [email protected]
Q: Where do I register?
A: Great question! After downloading the app from either the Google Play Store or Apple App Store., once you open it, it’ll walk you through registration. Easy, peasy!
Q: How do I participate in the location challenges?
A: Now you’re thinking like Indiana Jones! In the app navigate to the challenges section. Our “Discover UAE” map also shows you the locations that have active challenges, just click them to see what suits your fancy. Some will test your knowledge, some will set you a task, and some will tease your creativity. If you complete all of the challenges at a certain location, you’ll be awarded with a special mission badge that can unlock rewards and help you advance to the next level!
Q: How can I earn badges?
A: Looking to be a top earner? Simply click on each challenge to see what tasks you have to complete to finish the challenge. Some challenges are adventurous, some are focused on science and technology, and some are creative in nature. There’s something for everyone! Once you complete the challenges, you'll earn your badge. Badges get more prestigious as you earn them, so you can show off your skills and unlock exclusive opportunities.
Q: What rewards can I win from participating?
A: There are two types of badges you can earn – “Explore” and “Impact.”
Explore missions have more to do with learning about nature, while Impact missions have more to do with protecting it (a win-win, right?) Completing any mission means earning either an “Explore” badge or an “Impact” badge.
Earning enough badges unlocks cool rewards which can be anything from one-of-a-kind experiences to access to our coveted leadership program.
Q: Do I have to do all of the challenges?
A: Nope! Complete as many challenges as you like, when you like – some can be repeated, some need to be taken on at one of our featured locations, and some can even be done from home. However, you will need to earn at least 5 “Explore” badges and 5 “Impact” badges to unlock our leadership programme.
Q: I can’t get to some of the locations, do I need to visit them all?
A: Nope! You only need 5 “Explore” badges and 5 “Impact” badges to unlock our leadership programme. Explore badges can be earned by either checking in at different nature locations (3 check-ins will get you 1 badge) or attending some of our awesome nature activities with friends. “Impact” badges can be earned simultaneously at our activities and events by bringing your own reusable water bottle for example or can be achieved without even visiting a location like our Plastic Challenge.
Q: Are there any ways I can get involved in Connect with Nature besides the app and website?
A: Of course! You can check out all the ways you can get involved here, but you can always send us a quick note on what it is you’re looking for and we’d be happy to alert you of new opportunities to be involved in the programme as they become available. These opportunities can include volunteering support, internships with us or even feedback on some of the elements we’re testing.
Q: Can I volunteer with Emirates Nature–WWF?
A: Heck yeah! Fill out the form on the Contact Us page to register your interest in supporting us for upcoming events –– your help is always appreciated!
Q: I have an idea, can I submit it?
A: We’d absolutely love to hear your idea for new Connect With Nature challenges or activities! Fill out the form on the Contact Us page and send us your ideas; they may make it into the next set of challenges!
UAE Ambassadors for Nature 2020
Q: How do I apply to become an Ambassador?
A: 4 steps is all it takes! Download the 'Connect with Nature' app, earn 10 badges on completing 5 Impact and 5 Explore activities, refer 10 of your friends to Connect with Nature, and the last and best, capture a video of yourself and tell us why we should choose you!
Q: What would I be entitled for if I become Connect with Nature's Ambassador?
A: A whole lot of surprises! Since we can't hide it any longer, we'll spill out a few of them for you. Connect with Nature's Ambassador's will have the chance to enroll in the Leadership programme which includes exclusive internships with leading companies, as well as have the chance to speak and host exclusive events, and of course being a Connect with Nature ambassador only means you will get to have your moment of fame. Ambassador's will have the opportunity of being featured on various media channels as well as being part of the WWF Youth Committee and like we said earlier, there's many more benefits coming your way if you qualify.
Q: When is the last day to submit my video for the Ambassador programme?
A: The last day to complete your 10 badges and submit your award winning video is now extended to May 20th, 2020.
Q: How do I submit my video for the Ambassador programme?
A: The answer to this question will pop up as soon as you earn your 10 badges. But since we're happy that you're interested, we'll give away the answer here itself, you will need to upload your video on your social media platforms, and tag us @connectwithnature.ae, and once you've done that, please do drop us in an email with a link to your post so we don't miss out on your entry. If you're having trouble creating a video, you can send us an essay of 250 words or more telling us why you want to be UAE's ambassador for nature and what you hope to achieve as an ambassador.
Q: How do I refer my friends for this programme?
A: Show us how you do it! This is your chance to prove what a successful Ambassador can do hence we do not have any restrictions and limitations on how to refer a friend as we'd like to see how you do it. Once your friend joins the movement and downloads the Connect with Nature app, they'll have an option where they can mention your name - don't forget, the more friends that use your name when joining, the better chances you have of becoming an Ambassador!
Q: What is an Impact badge and how can I achieve 5 of them?
A: Impact badges are created to make a positive impact on the planet. It takes a small change for you to earn a badge, so collecting 5 Impact badges is very easy, we promise. You can earn them by rethinking your choices and innovating – reducing your plastic usage, recycling, carrying reusable bags and bottles and picking any waste you see that is damaging our planet.
Q: What is an Explore badge and how can I achieve 5 of them?
A: Explore badges are created for everyone to enjoy the outdoors with thrilling activities while saving the planet. You will get out and have fun, rewild and explore new places you never knew existed, some of which include splashing through natural Wadis of the UAE, camping under the stars and riding through historic landmarks. Once you complete an activity, you will automatically earn a badge.
Q: How will the Ambassadors be chosen?
A: The 20 Ambassadors will be chosen based on successful referrals, like we said earlier, the more friends you refer, the better. If you've done your best and still want better chances, we'll give you a hint.. Create a powerful message in your ambassador video or essay and convince us to choose you.
Q: What is the age limit to be Connect with Nature's Ambassador?
A: The minimum age to join is 15 and maximum is 30
Q: Does the Ambassador have to be living in UAE?
A: Yes, to qualify for the Ambassador programme you would need to be a current resident of UAE as we have great events which we'd like our Ambassadors to be part of.
Q: How can I download the Connect with Nature app?
A: You can download the app on the [App store] or on [Google Play]
Q: When will the Ambassador's be announced?
A: We've chosen a special day to celebrate our very first Ambassador's, the results will be announced on World Environment Day 2020 (June 5th)
Q: Do I need to take an off from School/University to do any of the activities?
A: We do not encourage missing a day of school or university, hence all our activities are done over weekends or late evening for everyone's convenience.
Q: Can I refer my siblings for the programme if I do not have 10 friends?
A: You certainly can. Its totally up to you on who you would like to refer as long as they fit the age limit and don't forget to include your name when registering.
Q: What if I can't complete all badges but still tick off the other steps, would I still be eligible?
A: Unfortunately to qualify for the ambassador programme, you would have to complete all steps. You have time until May 20th, 2020 to tick off all boxes.
Q: How do I refer my friends?
A: For referrals to count, you will need to ask your friends to mention your email (the one you used to register on the app) during the registration process. This is done under: how did you hear about us? > referred by a friend > (enter email)
Q: What should I include in my video?
A: Create a video or write an essay explaining why YOU should be one of our UAE Ambassadors for Nature (Thank us when you get famous), share it on social (we really like Instagram and Youtube, but it’s totally up to you), tag us, and send us an email with the link.
- The length of the video should not exceed 2 minutes
- Your entry will be judged on addressing the following areas in a creative and persuasive manner:
- What excites you about becoming a UAE Ambassador for Nature and what unique qualities will you bring with you to the role?
- Why does nature matter to you?
- All entries must be submitted in either English or Arabic
- Videos must be submitted made by 11.59pm on 22 April, 2020
- Upload your video on social media and tag us on Instagram or youtube
- Email your video or essay entry to us on [email protected]