Advancing Environmental Conservation for Future Generations at Middlesex University Dubai

Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai hosted a symposium on Wednesday 21 November, with the title and aim of Advancing Environmental Conservation for Future Generations.

The event provided a platform for discussions focused on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and conservation. Faculty, students, and industry leaders gathered to hear the keynote addresses, panel discussions, and visions for the future of environmental preservation.

The symposium included distinguished speakers Dr Waleed Shaaban, CEO of Emirates Park Zoo & Resort; Dr Mike Cheetham, Sustainability Manager at Hotpack Global; Marsenia Trinanda Haris, Manager of Education, Conservation, and Research at Emirates Park Zoo & Resort; and Andrew Mackenzie, Senior Lecturer and Head of the Institute for Sustainable Development, MDX Dubai.

These leaders shared their expertise on how businesses and institutions can drive sustainability through actionable strategies, including reducing carbon footprints and championing environmental awareness. 

The event, organised by Sony Sreejith, Business Lecturer, MDX Dubai and Mahnoush Gharehdash, Supply Chain Management Lecturer, MDX Dubai, was another benefit of the Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) MDX Dubai has with Hotpack Global and Emirates Park Zoo & Resort. These partnerships strengthen the university’s commitment to sustainability and conservation awareness, benefiting students and faculty by providing real-world insights.

This symposium marked the university’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of environmental responsibility. It was an opportunity for students to engage directly with industry leaders and gain a deeper understanding of how they can contribute to global sustainability efforts. 

The event also saw the launch of the Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation Club by the student body. The club aims to bridge academic and practical knowledge through activities such as field visits, workshops with ecological experts, and real-world conservation projects, where students can gain hands-on experience with the tools and frameworks used in biodiversity reporting.

Professor Cedwyn Fernandes Pro-Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University and Director of Middlesex University Dubai said: “The choices we make today will shape the future. Sustainability and conservation are no longer optional, they are critical for building a better future.

“It is high time we act together to protect and conserve our natural environment, whether it is wildlife, minerals, land, or any other natural resource. Preserving them is not about sacrifice, it is about creating a lasting impact for those who come after us."

Professor Cody Morris Paris, Deputy Director of Research and Business, MDX Dubai, said: "Events like this symposium are more than just gatherings, they drive lasting change by developing a sustainability mindset. By connecting students, industry leaders, and academics, we turn the collective knowledge into action and create a shared path toward a sustainable future”

MDX Dubai remains committed to its mission of nurturing environmental stewardship, innovation, and sustainability. The university offers an MA in Global Governance and Sustainable Development. 
There are places available to start on this course in January – apply now.