Founded in 1999 by UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Zayed International Foundation for the Environment is meant to recognize and encourage environmental achievements supporting and promoting the implementation of Agenda 21, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Johannesburg Plan of Implementation for Sustainable Development, Outcomes of Rio+20 and the Sustainable Development Goals in line with the vision and philosophy of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.