Environment Agency launches Dugong Education Campaign

Abu Dhabi (WAM): The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, EAD, in partnership with Total and Total Abu Al Bukhoosh (ABK), yesterday launched the Dugong Education and Awareness campaign at Al Mamoura Auditorium, at EAD’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The campaigns aims to raise awareness on the current threats that affect the dugong population found in Abu Dhabi, and how to provide the dugongs with a safe haven to live and breed. Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Ahmed Baharoon, EAD’s Executive Director, Environmental Information, Science and Outreach Management on behalf of Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary-General of EAD, said, "Through this campaign, we aim to raise environmental awareness and educate the community on the importance of protecting the dugongs, as the U.A.E. waters are home to the second-largest population of this species in the world. Through the support of Total and Total ABK, EAD is successfully implementing its Dugong Conservation Programme, enabling the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to provide a safe haven for this migrating species and making the U.A.E. for a leader in global dugong conservational efforts." Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity at EAD, commented, "Since 1999, EAD, Total, and Total ABK, have collaborated in conducting detailed studies on the local dugong population. These studies have provided our teams with the data that helps us better understand the behaviour and threats against the dugong population. Dugongs are an endangered species and could be threatened with extinction unless we conserve their habitat and prevent human interference." Hatem Nuseibeh, President Total E&P U.A.E. and Group Representative, commented, "Total U.A.E. and Total Abu Al Bukhoosh are proud to be an ardent supporter of EAD’s dugong conservation programme by exclusively sponsoring since its launch in 1999. Thanks to EAD’s efforts, today Abu Dhabi is a leader of international repute hosting the Dugong Secretariat of Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) under United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Since 1939, Total has established a solid partnership with the authorities and people of the U.A.E. by sharing technology and innovation, environment protection, capacity building of Emiratis and aligning with the vision of the wise leadership of the U.A.E.. We have an unwavering commitment for the benefit of the U.A.E.." Sultan Al Hajji, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Total E&P U.A.E., said, "Both Total and Total ABK as responsible energy companies, contributing to the welfare of the host country in all aspects including environment conservation. Under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, and the guidance of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the U.A.E. Armed Forces, Total U.A.E. and Total Abu Al Bukhoosh demonstrate their solidarity by partnering with EAD in the noble cause of preserving the delicate biodiversity of the Emirates. This is one of the ways of expressing our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the U.A.E.." – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395271122465.html