Vote Campaign for Bu Tina Island as one of the World Natural 7 Wonders launched

Abu Dhabi, June 16, 2010 (WAM)- The Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Abu Dhabi has held a campaign in conjunction with Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi (EAD) to vote for Bu Tina Island to become one of the World Natural Seven Wonders.
The move follows the instructions of the Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Naturalisation, Residency and Ports Affairs on the need to boost partnership and cooperation with the EAD. It is also part of efforts to strengthen societal relations with the community at large.
The campaign targets officers, non commissioned officers, all personnel at the directorate.
Menhali said the vote for BU Tina is a national duty in which every Emirati and expatriate should take part to make it successful.
Earlier the campaign was launched by Col. Ibrahim Ali Al Sarkal, deputy director of the directorate in the presence of a number of officers.
Bu Tinah Island is one of the 28 official finalists for the "New7Wonders of Nature". Bu Tinah, 130km away from Abu Dhabi, is host to critical marine habitats containing internationally important species, as well as other charismatic wildlife. Seabirds such as the flamingo and the osprey, diverse species of dolphins, and the critically endangered turtles including hawksbills and greens can all be found in and around Bu Tinah.
The island's waters are also home to the planet's second-largest population of dugongs, a large marine mammal that is globally threatened.
Bu Tinah Island, rich in biodiversity, lies within the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve. The Biosphere reserve is the region's first and largest UNESCO-designated marine biosphere reserve. Closed to visitors, fishing and the collection of turtle eggs are prohibited on Bu Tinah Island. Its continued survival and protection must be ensured. – Emirates News Agency, WAM