ID :
211327
Wed, 10/05/2011 - 12:43
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/211327
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Sea Turtle Conservation is tantamount to preservation of UAE's National Identity, Secretary General EAD
Abu Dhabi, Oct 5, 2011 (WAM) - Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary General of Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), has said that conservation programmes such as EAD's Sea Turtle Conservation programme are intrinsically linked to sustainable development and preserving cultural identity.
"Our marine environment is a treasured part of our heritage, our past, our present and our future. It also holds an emotional value to us. By studying, monitoring and protecting marine endangered species, we are helping to preserve a key part of Abu Dhabi's natural heritage for current and future generations," he said last night.
"Turtles and their habitats are key indicators of the health of our environment, which must be protected to ensure the sustainable development of our Emirate. Our environment provides us with the natural resources needed to ensure the well-being of our community, now and in the future, and must therefore be well-managed and protected," Al Mubarak added.
EAD's Sea Turtle Conservation Programme was initiated in 1999. Aerial and field survey findings indicate that about 5,750 sea turtles inhabit Abu Dhabi waters during the winter season and 6,900 during the summer season.
Thabit Al Abdessalaam, Director of Biodiversity Management Sector, said: "Sea turtles have swum the Earth's oceans for over 110 million years. They are among the most highly migratory animals on Earth and they are great indicators for the condition of our marine environments. This is why EAD and its partners have been studying and monitoring these endangered species since 1999. The research we have compiled so far has helped us identify important foraging areas for conservation.
"Raising awareness about these species is a priority for us and we are doing this through The Environment Show with Ask Ali' series, which will be available to the community at the Bu Tinah Experience dome and via our YouTube channel," said Khansa Al Blouki, Assistant Manager, Campaign Departments.
Of the seven species of marine turtles in the world, two predominantly occur in Abu Dhabi's waters: the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the endangered Green turtle (Cheloniamydas mydas). Worldwide, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List classifies the Hawksbill turtle as critically endangered.
Visitors to the Bu Tinah Experience dome on the Abu Dhabi Corniche from September 30 until November 13 can get a closer look at live turtles. The dome gives visitors a glimpse into what makes Bu Tinah Island and its species so unique. It is open every day from 10 am - 10 pm (2 pm - 10 pm on Fridays) and entrance is free for all.
Last night, Dr. Daniel Wani, Southern Sudan Undersecretary for Wildlife, Conservation and Tourism visited the Bu Tinah Experience Dome and voted via SMS in a bid to support the campaign. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
"Our marine environment is a treasured part of our heritage, our past, our present and our future. It also holds an emotional value to us. By studying, monitoring and protecting marine endangered species, we are helping to preserve a key part of Abu Dhabi's natural heritage for current and future generations," he said last night.
"Turtles and their habitats are key indicators of the health of our environment, which must be protected to ensure the sustainable development of our Emirate. Our environment provides us with the natural resources needed to ensure the well-being of our community, now and in the future, and must therefore be well-managed and protected," Al Mubarak added.
EAD's Sea Turtle Conservation Programme was initiated in 1999. Aerial and field survey findings indicate that about 5,750 sea turtles inhabit Abu Dhabi waters during the winter season and 6,900 during the summer season.
Thabit Al Abdessalaam, Director of Biodiversity Management Sector, said: "Sea turtles have swum the Earth's oceans for over 110 million years. They are among the most highly migratory animals on Earth and they are great indicators for the condition of our marine environments. This is why EAD and its partners have been studying and monitoring these endangered species since 1999. The research we have compiled so far has helped us identify important foraging areas for conservation.
"Raising awareness about these species is a priority for us and we are doing this through The Environment Show with Ask Ali' series, which will be available to the community at the Bu Tinah Experience dome and via our YouTube channel," said Khansa Al Blouki, Assistant Manager, Campaign Departments.
Of the seven species of marine turtles in the world, two predominantly occur in Abu Dhabi's waters: the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the endangered Green turtle (Cheloniamydas mydas). Worldwide, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List classifies the Hawksbill turtle as critically endangered.
Visitors to the Bu Tinah Experience dome on the Abu Dhabi Corniche from September 30 until November 13 can get a closer look at live turtles. The dome gives visitors a glimpse into what makes Bu Tinah Island and its species so unique. It is open every day from 10 am - 10 pm (2 pm - 10 pm on Fridays) and entrance is free for all.
Last night, Dr. Daniel Wani, Southern Sudan Undersecretary for Wildlife, Conservation and Tourism visited the Bu Tinah Experience Dome and voted via SMS in a bid to support the campaign. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
