UAE signs up for migratory species convention

ABU DHABI // The UAE has signed the Convention on Migratory Species that will see the country build on its work in animal conservation at a global level.

“The UAE has a rich diversity of marine and avian fauna. The country’s long coastline boasts an abundance of marine wildlife, such dugongs, whales, dolphins, marine turtles and sharks, and provides resting and foraging grounds for migratory birds on the Eurasian and Central Asian flyways, with migratory falcons playing an integral part of our national cultural heritage,” said Dr Bradnee Chambers, executive secretary of the convention.

The UAE, a party to various animal conservation agreements including CITES, is currently implementing the UAE National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, 2014-2020.

“We, and our future generations, are defined by the environments in which we live. The conservation of our environment at a time of growth and global climate change is the bedrock of a strong and prosperous economy and society, while also providing an important link to our UAE heritage,” said Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, secretary-general of Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, added: “For many years we have been amassing technical expertise and data on the status of migratory and resident species populations in the UAE and using this information to develop appropriate protection and management strategies.”