ABU DHABI // As the last of its kind in Abu Dhabi, the Dwarf Palm Tree now has an organisation that will ensure its survivability regardless of whether the sole specimen were to perish.
The Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD) is set to document and preserve plants through the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Plant Genetics Resources Centre in 2017.
The purpose of the centre is to collect and document native plants so that if any species became extinct in the wild it could be cultivated in captivity and reintroduced back to nature.
One plant in danger of extinction is the Dwarf Palm, or Nannorrhops ritchiana, of which only one exists in an undisclosed Abu Dhabi location.
The centre has taken precautions to preserve the tree in case it was to die.
Although the centre is not set to be complete for more than two years, the team behind the bank has already initiated conservation efforts by amassing seeds that will allow scientists to begin research on opening day.
“Some of these plant species are considered as natural resources for growing crops in different parts of the world, which increases their importance on a global scale as they constitute an essential plant genetic resource,” said Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri, EAD’s executive director of terrestrial and marine biodiversity sector.
Similar to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a Norwegian seed bank that collects spare copies of genes from banks around the world, the Abu Dhabi centre is aiming to gather seeds and tissue samples of all plants in the UAE.
“We need to conserve these native plant species and use them sustainably through the establishment of the ‘Gene Bank’ for plants genetic resources. In the long run, the project will also include direct and indirect economic returns,” said Ms Al Dhaheri.
As a secondary purpose, the centre will study plants for medicinal purposes, according to EAD representatives.
Ms Al Dhaheri said that recent studies conducted by the Ministry of Environment and Water, in collaboration with EAD, estimated that the plant species scattered across the UAE numbered 755 and belonged to 81 different families.
She said that more than half were found in Abu Dhabi.
In addition to the research facilities and seed bank, the centre will have an exhibition area where visitors can view scientists working in the lab through a glass window.
Razan Al Mubarak, EAD secretary general, said that the importance of the project could not be understated.
“It also enhances rehabilitation programmes and supports reintroduction programmes of endangered species,” she said.
With the UAE’s flora richness and diversity is considered as one of the key elements of national heritage and identity, Ms Al Mubarak said that the centre will aim to preserve that.
However, she warned the flora’s natural environment had become vulnerable with the possibility of degradation and loss due to the increasing population, urban development and desertification.
EAD is working on implementing the project in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London, which is providing technical and scientific support and consultations for the project’s design and preparation.
nalwasmi@thenational.ae
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
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All you need to know about Formula E in Saudi Arabia
What The Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix
When Saturday
Where Diriyah in Saudi Arabia
What time Qualifying takes place from 11.50am UAE time through until the Super Pole session, which is due to end at 12.55pm. The race, which will last for 45 minutes, starts at 4.05pm.
Who is competing There are 22 drivers, from 11 teams, on the grid, with each vehicle run solely on electronic power.
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One in nine do not have enough to eat
Created in 1961, the World Food Programme is pledged to fight hunger worldwide as well as providing emergency food assistance in a crisis.
One of the organisation’s goals is the Zero Hunger Pledge, adopted by the international community in 2015 as one of the 17 Sustainable Goals for Sustainable Development, to end world hunger by 2030.
The WFP, a branch of the United Nations, is funded by voluntary donations from governments, businesses and private donations.
Almost two thirds of its operations currently take place in conflict zones, where it is calculated that people are more than three times likely to suffer from malnutrition than in peaceful countries.
It is currently estimated that one in nine people globally do not have enough to eat.
On any one day, the WFP estimates that it has 5,000 lorries, 20 ships and 70 aircraft on the move.
Outside emergencies, the WFP provides school meals to up to 25 million children in 63 countries, while working with communities to improve nutrition. Where possible, it buys supplies from developing countries to cut down transport cost and boost local economies.
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Company name: NutriCal
Started: 2019
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Industry: Food Technology
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Torque: 220Nm @ 1,480rpm (Cooper) / 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (Cooper S)
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 4.8L to 5.4L / 100km
Where to buy
Limited-edition art prints of The Sofa Series: Sultani can be acquired from Reem El Mutwalli at www.reemelmutwalli.com
Day 3, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Just three balls remained in an exhausting day for Sri Lanka’s bowlers when they were afforded some belated cheer. Nuwan Pradeep, unrewarded in 15 overs to that point, let slip a seemingly innocuous delivery down the legside. Babar Azam feathered it behind, and Niroshan Dickwella dived to make a fine catch.
Stat of the day - 2.56 Shan Masood and Sami Aslam are the 16th opening partnership Pakistan have had in Tests in the past five years. That turnover at the top of the order – a new pair every 2.56 Test matches on average – is by far the fastest rate among the leading Test sides. Masood and Aslam put on 114 in their first alliance in Abu Dhabi.
The verdict Even by the normal standards of Test cricket in the UAE, this has been slow going. Pakistan’s run-rate of 2.38 per over is the lowest they have managed in a Test match in this country. With just 14 wickets having fallen in three days so far, it is difficult to see 26 dropping to bring about a result over the next two.
