The fourth international conservation workshop on endangered species of the Arabian peninsula will open today at the Arabian Wildlife Centre in Sharjah.
It is being organised by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in cooperation with the Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency. It will run until February 26.
The workshop is being organised under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
"This year's workshop will bring together experts to set up a programme of cooperation that will assist organisations to develop studies on endangered species of the Arabian peninsula. The workshop will also support the UAE's position on conserving endangered species," said Abdul Aziz Al Midfa, Director of the EPAA, during a press conference yesterday at the Breeding Centre in Sharjah.
Majid Al Mansouri, Director of ERWDA, said: "The workshop will help countries of the region to establish joint agreements on protecting endangered species and set up a cooperation strategy. It will also help organisations exchange views and develop studies."
Local and international scientists, field workers and decision makers will use their resources to plan and implement strategies to conserve wildlife and their habitats.
Delegates will come from the Arabian peninsula and Jordan. Experts from Europe and the U.S. will also attend.
Delegates will present status reports on the Arabian leopard, oryx, ibex, gazelle and antelope in the Arabian peninsula with an overview of activities during the past year and future action plan. Yemeni representatives will also present their report.
A progress report on fresh water fish in Arabia including analysis of surveys and new discoveries and first results of captive breeding programmes at the breeding centre in Sharjah will be highlighted.
The Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife of the EPAA will propose a coordinative captive breeding and research project within the UAE and Oman.
Commenting on Cites, Al Mansouri said the UAE's compliance with the convention has witnessed remarkable progress after authorities took tighter measures to check the trade in endangered species. "Still, regional cooperation is much needed to meet the convention's clauses.
"Beginning with this workshop, we intend to first bring together local organisations, promote public awareness and step up regional cooperation, especially among non-Cites members. This will ensure conservation of wildlife, especially endangered species."
Al Mansouri said the authorities will continue to exert all effort in this sphere by ensuring rules are adhered to, passing legislation and upgrading facilities.
Gulf News 2003
