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Sharjah has succeeded in the first experiment to breed the Arabian Kingfisher bird
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The emirate has explored the first nesting of olive Ridley sea turtles in the mangrove reserve of Kalba
Sharjah has taken steps in environmental protection and preservation of its biological diversity, Hana Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), said on the occasion of the World Environment Day on June 5.
The emirate, she said, has made qualitative leaps in the field of the environment, through the establishment of natural reserves, the launch of various environmental projects and initiatives, and the support of studies that suggest ways of preserving environmental diversity and finding radical solutions to protect the animal and plant cover.
Highlighting the achievements of the EPAA in recent years, Al Suwaidi said that Sharjah is keen to protect and breed the traditional wildlife of the Arabian Peninsula region, including the Arabian leopard, the Arabian Oryx, the Reem gazelle, the Arab tahr, the Egyptian eagle and other endangered animals.
Over the past few years, Sharjah has succeeded in the first experiment to breed the Arabian Kingfisher bird, and to explore the first nesting of olive Ridley sea turtles in the mangrove reserve of Kalba, which is the first nesting of this species in the UAE.
The Emirate has also initiated the study of the nesting of hawksbill turtles in the Sir Bu Na’ir Island. The Emirate has also completed work on the coral reef cultivation project on Sir Bu Nair Island and Hamriyah Coast.
Sharjah is home to as many as 15 nature reserves, including two marine reserves and 13 land reserves. Earlier this year, supreme council member and ruler of Sharjah Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, inaugurated the Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre. Al Buhais Geological Park and Al Dhaid Wildlife Centre were opened in 2020.
“Sharjah has registered many achievements in the field of protecting biological diversity, and has launched many research studies and projects to preserve its ecosystems,” Al Suwaidi said. “The Ruler of Sharjah has been keen to protect and preserve the emirate’s environment, biodiversity and wildlife and check its erosion.”