UAE's marine protected areas serve as safe haven for iconic sea turtles
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)Reaffirming the UAE's leadership in marine biodiversity preservation, particularly sea turtle conservation, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has established 16 marine protected areas (MPAs) in the country.The total protected area cover in the country accounts for 18.4% of its terrestrial territory and 12.01% of its marine territory, said Hiba Obaid Al Shehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector at MOCCAE, in an interview with Aletihad.This marks a 15.53% increase in the size of protected areas in 2020 from 15.07% in 2019, she added.These protected zones are instrumental in shielding fragile ecosystems from human disturbances such as fishing, boating and pollution, all of which pose significant threats to sea turtles."Marine Protected Areas serve as vital sanctuaries for marine turtles," said Al Shehhi. "They safeguard nesting beaches, protect essential food sources like seagrass beds, and provide a safe haven from threats like poaching and trawling."The UAE is home to five of the seven existing sea turtle species, with hawksbill and green turtles known to nest on its shores.MPAs have contributed to a measurable increase in turtle populations by effectively conserving nesting sites and minimising human impact on critical habitats, according to Al Shehhi.Supporting these efforts is the UAE's National Biodiversity Strategy 2031, a comprehensive framework aimed at assessing, conserving, and restoring the nation's biodiversity. The strategy's goals include rehabilitating 80% of degraded land and marine areas and improving the status of endangered native species by 10%.Underpinning this initiative is a multi-tier legislative framework that protects marine turtle species at both federal and emirate levels. The UAE has also launched a National Red List covering over 304 marine species, including dugongs and sea turtles, to provide a data-driven approach to conservation."The strategy is not only about preservation but also about sustainable utilisation and research-driven innovation," said Al Shehhi. "It aims to ensure a balance between environmental sustainability and economic development."Marine turtles face mounting threats, including habitat loss due to coastal development, entanglement in fishing gear, plastic pollution, and climate change. Warming seas and increasing marine debris-particularly ghost nets and plastics-pose serious risks to turtle populations.To address these challenges, MOCCAE has launched the National Plan for the Conservation of Sea Turtles. The plan focuses on reducing mortality, enhancing habitat protection, improving research and data sharing, and raising public awareness. It also aims to build national capacity by providing training, advanced monitoring tools, and technologies for conservation stakeholders.The UAE's commitment to marine turtle conservation extends beyond its borders. The nation is a signatory to the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia (IOSEA) memorandum of understanding for the conservation and management of marine turtles. Within this framework, sites like Bu Tinah Island, Sir Bu Na'ir, and Al Qurm Protected Areas are internationally recognised for their ecological importance.The UAE is also a founding Middle Eastern member of the Global Ocean Alliance, pledging to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. It has joined the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People and is actively contributing to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)."These international collaborations highlight the UAE's proactive role in global conservation efforts," Al Shehhi stated. "We are not only conserving marine turtles within our waters but also contributing to their protection on a global scale."With a high Ocean Health Index score of 80 - well above the global average of 69 - the UAE continues to lead by example in marine conservation.
The COP28 Joint Statement on Climate, Nature, and People further reinforces the country's commitment to aligning climate and biodiversity goals, she added.
Source: AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI
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