Latest news with #SharjahStrandingsResponseProgram
Sharjah 24
27-03-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
EPAA releases 46 seabirds as part of SSRP
A Sustainable Environmental Vision Reinforced by Dedicated Efforts Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, stated: 'This release marks a culmination of the dedicated efforts made by EPAA's specialized teams, who have successfully rescued more than 60 injured seabirds along Sharjah's coasts since the beginning of this year. These birds were examined, treated, and rehabilitated by our veterinary team before being released back into their natural environment. Earlier in March, the EPAA also released nine rehabilitated seabirds along the eastern coast of Sharjah, reflecting the comprehensive and integrated scope of our conservation work across the emirate of Sharjah." She further emphasized that the Sharjah Strandings Response Program stands as one of the EPAA's most significant environmental initiatives, reflecting its deep commitment to preserving wildlife and biodiversity in Sharjah. The program represents an advanced system focused on monitoring injured marine species, providing them with expert veterinary care, rehabilitating them, and releasing them in accordance with international best practices. "The release of these rehabilitated seabirds is a direct result of the tireless efforts of our expert teams, and it reflects our strategic vision for a sustainable environment," Al Suwaidi added. 'This program reinforces Sharjah's status as a leading regional hub for the protection and preservation of wildlife. We continue to expand our efforts by enhancing monitoring tools, supporting scientific research, and strengthening public awareness, positioning the EPAA as a reliable reference for environmental and wildlife data in the emirate of Sharjah.' Ongoing Monitoring and Awareness Initiatives Along Sharjah's Coastline Through this program, EPAA continues to implement extensive monitoring, research, and observation efforts across Sharjah's coastlines. In parallel, the EPAA launches targeted awareness initiatives aimed at increasing public understanding of the importance of marine conservation and protecting the species that inhabit these ecosystems. Preserving a Sustainable Natural Ecosystem in Sharjah The Sharjah Strandings Response Program is designed to deliver effective interventions in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine species—including marine reptiles, mammals, and seabirds—to ensure the preservation of a sustainable natural ecosystem in Sharjah. Additionally, the program includes the study of diseases and epidemics affecting marine life, analysis of causes of death, assessment of pollutant impact, and evaluation of potential risks to human health and regional food security.
Sharjah 24
06-02-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Final day of SICFAB celebrates species assessment results
Over four days, the forum featured a series of insightful panel discussions, presentations of scientific research and university student projects, and a comprehensive reassessment of Arabian reptiles that were last evaluated in 2012. This reassessment covered all amphibian species and freshwater turtles in the region, supporting future conservation efforts in the Arabian Peninsula and addressing critical biodiversity challenges. The forum also highlighted the role of the Sharjah Strandings Response Program, explored capacity-building programs in environmental sciences, conducted specialised technical training, and included a field visit to Sharjah Safari to examine ongoing conservation initiatives. Strengthening research efforts and enhancing regional and international cooperation Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), emphasised that the SCI successfully achieved its goals in raising environmental awareness, supporting research initiatives, and reinforcing regional and international collaboration in the Arabian Peninsula. "At EPAA, we believe in the importance of scientific dialogue and collaborative efforts to achieve environmental sustainability. Over the years, this forum has become a global platform bringing together experts to exchange knowledge, explore best practices, and address pressing environmental challenges. This year's edition was particularly distinguished by its focus on reassessing reptiles and amphibians in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as highlighting marine life conservation, including discussions on protecting endangered species and presenting pioneering research on biodiversity. Additionally, the forum provided an opportunity for university students to showcase their research projects, reinforcing the role of youth in shaping the future of environmental sustainability," Al Suwaidi stated. She further emphasised that the SICFAB's findings and recommendations will help chart a clear roadmap for the coming years, strengthening environmental efforts and fostering research collaboration between academic institutions and relevant organisations. She reaffirmed Sharjah's commitment to environmental leadership under the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has made environmental sustainability a core pillar of the Sharjah's development strategy. Completion of red list assessments On the final day of the forum, the Red List Assessment Group announced the completion of evaluations for 46 widespread species, including snakes, lizards, and amphibians. The session also marked a significant milestone with the formation of an active regional working group of reptile scientists. This newly established group will be responsible for maintaining a comprehensive species database, developing action plans for priority species, and strengthening regional cooperation, representing a key outcome of the species assessments and a stepping stone toward future conservation successes. Final marine research session The closing sessions of the fourth day featured a specialised discussion on marine research, focusing on dugong post-mortem examination techniques and ethical euthanasia protocols for marine mammals in critical cases. The session also presented regional research on toxins affecting cetacean species, highlighting opportunities to expand this crucial area of study. The discussions concluded with a collaborative dialogue on enhancing stranding networks and identifying solutions to current conservation challenges. The final report highlighted the progress made in species assessment and marine conservation strategies. Additionally, awards were presented for the best student research presentations and projects, recognising the next generation of environmental conservation experts. Honorees included Ateah Alfakih from Al Baha University, Saudi Arabia, for his project on Colouration-based behaviour in the Arabian killifish, and Caroline Vieira from the Federal university of Minas Gerais, Brazil, for her research on Highly pleomorphic semen in captive Gyrfalcons.
