The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) announced that it has completed preparations for the 21^st Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabian Biodiversity (SICFAB), which will be held at Desert Park from February 3th to 6th. With the participation of more than 130 environmental experts, researchers and specialists from 24 countries around the world, SICFAB will address several important topics, complementing topics presented in previous sessions.

This year, SICFAB will include a broad introduction to marine and coastal management that covers coral, turtles, sharks, marine mammals, mangroves and seaweed as well as topical problems facing these ecosystems, such as fisheries, aquaculture, pollution, plastic, oil spills and climate change. The veterinary theme reflects SICFAB’s overall theme by addressing regional issues that affect marine mammals, sea turtles and seabirds, and animals’ health issues as a result of oil spills, boat strikes, plastic pollution and heavy metals.

HE Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA Chairperson, said, “When we look back on twenty-one years of work, we remember that this concept was once a dream for us. The vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, inspired us to establish SICFAB, a unique forum.”

Mrs Al Suwaidi added, “In a matter of days, more than 130 researchers, experts and specialists in the environment and the conservation of biodiversity will meet at the 21^st SICFAB, which has created a paradigm shift in the environmental field in Sharjah but also at regional and global levels.”

She added, “SICFAB will include sessions, lectures, seminars and discussions on various key topics with the participation of experts, specialists and researchers from around the world. Their participation adds value to SICFAB, which EPAA is keen to organise each year in line with the vision and directives of HH the Ruler of Sharjah, who continues to support EPAA and our efforts to emphasise the importance of protecting the environment and conserving biodiversity.”

Mrs Al Suwaidi pointed out that Sharjah has a wealth of experience in terms of the environment and the conservation of biodiversity. The Emirate is proactive with regards to providing opportunities to review environmental issues and facilitate consultations, discussions and the exchange of ideas and information to enhance awareness and find solutions that will help to advance international efforts in this area. With 21 years of work at SICFAB, Sharjah has created a large and important database of information about the species in the Arabian Peninsula and biodiversity. With its experiences, expertise and information, Sharjah has helped to add reptiles, birds, mammals and trees to the Red List of Threatened Species.

SICFAB is important because it provide an opportunity for experts and specialists from around the world to gather and exchange expertise, experiences and information, which helps to determine the status of nature in the UAE in particular and in the Arabian Peninsula, which is very biologically diverse, in general. SICFAB also helps with the development of plans to protect the wealth of biodiversity in the Arabian Peninsula.