The Environment and Protected Area Authority’s (EPAA) centres received 604,784 visitors last year, including 117,535 visitors at the Children’s Farm, 158,419 at Sharjah Natural History & Botanical Museum and 213,905 visitors at the Arabian Wildlife Centre. The Islamic Botanical Garden received 62,478 visitors and Wasit Wetland Centre was visited by 26,897 people. Kalba Bird of Prey Centre received 9,373 visitors, while Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre had 16,177. In addition to the quality information they provide, EPAA’s centres attract large numbers of visitors throughout the year with a variety of programmes, activities and events.

HE Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA Chairperson, said, “Through its various centres, activities and programmes, EPAA plays an important role in raising residents, visitors and community members’ awareness about the environment and eco-tourism, which is popular around the globe. EPAA’s centres are fun ecotourism destinations for adults and children.”

Mrs Al Suwaidi explained that EPAA and its centres provide a variety of appealing and useful programmes year-round, which helps to increase turnout. Established in 1995 to protect local wildlife, the Desert Park has developed into a scientific, cultural and entertainment complex that includes the Arabian Wildlife Centre, which was opened in 1999 by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. With a wealth of information about the environment and a range of programmes, activities and events, this is an ideal destination for family picnics and entertainment, a place for learning, recreation and activities, and an opportunity to connect with nature.

Sharjah Natural History & Botanical Museum takes visitors on an enjoyable journey through the ages to learn about dinosaurs and the beauty, diversity and evolution of plants. The Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife is a centre for scientific research and studies that aim to conserve biodiversity in the Arabian Peninsula. Visitors have the opportunity to learn at and enjoy the Islamic Botanical Garden, which encourages reflection on Quranic verses and connects plants that are mentioned in the Holy Quran to modern science. The Children’s Farm, a diverse environmental, educational and recreational park for families and students, offers people the opportunity to explore and gain knowledge.

EPAA’s Learning Centres, which include Wasit Wetland Centre, Kalba Bird of Prey Centre and Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre, provide a unique scientific experience with educational and recreational complexes for leisure, pleasure and learning. Visitors enjoy educational tours through the various sections at these centres, which provide an opportunity to learn about the natural sciences and desert ecosystems.

With activities, programmes, events and initiatives, EPAA’s centres play an educational role, emphasising the importance of individual and community engagement and interaction and preserving the environment. Each of EPAA’s centres is considered an environmental, national, cultural and civic treasure.