Organised by Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), the 21st Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabian Biodiversity (SICFAB), which begins on February 3rd, will address several important topics over a period of four days at the Desert Park. SICFAB will include an introduction to marine and coastal management covering coral, turtles, sharks, marine mammals, mangroves and seaweed.

The Forum will also discuss current threats to these environments, including fisheries, aquaculture, pollution, plastic, oil spills and climate change. The veterinary theme will cover issues related to the region’s marine mammals, turtles and seabirds and include discussions about animals’ health issues as a result of oil spills, boat strikes, plastic pollution and heavy metals.

HE Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA Chairperson, said, “For 21 years, we have been committed to organising the Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabian Biodiversity with the support of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Experts and researchers from around the world will gather in Sharjah to exchange experiences and discuss proposals, ideas and initiatives that will contribute to the achievement of the Forum’s goals.”

Mrs Al Suwaidi explained that Sharjah has a wealth of experience in terms of the environment and the conservation of biological diversity. The Emirate is proactive, doing everything possible to provide opportunities to review environmental issues and facilitate consultations, discussions and the exchange of ideas and information in order to enhance awareness about biodiversity and find solutions that help to drive international efforts in this area.

Mrs Al Suwaidi pointed out that the Forum’s main objective is to contribute to the preparation and formulation of strategies and action plans that will protect endangered species in the Arab world based on the assessment and management of the plan developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) group, which specialises in the protection and breeding of animals.

Mrs Al Suwaidi said, “The Forum is an important gathering where experts and specialists from different countries can exchange experiences and information. It will help to enhance knowledge about the status of nature in the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula, which are biologically diverse. It will also contribute to the formulation of plans related to the protection of biodiversity in the Arabian Peninsula.”