The 21^st Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabian Biodiversity (SICFAB), which is organised by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) and held in Desert Park, started yesterday morning with the participation of 158 experts, specialists, researchers and academics from 14 countries. The Forum will continue until February 6th.

Over the course of four days, the participants will discuss several important topics including a broad introduction to marine and coastal management of species of coral, turtles, sharks, marine mammals, al gurm and seaweed. Participants will also cover topical problems facing these ecosystems such as fisheries, aquaculture, pollution, plastic, oil spills and climate change. The veterinary topic, which will reflect SICFAB’s theme, covers regional issues related to marine mammals, sea turtles and seabirds and concerns about animals’ health due to the effects of oil spills, boat strikes, plastic pollution and heavy metals.

HE Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA Chairperson, said, “We are pleased to launch the 21^st SICFAB, which is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has great insight into the environment and sustainability and whose continued support for our work plays a very important role in the achievement of the highest levels of success and excellence. EPAA relies on His Highness’ insights and directives when developing plans and strategies; they guide the accomplishment of our goals in terms of the preservation of the environment, and educating the public about the environment’s importance and status and the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development.”

Mrs Al Suwaidi pointed out that the experts, specialists and researchers participating in SICFAB this year will exchange their experiences, suggestions, ideas and expertise in terms of the environment and its preservation with Sharjah. SICFAB’s main objective is to contribute to the development of strategies and action plans to protect endangered species in the Arab region.

She explained that SICFAB’s full programme of events and activities includes 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 annually based on the vision and directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and his continued support for an environment free of threats to species in line with EPAA’s efforts to emphasise the importance of protecting the environment and conserving biodiversity.

Sharjah has unique and innovative experience in terms of dealing with the environment and finding ways to preserve it and conserve biodiversity. Sharjah is proactive, doing everything possible to provide an opportunity to review environmental issues and to encourage consultations, discussions and the exchange of ideas and information in order to enhance awareness and knowledge about biodiversity and develop solutions to advance international efforts in this field.

An important gathering of experts and specialists from around the world, SICFAB is an opportunity to share ideas, information and experiences. It is also an opportunity to present suggestions and initiatives that will help to conserve biodiversity, preserve the environment and help in the identification of the status of nature in the UAE in particular and in the Arabian Peninsula in general, which has great biodiversity. The Forum also helps with the organisation of various plans to protect the wealth of biodiversity in the Arabian Peninsula.