Sharjah EPAA launches 18th Sharjah International Conservation Forum

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority, EPAA, has announced the 18th Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabian Biodiversity, previously known as the International Conservation Workshop for Arabia’s Biodiversity, at the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife in Sharjah from the 6th to 9th February, 2017.

The event will be held under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

The four-day forum will be attended by a number of international and regional experts with the objective of collaborating to assess the current status of endangered species on the Arabian Peninsula, biodiversity conservation, and capacity building.

This year, the diverse programme of events will be underpinned by four overlapping themes, including the Taxonomic Theme, focusing on a Regional Red List assessment of the trees and Aloes of the Arabian Peninsula, the Protected Areas Theme, working from the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tools assessments carried out for a selected number of protected areas in 2008, and the Veterinary theme, which will focus on nutritional and endo-parasite management in ruminants.

A vulture multi-species action plan will also be held under the Convention on Migratory Species, CMS, Raptors Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia.

Commenting on the forum, Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Area Authority in Sharjah, said, "We are delighted to be launching the International Conservation Forum for Arabian Biodiversity. Now in its eighteenth year, the programme has emerged as an intrinsic component of Sharjah’s continued efforts to conserve natural resources and raise environmental awareness. The workshop facilitates an open exchange of expertise and promotes a deeper understanding in relation to the conservation of natural resources unique to the region. It creates a conversation around sustainable development which ultimately drives progress."

Last year’s workshop saw considerable positive change and advancement in the development of the protected area network in Sharjah. A regional IUCN Red List assessment of all the terrestrial mammals, excluding bats, was conducted, identifying threatened and critically endangered mammals.

"The forum is pioneering in its efforts, and the progress made last year is testament to this. Attendees assessed the status of all marine mammals, including whales, dolphins and dugong, of the Arabian Region, a process which had never been completed before. As a result of this, conservation measures were recommended and put in place," Al Suwaidi added.

The programme promises to be highly interactive and participants are requested to submit any recent publications or relevant reports related to their field.