Abu Dhabi eco body rehabilitates wildlife
ABU DHABI: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi ( EAD) has signed an official agreement with the largest aquarium in the Middle East, The National Aquarium, to help create the largest and one of the most innovative rehabilitation schemes of its kind to protect and rehabilitate wildlife in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. According to the agreement, both parties will be working closely together to conserve wildlife, specifically wild sea turtles, which will be rehabilitated within the aquarium.
The virtual signing ceremony was held between Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD and Fouad Mashal, CEO of Al Barakah International Investment, developer of Al Qana and The National Aquarium.
Furthermore, the five-year contract outlines how The National Aquarium will support EAD with some of its ongoing wildlife conservation programmes, the development of new awareness campaigns and unique educational experiences in the region.
The National Aquarium will also work with the agency in further research studies and gathering of data, while encouraging exciting internship opportunities for students of biology, ecology, and veterinary education.
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD’S Secretary General, said: “We are delighted to initiate this rehabilitation project, in collaboration with The National Aquarium. Having such facilities within the confines of Abu Dhabi will assist our continuous efforts to preserve wildlife in the emirate. By collaborating with The National Aquarium, we will be able to rehabilitate various wildlife species before releasing them into their natural habitats, while expanding our scientific studies.”
She added that sea turtles would be one of the main species that the project will focus on, and this agreement will add to the successful rehabilitation projects that have taken place over the years.