Biodiversity forum to be held next month
sharjah — The 19th edition of the Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabian Biodiversity will be held on February 5-8.
The forum will bring together experts, scholars and researchers from the world over, to highlight and discuss issues relating to Arabian biodiversity and conservation.
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), said: “The importance of this event is reflected in the high calibre of participating delegates and scientists. This adds great value to the work of the EPAA, which is in line with the directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
“The forum is now a leading platform in the region for bringing together experts and specialists in order to enhance knowledge and exchange information to further the cause of environmental protection and conservation.”
The 2018 forum will cover three parallel themes: the ‘classification theme’ to examine the Regional Red List of trees in the Arabian Peninsula; the ‘protected areas’ theme to introduce the IUCNs Global Standard for the Identification of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) and the ‘veterinary theme’ to discuss inhouse diagnostics.
Al Suwaidi said that Dr Sheikh Sultan offers unlimited support for environmental conservation issues, and prioritises the protection of indigenous species in order to safeguard the UAE’s natural resources and biodiversity.
“This is the EPAA’s main purpose and the forum is an opportunity to further this cause. As our signature event, it seeks to achieve regional benchmarks in conservation and biodiversity while promoting scientific research, documentation of endangered species and greater collaboration globally,” she added.
The forum will provide international researchers with the opportunity to network and enhance knowledge about local biodiversity and conservation challenges while also forging breakthroughs, in order to accelerate efforts and facilitate innovative solutions to address local and regional challenges.
This is an ideal platform, aligned to the country’s objectives, to promote environmental awareness and protect endangered species and support the local and regional environment.
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