Hunting and equestrian show opens this week

The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) will participate in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex), which will be held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of EAD and Chairman of Emirates Falconers’ Club. The high-profile event, which runs from September 5-8 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (Adnec), is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and will feature many festivities and live performances such as an equestrian show, a falcon and saluki beauty contest, a camel auction, art competitions and traditional hunting activities. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase the latest camping, hunting, equestrian, outdoor and marine sports equipment, as well as taking in the sights of a designated heritage area highlighting deep-rooted traditions of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. By participating at Adihex 2012, EAD will raise awareness about Abu Dhabi’s natural heritage, including its endangered terrestrial and marine species. It will also stress the need to protect the emirate’s natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, secretary general of EAD, said “This annual event provides us with a platform to interact with the community and highlight the Abu Dhabi government’s efforts to achieve the long-term conservation of biodiversity. “Participating at Adihex will give us the chance to highlight how the conservation of our environment and our indigenous species helps protect our natural heritage. It will also help us raise awareness about our role in establishing and managing terrestrial and marine protected areas in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.” EAD routinely monitors and surveys habitats and species in Abu Dhabi and uses this information for the success of its conservation efforts. One important element of its conservation efforts is the development of a comprehensive network of protected areas to safeguard habitats and species. Currently, designated protected areas cover more than 11 per cent of Abu Dhabi Emirate’s total territorial area (land and sea). This includes Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, the Arabian Oryx Protected Area and Baynunah Protected Area (for conserving the houbara). “Abu Dhabi’s protected areas provide a safe environment for wildlife and have enabled the successful breeding and reintroduction of several species,” said Al Mubarak. “For example, the Greater Flamingo is flourishing in the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and the Arabian oryx — once extinct in the wild — has been successfully reintroduced into the Arabian Oryx Protected Area. Abu Dhabi supports a population of approximately 3,000 dugongs, 80 per cent of which inhabit the waters around Bu Tinah Island, part of the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve.” At its stand, EAD will also feature the data collection survey which was launched recently to update previously collected information and to promote a more detailed and comprehensive inventory of the emirate’s terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystems. This survey, which will establish a baseline that will act as the start of long-term monitoring of terrestrial biodiversity and habitats, will enable the agency to assess the health of the terrestrial biodiversity and the effectiveness of regulations. The survey will also provide EAD with tools to ensure that environmental impacts are fully considered and will also help the agency to understand how environmental change, human disturbance and invasive species are impacting the distribution and abundance of native species. During this event, visitors will be encouraged to contribute to the survey as volunteers.