Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabia’s Biodiversity

Over 160 experts, scientists and speakers from around the world discussed the status of endangered species in the Arabian Peninsula, at the 18th Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabia’s Biodiversity, SICFAB, which concluded on Thursday.

The four-day forum, hosted by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, EPAA, from February 6th to 9th, discussed cooperation between regional and international bodies, and provided information and analyses on the status, trends and threats to species in order to inform and catalyse action for biodiversity conservation.

The participants of the forum, hosted under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, also toured Al Hefaiyah Conservation Centre and Kalba Bird of Prey Centre.

Located outside Kalba City in Sharjah, the Al Hefaiyah Centre was opened by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, in an effort to protect native species. Spearheaded by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, EPAA, the centre aims to protect endangered animals found in the UAE’s diverse mountain environment, as well as the natural landscape, to protect threatened mountain species in the UAE and encourage breeding.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the EPAA in Sharjah, said, "Both Al Hefaiyah Conservation Centre and Kalba Bird of Prey Centre come in line with H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi’s vision to offer a suitable environment for endangered animals and to ensure their sustainability and existence for future generations. They provide a habitable and safe place for the wild animals and birds, reflecting Sharjah’s and the EPAA’s commitment to protecting endangered species in the UAE that are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and encouraging them to breed."

Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre specialises in habitat preservation and restoration, education, rehabilitation, and captive breeding and research. Spread over 12 square kilometres, it hosts thirty different mountain species including the Arabian Tahr, Wolf and Caracal, taking into account the delicate ecosystem of each. The centre is also home to the Arabian leopard, a critically endangered animal, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

The visit included a bird show at the Kalba Bird of Prey Centre. Through a live demonstration, visitors were introduced to a host of native raptor species, highlighting the importance of the landscape and its importance to the population of both resident and migrating wild raptors.