AlQurm Protected Area in Sharjah Joins Indian Ocean’s IOSEA Marine Turtle MoU
Abu Dhabi [UAE], July 2 (ANI/WAM): The Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA) announced that the AlQurm Protected Area in Kalba City has joined the Indian Ocean’s South-East Asian (IOSEA) Marine Turtle memorandum of understanding (MoU). This makes it the second site in Sharjah, after Sir Bu Nair Island Reserve, to be recognized under this important international agreement. The announcement coincides with the UAE’s participation in the ninth meeting of the signatory countries of the memorandum, held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from June 24 to 27.
The meeting served as a platform to showcase the significant role of the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority in environmental conservation and biodiversity. It emphasized the authority’s commitment to protecting various species, particularly marine turtles, and highlighted the leading conservation efforts of the AlQurm Protected Area in Khor Kalba on the UAE’s east coast. The inclusion of AlQurm in the memorandum acknowledges its achievements and sustainable practices in environmental preservation.
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, expressed her gratitude to Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his steadfast support of environmental initiatives and his advocacy for biodiversity preservation. She noted that his efforts were instrumental in reaching this significant milestone for Sharjah. Al Suwaidi emphasized that EPAA’s participation in global environmental meetings underscores the Emirate of Sharjah’s commitment to introducing innovative conservation measures and highlighting its significant achievements.
The AlQurm Protected Area in Khor Kalba, now part of the IOSEA network, is set to enhance its conservation efforts with the new recognition. This status provides a tangible guide for policymakers, underscoring the site’s environmental value. The area was also designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2013, highlighting its global significance.
Al Suwaidi highlighted that the AlQurm Protected Area is the only habitat for mangrove trees along the Gulf of Oman’s coast in the UAE and is home to the region’s oldest mangrove forest. The area supports the critically endangered Arabian Collared Kingfisher, a species found exclusively in this part of the world. The protected area also boasts the largest gatherings of juvenile marine turtles on the UAE’s east coast, offering them a crucial habitat for nourishment. The EPAA actively protects these turtles through the Sharjah Strandings Response Program.
Beyond marine turtles, the AlQurm Protected Area is a vital site for biodiversity, providing feeding and nesting grounds for over 150 species of local and migratory birds, over 90 species of crustaceans, and 100 species of fish. The Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre, situated within the reserve, serves as an educational hub, raising public awareness about mangrove habitats and the importance of their conservation. It is the only center dedicated to the rehabilitation of marine turtles on the UAE’s east coast.
Al Suwaidi praised the Sharjah Government for its continuous support of EPAA’s efforts, which has been crucial in achieving the authority’s environmental goals. She reiterated that the AlQurm Protected Area serves as a comprehensive center for research, education, and conservation initiatives. The official classification of the area as part of the IOSEA network is expected to bolster these efforts significantly.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, lauded the strategic investment by United Al Saqer Group in The DNEG Group as a testament to Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a global powerhouse for creativity, innovation, technology, and investment. This partnership not only accelerates technological advancements in the media and entertainment sectors but also underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem for content creation.
DNEG Chairman and CEO Namit Malhotra expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing that the collaboration with UASG, the launch of Brahma, and the success of the content creation platform are all driven by cutting-edge technology. He highlighted DNEG’s redefined business model, which leverages the latest technology and creative capabilities to set new standards in storytelling.
Nabil Kobeissi, CEO of UASG, added that the strategic partnership will accelerate the development of Brahma, DNEG’s AI-powered CGI creator. He underscored Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a global epicenter for content creation and distribution, noting that the partnership will drive innovation and create significant job opportunities across the UAE.
Overall, the $200 million investment from UASG represents a transformative opportunity for DNEG, positioning it for significant growth and innovation in the rapidly evolving visual entertainment sector. The company’s focus on cutting-edge technology, high-quality content production, and global expansion underscores its commitment to setting new benchmarks in the industry.