By Muhammed Aladdin
The United Arab Emirates has kicked off a new biodiversity conservation plan that entails the exporting of plants and animals overseas.
On Saturday, joint efforts by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi saw the launch of the joint Al Maha Diplomacy initiative. This shall introduce local plants and animals to selected countries, according to The National.
In the upcoming months, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, in cooperation with federal and local authorities, will issue health certificates for the plants and animals. That will be after providing information about their natural habitats and preparing for their transport.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation will be in contact with the various embassies to suggest zoos, protected areas, and wildlife sanctuaries that can accommodate these animals and plants.
The role of the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi will include supplying the aforementioned animals and plants, in addition to sharing information about their handling and habitat.
The Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Thani Al-Zeyoudi, has stated that the UAE is adamant on maintaining local biodiversity and complying with the highest standards of animal welfare and plant preservation.
When asked about the purpose of the initiative, he said, “We conducted multiple research exercises and surveys to identify indigenous species and their natural habitats. Then we used the information to target endangered and threatened species in our conservation efforts to enable them to thrive in the wild once again.”