Ministry outlines national plan on protection of sharks

Dubai / Emirates Business

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MCCE) held a workshop to prepare a national plan for the protection of sharks. The workshop is part of a larger national strategy that aims to protect biodiversity and achieve the objectives related to developing and implementing programs that sustainably manage endangered marine resources. Attendees discussed the proposed goals, programs and initiatives and means of achieving them.
Her Excellency Mariam Saeed Hareb Al Muhairi, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment – the Water Resources and Nature Conservation Department inaugurated the workshop which included Dr Saif Al-Ghais, executive director for the Environment Protection and Development Authority in Ras Al Khaimah and representatives from local environmental authorities, municipalities, fishermen associations, civil associations and private companies. Representatives from regional and international organizations were also present.
During the workshop, attendees outlined a national plan for the protection of sharks and specified the goals of the plan which included: improving the public’s understanding of sharks, through research and monitoring, maintaining the sustainability of shark fishing and developing policies and legislations. The aim is to ensure the establishment of an effective preservation plan through capacity building and the execution of awareness programs.
HE Al Muhairi said: “The organization of the workshop is part of the efforts carried out by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to fulfil its vision in ensuring a sustainable environment and to achieve the national strategies for biodiversity through involving all relevant parties in the planning and decision making processes. The strategies are also concerned with the practices and innovations that are related to maintaining the sustainability of wildlife and using them in developing local and national policies and legislations.”
As part of its commitment to protect biodiversity, the country has adopted a number of strategies and programmes to protect various endangered marine species such as the National Strategy for biodiversity.