Yas Mall to promote marine conservation

Abu Dhabi / Emirats Business

Yas Mall has partnered with Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF (EWS-WWF) to educate visitors about marine conservation, as part of the mall’s efforts to play a role in raising awareness about sustainability and the importance of environmental preservation.
On February, 24th, Yas Mall will host a unique event, the Great Green Race, in which visitors can enjoy an environmentally-themed experience, where they will learn about endangered marine life in and around Abu Dhabi, as well as other useful information about sustainability and conservation.
The event will be held as part of the mall’s commitment to playing a role in raising awareness about important sustainability issues, such as marine conservation.
The UAE’s waters are home to a rich biodiversity including the second largest population of dugongs on earth. Critically endangered hawksbill and endangered green and loggerhead turtles are also found here, as well as over 40 species of sharks. With species numbers in decline, vital habitats like coral reefs and seagrass beds disappearing, and fish stocks being pushed to the limit.
“In just over four decades, the UAE has grown from a small coastal community based on fishing and pearl diving, into a highly developed cosmopolitan nation with a major impact on our unique marine environment,” said Marina Antonopoulou, Marine Programme Leader.
“We see the Great Green Race as an effective means to drive wider awareness and action around these issues by targeting those with the potential to help. Through a mix of intellectual and physical tasks the local community can contribute its share to conserve the region’s natural habitats, while learning about issues revolving around the sea and endangered sea life,” said Marina.
At the heart of the Great Green Race, students from Abu Dhabi schools and Yas Mall visitors will experience the Green Race Village; an educational hub set up in Town Square designed to educate the public about marine life.