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Ministry launches virtual bid to raise awareness on wildlife

Abu Dhabi - With the help of a cutting-edge holographic computer, visitors can experience simulated interaction with wild animals in their natural environment.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has launched a campaign called 'Beautiful in the Wild' for the third year running in partnership with the United for Wildlife organisation.
The initiative aims to raise awareness among UAE visitors and residents about the significance of protection of endangered species to ensure biodiversity at local and international levels.
Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, unveiled an interactive stand promoting the campaign at Terminal 1 of Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The stand allows passengers to enter a virtual wildlife world via the HoloLens technology.
With the help of a cutting-edge holographic computer, visitors can experience simulated interaction with wild animals in their natural environment. The presentation also includes a virtual brochure with information on wildlife species.
Al Zeyoudi said: "We want to make the public aware of the seriousness of tampering with wildlife for unjustified reasons motivated purely by personal interests.
"Conservation of the ecosystem is one of the most important responsibilities we have as a nation and as human beings. Unfortunately, we still see certain harmful practices, such as illegal trade in endangered animals that cause an imbalance to the ecosystem and adversely impact our environment.
"The UAE government considers wildlife an important aspect of its heritage and sees the protection of endangered species as its top priority."
Salem Saeed Al Rumaithi, Executive Director of Technical Affairs of Abu Dhabi Customs confirmed the commitment of Abu Dhabi Customs on the initiatives that aims to raise awareness of the environment.
Al Rumaithi said: "The environmental awareness initiatives are at the top of the customs priorities. Abu Dhabi Customs prevents illicit trafficking of environmentally harmful substances by building the capacities of customs inspectors and staff who are involved in monitoring and licensing of hazardous materials and wastes besides plant and animal species threatened with extinction.
Custom staff are familiar with the international environmental agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Al Rumaithi stressed that preserving the environment is a common responsibility which needs national and international efforts to ensure a better life for mankind and the preservation of natural resources for sustainable development for us and for future generations. He noted that customs officers are the "green fence" of any society.
Al Zeyoudi said: "The UAE recognises the extent of its role and responsibility in the eradication of illegal wildlife trafficking on a global level.
We have taken several significant steps in this direction, including the strengthening of our institutional and legislative frameworks, such as the Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 for the protection and development of the environment and Federal Law No. 11 of 2002 concerning regulating and controlling the international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora."
Among other related initiatives is the UAE National Biodiversity Strategy that develops and implements programmes to increase the conservation status of highly endangered species to 70 per cent.
- reporters@khaleejtimes.com