UAE to export local plants and animals in conservation plan

Animals which could be exported to countries with suitable homes include the Arabian Oryx

Arabian Oryx are among the flora and fauna that will be exported to select countries under the new initiative. Courtesy Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.

An initiative to preserve the UAE’s biodiversity by exporting flora and fauna, like the endangered Arabian Oryx, abroad has launched.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment,  Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi teamed up to launch the joint Al Maha Diplomacy initiative, which will introduce local plants and animals to select countries, on Saturday.

Under the initiative, the environment ministry will co-ordinate with federal and local authorities to supply the animals and plants, provide information on their habitats, arrange their transport, and issue health certificates.

The ministry of foreign affairs will liaise with embassies to suggest zoos, protected areas, and sanctuaries that can accommodate the animals and plants.

And the environment agency will supply the animals and plants, particularly oryx, as well review and share the information provided by the environment ministry about handling and suitable living conditions.

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment said the UAE is “firmly committed to sustaining local biodiversity and complying with the highest standards of animal welfare and plant preservation.

“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,” he said.