SHARJAH: The Environmental Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), which represents the environmental strategy of the Emirate of Sharjah, participated in the World Future Energy Summit, held in Abu Dhabi from Jan 15 to the 18. At Suite No. 6320, in Hall 6, the EPAA featured the Wasit Wetlands Centre, introducing visitors to rare bird species and the importance of conservation of environmental diversity.

The suite displayed models of various birds from Wasit Wetland Centre, along with information and facts about each of the bird species. The EPAA also presented some educational interactive games to make the learning experience fun and engaging. The EPAA’s participation is an opportunity to introduce and promote their role in conserving both the environment and biodiversity, while highlighting the efforts of Wasit Wetland Centre in protecting the environment and natural life.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA Chairman, said, “By participating in the World Future Energy Summit held annually in Abu Dhabi, the EPAA suite had the opportunity to focus on Wasit Wetland Centre. Inspired by the vision of HH Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to preserve natural environmental resources and support sustainable development, we highlighted Sharjah’s role in protecting the environment. WFES allows us to interact with visitors and provide information on the EPAA laws and regulations in protecting natural resources.”

Al Suwaidi reiterated that participation in this global event is crucial as it is one of the most important events on clean technology and renewable energy that contribute to the preservation of the environment. It is an opportunity to network with international bodies, institutions and experts and to exchange expertise and experiences on the environment and how to preserve it.

Al Suwaidi pointed out that Wasit Wetland Centre, which was established in 2015 and located in Wasit Nature Reserve on an area of 4500 square metres, is a part of the eco-tourism system in Sharjah and the UAE. It is the first of its kind in the GCC wetlands and one of the projects adopted by Sharjah to strengthen its position as the 2015 capital of Arab tourism. The reserve has improved environmental conditions and maintained biodiversity for future generations.

Wasit Wetland Centre aims to protect the environment, preserve natural resources, and contribute to the development of eco-tourism. It contains educational classes, platforms and towers equipped with observation tools to see birds near the water bodies of the centre, as well as ways to distinguish between migratory species and resident birds of the reserve.

Wasit Wetland Centre is an important destination for learning about and viewing different types of birds because it provides world-class service facilities, allowing visitors and researchers to identify rare birds through special binoculars for observation. It is also equipped with advanced technology that gives visitors a chance to hear the unique sounds of the birds in the reserve.

The centre includes 198 of the species in the outer reserve while the educational centre includes 480 birds of 42 species. The number of black-winged stilts in the outer reserve is 318, with six bird species included in the red list.

According to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the EPAA had started to qualify for Wasit Wetlands Reserve in 2006. The Nature Reserve was fenced in 2007 and the educational centre was opened in 2015.