The suspects arrested by authorites for entering nature reserve illegally.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sharjah authorities have arrested 17 people for entering Emirate's nature reserves without a legal permit.

The arrest was made during Environment and Protected Areas Authority's (EPAA) intensified monitoring campaign around the nature reserves.

There is a fine of Dhs5,000 for entering the nature reserves without an official permit from EPAA.

Recently the Sharjah Executive Council has  passed Resolution No.5 to curb vilations of biodeversity conservations at the emirate’s reserves.

Tough measures are in place to deal with the menace of illegal enteries into the nature reserves.

There is also a fine of Dhs10,000 for other violations at the  nature reserves including hunting, transporting or killing wild or marine creatures in the nature reserves or carrying out works that would harm.

Another violation is the practice of any activities or actions either by firms of individuals which would affect the environment of the natural reserves also carries a fine of Dhs10,000.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, said: “The decision aims to protect land and marine biodiversity and wildlife in the natural reserves. We want to prohibit any action or activity that would potentially harm the wildlife. In total, there are 9 types of violations and a fine for each one.”