The UAE treats protection of its natural reserves with a fierce intensity. It is particularly on the lookout for those who encroach upon the territory of the sanctuaries.

Sharjah’s ecological body has also stepped up its measures to secure the place from unscrupulous elements violating its space.

Sharjah’s eco body the Environment and Protected Areas Authority nabbed 17 people for trespassing on its natural preserve.

The emirate has beefed up monitoring and inspections of its natural reserves.

The idea is to protect land and marine biodiversity and wildlife in the natural reserves. There are strict penalties facing those who observe the rules in the breach, including fines up to Dhs50,000.

There are 9 kinds of violations and a fine for each one.

Entering the preserve without taking a permit from EPAA entails a fine of Dhs5,000. There is a ban on killing wild or sea animals in the nature reserves.

It is not just natural preserves that are the concern of the Emirates. Keeping a hawkeye on the preservation of local wildlife is also a top priority for the authorities. In this connection, plans have been made for the protection of endangered animals, such as the Houbara and the Arabian oryx.

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan took special interest in the overall welfare of the Arabian oryx, to see that it was protected and out of harm’s way.

The UAE shows no mercy for those engaging in illegal wildlife trade. The UAE has also brought marine pollution under its radar. Throwing waste and oil sludge into the water by tankers is a no-no here.

Besides, throwing waste from aircraft and other marine modes of transport are also not permitted. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has announced a plan to reduce the amount of single use plastic material in Abu Dhabi and mitigate its harmful effects.

Biodiversity is a key concern of the country. The UAE makes earnest efforts to protect the rich biodiversity of the state.

The authorities want to bring more areas under its green fold, and preserve fish and livestock, so important to their survival.

Sharjah is making impressive strides where preserving and carrying out pathbreaking projects to preserve endangered species are concerned.

Over the past few years, Sharjah has emerged successful in the maiden experiment to breed the exotic Arabian kingfisher. It also checked the nesting dynamics of the Olive Ridley sea turtles in the mangrove reserve of Kalba. It has also finished the coral reef cultivation project on Sir Bu Nair Island and Hamriyah Coast.

Sharjah also caters for the care and protection of such fascinating creatures as the Arabian Oryx and the tahr. Sharjah is home to as many as 15 nature reserves.

His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan opened the KhorKalba Mangrove Centre earlier this year.

Its eco wing, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, has carried out several programmes to conserve the environs, including the afforestation drive in Al-Muntather Reserve.

The authority also conducts various drives to clean up the beaches, desert and mountain areas. It also hosts workshops and lectures for students and visitors.

It is no wonder that the country’s zest to preserve and protect the environment has come in for global praise. Last year, the nation dominated the world’s rankings in eco indicators, and coming first in the Middle East and North Africa region in 19 of them.

The country’s prestige in improving the quality of the environment is all due to the phenomenal backing of the leadership, and the productive relations with the private bodies and international sectors involved in environmental work. The clean atmosphere contributes to the wellbeing of the residents, particularly expatriates who simply are extremely attached to the country.