ABU DHABI, 18th May, 2020 (WAM) — The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Miral, a leading developer of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in research efforts and marine conservation initiatives in the region undertaken by Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue.
Yas Sea World for Research and Rescue is the largest center specialized in research, rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine life to its natural habitat in the region.
Under this partnership, the Authority cooperates with Miral through “Yas Sea World Research and Rescue” in a number of areas that include responding to accidents involving marine life, rescue operations, and rehabilitation of marine animals and returning them to their natural habitat.
The two parties will work to enhance awareness and knowledge about the importance of preserving marine life through research data management and capacity building, in addition to awareness and education programs for the community.
The center, which is located near the marine entertainment city “SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Yas Island”, joins a network of three research facilities spread across the United States of America, and aims to continue the rich legacy of “SeaWorld”, which extends to more than 60 years of efforts to save and the care and rehabilitation of marine animals, which has resulted in the rescue of more than 40,000 animals so far.
Her Excellency Dr. Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said: “This cooperation with Miral and Yas Sea World Research and Rescue represents an important step towards achieving our mission to protect marine ecosystems in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Advance efforts to care for and rehabilitate rescued marine life, expand environmental research and studies, and better understand the threats they face.”
She added: “This cooperation will contribute to enhancing the success of the efforts to preserve environmental systems led by the Authority, which will benefit marine life and ecosystems in the region. This partnership is of great importance to the future of environmental conservation efforts in the country due to its important role in supporting our ambitions to inspire the next generation of scientists.” marine life in the state.
For his part, Mohammed Abdullah Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, said: “We are pleased to announce this partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. associated with efforts to protect environmental systems to create an advanced knowledge center.
He added: “Abu Dhabi and the UAE have a rich marine heritage, and it is our responsibility to preserve it and build a sustainable future for our future generations. Our partnership with the Authority is an important and qualitative step in the course of these efforts, and we are committed to continuing work to promote sustainable practices, develop search and rescue efforts, and enhance awareness and knowledge about The importance of preserving marine systems in the seas and oceans.
This collaboration will see Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue join the marine life stranding response network set up by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and contribute to efforts to save marine life in Abu Dhabi and other emirates.
This network works to provide professional management practices for animals such as placing tags for monitoring and tracking via satellite, and will also meet the rehabilitation needs of partners and other parties in Abu Dhabi, which enhances cooperation efforts within the country and the region in general.
For its part, the authority will facilitate obtaining the necessary permits and licenses for search and rescue activities, while the center will provide the latest rescue ships and care and treatment services for the types of marine life that are rescued in its facility.
This partnership will contribute to enhancing awareness and interest in the unique benefits of the rich marine life systems of the Arabian Gulf, and will also give priority to developing the skills of national cadres to develop and implement policies aimed at protecting marine life systems in the region.
The memorandum will establish a roadmap under which “Yas Sea World Research and Rescue” will operate as an advanced center of knowledge, and through which it will cooperate with the authority to develop educational content aimed at enhancing public awareness of the importance of efforts to preserve marine ecosystems.
The two parties will develop joint research initiatives to better understand the ecosystem values of nearshore marine habitats such as seagrass.
They will also provide job training opportunities for students in related academic fields with the aim of developing the skills of the future generation of scientists and specialists in marine biology.
Both parties are obligated to help injured or endangered marine life, and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi can be contacted via the government contact center in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi at (800555) to report injured or endangered animals.
