Sharjah 24: Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA), inaugurated, on Monday, the activities of the 23rd edition of the Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabia’s Biodiversity (SICFAB).

The forum, organised by the EPAA for the second consecutive year at Sharjah Safari in Al Dhaid city, will hold its sessions over 4 days with the participation of more than 200 experts and researchers from the UAE, Gulf countries, and the world with specialties in the environmental field who are interested in biodiversity issues. They will highlight a number of current environmental topics through their rich sessions.

Biodiversity Conservation.. A common and sustainable goal
In her opening speech at the start of the forum, Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the EPAA, said: "The 23rd edition of the Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabia’s Biodiversity, reaffirms our shared goal of preserving the environment and its diversity. It emphasises the necessity of harnessing all ideas, resources, efforts, practices, and programs towards this end. She pointed out that the continuation of the forum and its regular organisation each year comes within the framework of translating the directions of our wise leadership and the instructions of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah towards the preservation of the environment, its components, and contributing to the development of its biological diversity.

An Important Discussion and Research Platform
Al Suwaidi considered the success of environmental work efforts and projects a major responsibility shared by all, in its performance and fulfillment. The forum will represent an effective platform where during its sessions we will discuss new keys to care for our planet, its inhabitants, and its contents, and we will look through its broad windows at the latest topics and scientific and research issues related to the environment and sustainability. Additionally, the forum serves as an important opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and the results of studies and research findings, revealing neglected aspects that previously did not receive sufficient attention at the level of institutions, researchers, and individuals. She expressed her ongoing confidence in reaching new heights that inspire those working in environmental affairs, motivating them to offer the best for humanity, for the surrounding environment, and for the world that shelters them alongside plants and animals.

At the conclusion of her speech, the Chairperson of the EPAA expressed her deep appreciation for the elite participants of researchers and speakers in the forum sessions, for the great goals and messages they carry for the environment and its components, and their ongoing interest in delving into the sciences and studies for the benefit of vital biodiversity.

Afterward, the audience watched a video documenting the most important milestones of the forum in previous years' sessions, highlighting the major environmental topics and themes it focused on, in addition to the main data and results derived from its various sessions.

Species Prioritisation
The morning sessions on the first day of the forum discussed the theme of species prioritisation. It began with an introduction by Professor Philip Seddon, followed by the presentation of international case studies on defining these priorities. Dr. David Mallon spoke about antelope species around the world, while Dr. Sarah May reviewed regional species in Australia.

The opening day also included a working group session on deriving criteria for species conservation priorities, and another working group presented a report on these criteria, followed by the presentation of regional case studies on species prioritisation.

The agenda also featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding (Raptors / Umberto Gallo Orsi).

During the afternoon, a working group was held on the application of criteria to the project list, and another group completed the prioritisation and presented a report for discussion.

Topics
On the second day of the forum, participants will discuss the theme of rewilding and multi-species reintroductions. They will be taken on a field tour to get acquainted with the environments of Sharjah Safari project and the different species of wild animals and birds it includes, which make this an exceptional environmental and vital landmark. The sessions on the third day will be dedicated to the discussion of Conservation Genetics. The forum will conclude its activities on the fourth day with the theme of "Marine Stranding of Animals" and will review the achievements of the Sharjah Strandings Response Program. Specialised working group sessions will continue throughout the days of the forum.