To coincide with Discovery Channel's Shark Week, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCA) will kickstart its Shark Week 2019 drive to raise public awareness of the importance of sharks in maintaining the ecological balance of the oceans and highlight ways to protect them from extinction.
MOCCA is organizing the annual campaign this year from Sunday, July 28 to Saturday, August 3, in cooperation with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Atlantis, The Palm, in Dubai.
Taif Al Amiri, Director of the Government Communication Department at MOCCAE, said: "Sustaining local biodiversity is a strategic priority for the UAE. Raising awareness of critical environmental issues is an integral part of our community outreach to ensure the public is on board in supporting such missions. "
She Added: "Given The Importance Of Sharks To The Marine Environment, we 're are On Committed To Continuing Our Efforts For Hwy Long-Term Survival. With In Line With This Mandate, The Ministry Launched The the National the Plan Of Action For The Conservation And On Management Of of Sharks 2018 -2021 that outlines concrete steps to promote shark conservation and sustainability in the UAE. "
Dr Mohamed Elsayed, Regional Director at IFAW, said: "We are pleased to be a part of this campaign. high demand for their fins that are illegally traded. "
He added: "We need to work together to reduce the demand for these beautiful creatures and raise awareness on the imperative role they play in the marine ecosystem through sustaining the ecological balance in the oceans and seas."
Shark Week 2019 will include various awareness, educational and recreational activities focused on identifying shark species in the country and their growth stages. It will also feature competitions aimed at assessing the young generation's knowledge of the importance of sharks in preserving the ecological balance and the urgent need to protect them from extinction.
The public is invited to participate in these activities in large numbers to shore up support for the campaign at Atlantis, The Palm, from 10am to 7pm in Dubai through the week.
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