EPAA centres attracting increasing visitors this summer

SHARJAH, 31st July, 2016 (WAM) -- The wildlife and environmental conservation centres run by Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) are attracting huge numbers of visitors this summer. A series of EPAA programmes, activities and events have been credited with raising the profile of wildlife protection and environmental conservation, across Sharjah, with the authority continuing to play a role in building awareness among UAE citizens and residents. Classified as centres of environmental tourism, the EPAA’s protected areas are also becoming a key attraction for a growing number of eco-tourists. With the increasing number of visitors recorded this summer, so far, the EPAA has announced that it has enhanced the visitor experience by offering more air conditioned areas, in order to alleviate the hot temperatures, at this time of year. This will clearly allow for a more comfortable environment and enjoyment for visitors, during the summer months. In terms of the summer events programme, the EPAA’s Sharjah Desert Park, is an attraction that is home to many species of animal and has evolved into a complex that fuses elements of scientific enquiry, culture and entertainment. Other centres, such as the Arabian Wildlife Centre, which was officially opened in 1999 by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the Sharjah Natural History and Botanical Museum, offer visitors the opportunity to "travel through the ages" and discover the age of the dinosaurs, as well as to learn about the natural beauty, diversity and evolution of Sharjah’s indigenous fauna and flora over millions of years. In addition, the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW) is a base for scientific studies and research into the conservation of bio-diversity in the Arabian Peninsula. The Islamic Botanical Garden is also the first of its kind in the Middle East and lends a focus to essential Islamic teachings and perspectives, based on the contemplation of Quranic verses and their meaning, in connection with modern science. At the Children’s Farm, visitors will discover a diverse environmental, educational and entertainment garden geared specifically towards families and students. The Botanical Garden contains 87 species of local plants, distributed in flowerbeds representing the different indigenous environments of Sharjah. The EPAA seeks to translate its strategy for the conservation of its natural bio-system and, where relevant, encourage biodiversity via several programmes, initiatives and ideas that assist and develop the nature reserves under their management. The key centres managed by the EPAA include the Wasit Wetland Centre, Kalba Bird of Prey Centre, and Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre. As educational and entertainment destinations, they each provide recreational offerings, as well as imparting knowledge and information to all visitors on the natural sciences, in general, and the desert environment in particular. Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the EPAA, said, "We are keen that EPAA centres play a key role in raising awareness and through various activities, programmes and events we hope that such initiatives, aimed at promoting conservation of the environment, becomes a productive and ultimately interactive process between the public and their natural habitat." - Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395298308368.html