Dubai Customs launches an awareness campaign about endangered animals

Dubai, May 16, 2012 (WAM) - As part of its efforts in maintaining environment and in response to implementing the "Green Customs" initiative which was proclaimed in 2003 by United Nations Environment Program and to implementing the Convention on combating trade with endangered species of wild of Fauna and Flora (CITES) which UAE joined in 1990, Dubai Customs, yesterday at Mirdif City Centre launched an awareness campaign to educate the public about the endangered animals with aim to combat illegal trade of environment harmful substances. The campaign was launched with the attendance of Mr. Ahmed Mahboob Musabah, Executive Director of Clients management Division, along with a number of officials at the department. Mrs. Feryal Tawakul, Executive Director of Community Affairs and Government Partnership Division at Dubai Customs, emphasised that the campaign comes within Dubai Customs strategy of educating the community about the imperilled animals and increasing awareness about the environmental and community issues, especially, Dubai Customs is one of the leading government departments giving due concerns to the matters related to the protection of environment and habitats within their top strategic priorities to ensure implementation of international conventions and initiatives in this regard. "The campaign will continue from 15 to 20 May, at Central Galleria -Mirdif City Centre Central Galleria - ground floor and during different periods throughout the year," she said. "The campaign, as within objectives of Dubai Customs' Social Responsibility, implementation of its strategic plans and enhancement of its effort in preserving environment (inland-sea-air), intends to spread the culture of environment protection. During the events, brochures shall be distributed at Mirdif City Centre to the visitors," she added. The visitor at the Centre will also have an idea about the role of the Customs inspectors who continuously receive training courses to improve their skills and develop their competencies with aim of carrying out effective mission in protecting the local community from infiltration of prohibited goods or entry of such goods to local use through the air, inland or seaports to purposely ensure enhancement of international image enjoyed by Dubai Customs in areas of Customs inspection operation. Tawakul explained that the Department in March, 2012, launched a campaign through the social network site (Facebook and Twitter) to publish information about the imperilled animals and plants, and educating the public about the consequences of their extinction, in addition to the importance of releasing regular updated lists with the endangered animals and plants in coordination with the related agencies and Ministry of Environment and Water. Mrs. Feryal pointed out that smuggling of endangered animals, plants and their products is incompatible with Islamic preaching and an activity incriminated by international legislations including convention of CITES. The UAE Federal Law No. (11) of 2002 pertaining to Regulating and Controlling of the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora restricts exportation, transit, unloading, re-shipping, re-exporting or entry of any animals or plants or their parts or products without official approvals, certificates and attestation. Mrs. Tawakul said: "imperilled animals under the convention of CITES, including, their skins and taxidermies, as well trees and plants should be disclosed at airports, sea and inland ports by passengers to Dubai Customs inspectors: otherwise, it will be considered illegal attempt of infiltration and shall be punishable in pursuant to the law." – Emirates News Agency, WAM