15th Anniversary of ADIHEX: an ideal platform to promote

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, EAD, has announced its participation in ADIHEX 2017, at which it will host a number of virtual tours to highlight the unique biodiversity of Abu Dhabi.

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, EAD Secretary-General, said, "The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition has proven to be a valuable platform to help ensure the sustainability of our cultural and natural heritage. For many years we have engaged with stakeholders at ADIHEX to promote practices such as sustainable falconry and have showcased best-practices in Ecotourism and other means to protect our fragile natural heritage."

Al Mubarak was commenting on EAD’s participation at the 15th edition of ADIHEX (Abu Dhabi 2017) which will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers Club at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ADNEC from 12th - 16th September, organised by the Emirates Falconers Club and supported by the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee.

Al Mubarak went on to say, "This year, EAD's stand at the exhibition will explore the relationship between mankind and our environment. Mankind has long interacted with our environment which influences us and we, in turn, influence the environment, the need to maintain this delicate balance has become more acute."

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi stand will offer immersive experiences in three very different habitats: marine, deserts and mountains, and will take visitors on a journey to explore these unique ecosystems and all of the species that they host.

At the marine habitat section, visitors will walk through a large coral reef to learn of the vital role corals play in supporting biodiversity in the marine environment. In Abu Dhabi alone there are 34 different species of hard corals. Often referred to as the ‘rainforest of the sea’, corals provide a safe home to many diverse species, and act as a buffer against adverse weather conditions thereby protecting surrounding communities.

In the desert habitat section, visitors will learn about the Ghaf tree, which is an integral part of the natural heritage of the UAE and a witness to its history and civilization. The tree is designated as a "keystone" species of the desert habitat. It is known for being a great survivor, requiring very little groundwater. It is able to tap water from nearly 30 meters below the ground, its presence in an area indicates underground water.

Visitors will also experience the mountain habitat of Jebel Hafeet to discover the magnificence of this ecosystem and the species that call it home. Jebel Hafeet is a unique mountain system with fabulous ecological, archaeological and cultural values. The second highest mountain in the UAE is also considered to be one of the most important areas in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi for terrestrial biodiversity. EAD surveys have already discovered over 180 species of native plants as well as critically threatened mammals and birdlife.

Visitors will have the opportunity to not only interact with EAD employees at the stand, but also with each other and their friends via social media.

Visitors will also learn more about the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, another participant at EAD’s stand. The hospital is not only the world’s premiere medical facility for falcons, but also provides a falcon passport service to facilitate travel internationally and aids the rehabilitation of injured wild or confiscated falcons. The hospital also provides medical care for other domestic pets, and a cat and dog rescue service for rehabilitation and re-homing.

EAD's stand is open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and is located in Hall 5 - D10 at ADNEC.