Welcome to the sixth issue of Arabian Wildlife magazine. This magazine
explores a number of fascinating themes on the fauna and flora
of the Arabian peninsula, and once more reminds us all just how
varied and rich the natural environment is within our region of
the planet. It also reports on a number of programmes aimed at
keeping parts of Arabia wild, and even repairing damage already
done to the environment and particular species. Thus we read how
scientists in Saudi Arabia are pilot-testing methods of re-planting
and re-building damaged coral reefs; and in the United Arab Emirates
how a whole island has become a haven for a number of threatened
species, including among others, a large number of gazelle, oryx
and the houbara bustard. We also learn how scientific investigation
in a number of fields is unlocking secrets of Arabia’s wildlife
and helping us map out the pathways by which our natural world
can be better protected for future generations.
The last few years have seen enormous strides in wildlife management
throughout Arabia and this movement has been strongly encouraged
by a better informed general public. In many cases this effort
to inform and educate the people of Arabia about wildlife and
the need to proyect and conserve nature has in fact been driven
by compelling personal interests of Arabia’s leading figures –
all of whom share a love of wildlife and a commitment to ensure
that future generations will reap the enjoyment that they have
done from the natural world.
A case in point is the United Arab Emirates which this year celebrates
its silver jubilee as a federal state. For the past twenty five
years and longer Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, the country’s
president and ruler of Abu Dhabi, has succeeded to keep the environment
and wildlife protection at the top of the agenda, despite the
pressing needs of a massive development programme. This has been
achieved in a variety of ways, many of which are now displaying
the fruits of that sustained effort. In celebration of the 25th
Anniversary in the Emirates a new book has been published: Natural
Emirates, which is reviewed in this issue of Arabian Wildlife.
I would like to take this opportunity to add my own congratulations
to the government and citizens of the UAE on this very special
occasion. If progress to date is anything to go by the future
for the UAE’s wildlife promises to be just as healthy as that
of its people.
Professor Abdulaziz H. Abuzinada