DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates has announced a series of programs aimed at protecting dugongs, or sea cows, from extinction. The effort is being implemented by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Total United Arab Emirates, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported. According to a classification made by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the dugongs are currently listed as one of the internationally endangered animals. “This program comes in the framework of joint cooperation agreement between the EAD and Total, which aims to continue the implementation of the Authority to monitor the dugongs and study its biology, habitat and geographical distribution in the territorial waters of the UAE,” said the agency. The program has been sponsored by Total since 1999. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary General of EAD, said, “A large proportion of dugongs live in the waters of Abu Dhabi, thus raises the role of the UAE and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in particular in the protection of dugongs.” She pointed out that since 1999, the EAD has done many studies on dugongs in the UAE, which contributed in the identification of dugongs and their deployment locations. Studies during the first phase lasted for four years and focused on gathering information on the availability and distribution of those species, status and protection in the territorial waters of the UAE. The second phase's study include the biology and environmental effects for this animal. Mubarak said the team also listed the risks and threatening operations that endanger the dugong by identifying the reasons that killed them as well as the causes of deterioration and loss of habitat. The team was able to also collect data on the environment and habitats of the dugongs through studying patterns of their migration using satellite tracking. In addition, the team selected marine protected areas and promoted regional cooperation among the countries of their regional habitats, through a memorandum of understanding, which notes their protection at regional level. Head of Total UAE Jean Luc Guizot, said the partnership emphasizes the commitment of the Government of Abu Dhabi to protect the environment and wildlife.
