First Arabian Zoo And Aquarium Meeting Commences In Al Ain
Al Ain Zoo hosts visiting delegations from zoos across the Arab world alongside guests from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Representatives from zoos and aquarium institutions across the Arab world met today in Al Ain for the first time to share knowledge and best practice, taking the first steps towards setting up a regional zoo and aquarium association.
Over 30 delegates from several Arab countries, including UAE, Qatar, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain attended the meeting, to discuss possible collaborations on initiatives associated with raising standards associated with animal husbandry and welfare, joint research initiatives, breeding, education, conservation projects, and funding opportunities.
Today, the Zoo & Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain’s (ZAPIA) Director General H.E. Ghanim Al Hajeri officially commenced the programme with an opening ceremony before introducing the guest speakers: Dr. Gerald Dick, Executive Director of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA); Sally Walker, Director of the South Asian Zoo Association for Regional Cooperation (SAZARC); and, Dr. Stephen van der Spuy, Executive Director of the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB).
Following insightful addresses by each guest speaker, H.E. Ghanim Al Hajeri delivered a presentation about Al Ain Zoo - which is under ZAPIA - before inviting each delegate to introduce their institution for the remainder of the afternoon. The first day of meetings provided a solid introduction to Thursday’s programme, which will see delegates participating in roundtables to discuss the strengths, opportunities and challenges of subjects such as the establishment of a regional association, and animal husbandry and welfare.
Commenting on the meetings, Dr. Gerald Dick, Executive Director of WAZA said:
“WAZA was formed 77 years ago and today stands as a strong voice in the fight for conservation with a global network. We are pleased to have been invited to be a part of the first step in establishing a regional network, allowing us to share our knowledge and experiences, and commend Al Ain Zoo for leading this initiative.”
Dr. Sally Walker, Director of SAZARC, added:
“It is a tremendous honour to be part of the first steps to form a regional zoo and aquarium association for the Arab region, and we appreciate Al Ain Zoo for reaching out to us. SAZARC itself was formed after directors, veterinarians and senior technical staff from various institutions in South Asia attended a similar meeting and agreed that there was a desperate need for a regional association. Member institutions were able to discuss challenges faced and opportunities that could be tackled together, and an established network provided enormous potential to overcome these challenges and furthered our cause for wildlife preservation and conservation.”
H.E. Ghanim Al Hajeri, Director General of ZAPIA also added:
“Today’s meeting facilitated open dialogue among zoological institutions across the Arab region. We share a precious cause, and Al Ain Zoo is leading this initiative as part of its ongoing commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare, and towards wildlife conservation and preservation on a greater, regional level. I would like to extend our deepest appreciation to our guest speakers for sharing their invaluable insight, and to our regional counterparts for their enthusiastic participation.”
ZAPIA is a proud member of WAZA - an organisation committed to promoting animal welfare standards around the globe - and is actively involved in several internationally coordinated conservation projects and works with other like-minded organisations such as Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, The Species Survival Commission, San Diego Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo, World Conservation Union and Species Survival Commission, the Northern Rangelands Trust of Kenya and the Sahara Conservation Fund to conserve and re-introduce threatened arid land species such as Arabian Oryx, Scimitar-horned Oryx, giraffes and gazelle.
Emirate: Abu Dhabi
Date: Dec 12, 2012
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