H.E. Engineer Saif Mohammed Al Shara, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water’s External Audit Sector, said that online trade of animals and plants listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) through social networking platforms and websites is illegal and can be risky. He stated that it is a violation of Federal Law No. 11 for the year 2002 regulating and controlling the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. In addition, this practice affects the classification of the UAE in the list of countries committed to CITES, which the Emirates joined in 1989 through Decree No. (86).

Explaining further, H.E. Eng. Al Shara said that the UAE has made great strides in the field of environmental protection and the preservation of endangered wild fauna and flora. This is demonstrated through numerous welfare programs for the propagation of endangered species, including the Sheikh Khalifa Houbara Breeding Center and the efforts of local authorities to increase the area of natural reserves. The goal is to provide a sustainable habitat for the rehabilitation of organisms that are exposed to natural or human threats and are at risk of extinction in the future. He said that the public should take note of and support these efforts, as the animals require great care, both in terms of providing a good environment and appropriate nutritional needs.

H.E. Eng. Al Shara added that, in many cases, taking care of dangerous animals is very expensive. Involving inexperienced people can put their lives and the lives of members of the community in danger. When these animals are released in the wild, they threaten people nearby.

The Undersecretary emphasized that the Ministry of Environment and Water is working on following up on what is published on the social media platforms and websites as well as keeping track of the display of endangered and dangerous animals for sale. He said that the Ministry will transfer the cases of all offenders to competent authorities to take the necessary legal procedures to maintain the UAE’s achievements in its ongoing efforts to protect the environment as part of its global system. Regarding the penalties for violators, H.E. Eng. Al-Shara said that any violation of the terms and provisions of the Federal Law on the regulation and control of trade of endangered animals will hold the perpetrators legally accountable.

H.E. Eng. Al-Shara said: “Some penalties may result in a prison sentence and the incurring of excessive fines in addition to confiscation and other expenses.” He also warned of serious procedures and penalties for violators of animal rights such as animal cruelty and the unnatural use of animals.

H.E Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Deputy Director General, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), said: “We affirm our commitment to coordinate efforts and work with all stakeholders to protect endangered animals by preventing their advertisement on social networking platforms or websites. We emphasize, particularly in this context, our pledge to coordinate efforts with all parties and stakeholders inside and outside the UAE to ensure that we have all the data and take necessary steps to deal with this phenomenon, which is posing a real threat to many rare animals worldwide.”

 “The UAE is undertaking vigorous and intensive efforts to protect several endangered species, including the launching of several awareness and educational campaigns to maintain ecological balance. Our strategy not only provides but also creates a leading, competitive, regulatory, safe and sustainable digital environment in the telecommunications sector and information technology. Our authority calls on all parties, from operators and clients, to join us in complying with laws and regulations and cooperating by informing the authorities concerned in case of any illegal practices,” concluded Al Mesmar.