- The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) launched today a workshop under the title "Technical Training on the Methodology of Coral Stabilization and Cultivation by Scientific Methods" at the Marine Environment Research Center in Umm Al Quwain in cooperation with the Fujairah Adventure Center, the Fujairah Municipality and the Dibba Al Fujairah Municipality.
The two-day workshop, attended by 50 trainees, is part of the MOCCAE's strategy 2017-2021 aimed at sustaining eco-systems, conserving biodiversity and reducing the impacts of climate change. It will focus on providing participants with practical training on the techniques and methodologies to cut, stabilize and cultivate coral reefs. The workshop also aims to spread awareness and expertise among local authorities in order to protect the marine environment and fish resources, as well as contribute to provide a safe and sustainable haven for the country's unique biodiversity, in line with UAE Vision 2021.
The participants are also informed about the types of coral being cultivated, how the coral is chosen for aquaculture and the three types of aquaculture: by ropes, by cups and by artificial caves. They will also learn about the safety conditions to be followed in laboratories when using coral cultivation equipment.
Ahmed Al-Za'abi, Director of the Marine Environment Research Department at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said that the workshop is part of an MoU which the Ministry signed with the Fujairah Adventure Center in June to create the world's largest coral garden in Fujairah, as an initiative during the Year of Zayed 2018, and to be listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
Al-Za'abi indicated that MOCCAE and the Center are keen on strengthening their strategic partnership and coordinating efforts to protect and develop the marine environment and provide a safe haven for biodiversity, in addition to sustaining and restoring natural systems, preserving biodiversity and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Al-Za'abi added that the ministry is committed to providing technical support to the fieldwork team by providing all materials and equipment for technical operations for coral cultivation, as well as providing technical training to participants on the methodology to stabilize and culture corals by scientific methods. He said that MOCCAE will also provide all logistics services, including maritime transport and easy access to the site, and grant participants certificates for passing the training course.
Saeed Al Ma'amari, Director General of the Fujairah Adventure Center, praised the efforts of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in supporting the team, which included a group of professional divers, diving instructors and a number of employees from the Fujairah Municipality and the Dibba Al Fujairah Municipality. He also applauded the ministry’s efforts in organizing such specialized workshops in line with the MoU concluded between the both sides, stressing that work on the project is proceeding according to plan.
Al-Ma'amari expressed his thanks and appreciation to all government and local authorities for their support of the project, which came as per the directions of His Highness the Crown Prince of Fujairah Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Sharqi, to boost concerted efforts between local and government entities to ensure the success of environmental and national projects that will benefit both, the economy and the public.