UAE to host Dugong conservation meet

Abu Dhabi, Sep 26 (IANS/WAM) Marine experts from across the globe will meet here Oct 4-6 to discuss the conservation of the Dugong, it was announced Sunday.

Experts from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) and NGOs will also participate in the discussion at Radisson Blue Hotel in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Previously, two inter-governmental meetings on Dugong conservation and management were held in Bangkok in 2005 and 2006. The third meeting was held in Abu Dhabi in 2007.

An agreement for conservation and management of Dugongs and their habitats entered into force October 31, 2007 after being signed by the seven range states of Australia, Eritrea, France, Madagascar, Myanmar, the UAE and Tanzania. Four other countries - India, the Comoros, Kenya and the Philippines joined the initiative later. The UAE became the first Arab country to sign the agreement.

The upcoming Abu Dhabi meeting will serve to review implementation of the Dugong Conservation and Management Plan (CMP).

–IANS/WAM