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1. Watch the video about Biodiversity.
2. Discuss some problems.
3. Research and make notes.
4. Decide on your Groups.
5. Nominate a Group Leader

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The UAE is joining the world in celebrating World Biodiversity Day, marked annually on 22nd May, with this year's celebration coming under the theme of "Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism".

Marking the day tomorrow, Muna Omran Majed Al Shamsi, Acting Director, Biodiversity Department at Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said that biodiversity is the foundation of life on the planet, a key element of ecosystems that provide many goods and services that support the well-being of the economic community.

"UAE Vision 2021 underscores the importance of the conservation of the rich natural environment of the state from the dangers of human activities through preventive measures such as reducing carbon emissions and through regulatory measures that protect fragile ecosystems from urban expansion," she said, adding that this is one of the core functions of the ministry in the national biodiversity strategy.

"The strategy aims at addressing the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by integrating biodiversity values across all sectors of the country. It also aims to reduce direct pressures on biodiversity, promote sustainable use, and improve the state of biodiversity by conserving ecosystems, species and genetic diversity," she added, going on to say that the ministry is keen, through the preparation of the strategy, to align national goals with the goals of international treaties on biodiversity.

The UAE has a relatively rich biological diversity that includes a range of ecosystems and terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Many species are characterised by their unique adaptation to the UAE environment and special climate conditions. Accordingly, the UAE has taken several measures to conserve biodiversity while many studies have been carried out on species and habitats, most notably the study of large flamingos and raptors, surveys of vertebrates, the study of non-indigenous species and field surveys.

The UAE has also established natural protected areas, the number which increased from 19 in 2010 to 43 in 2016, occupying 14.35 percent of UAE area, a total of 18,000 sq. kilometers.

Al Shamsi said that the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, Ramsar, now includes six protected areas in the country, including Wadi Al Wurayah Nature Reserve in Fujairah, Al Wathba Reserve in Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai, Sir Bo Naair in Sharjah, and the recently added Bul Sayayeef Marine Reserve in Abu Dhabi.

The assessment of effectiveness of protected area management is a key element in the development of these areas. Since 2014, stakeholders in the UAE have been using METT, a tool developed by the World Wide Fund for Nature for tracking and monitoring progress in achieving the objectives of protected areas. In 2016, the average effectiveness of the protected area management at the national level was about 67 percent, beating the global average of 53 percent, she concluded.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.

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The UAE is joining the world in celebrating World Biodiversity Day, marked annually on 22nd May, with this year's celebration coming under the theme of "Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism".

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Mariam yousif , Mariam khalil , Khawla sulaiman

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Mariam yousif , Mariam khalil , Khawla sulaiman

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Shouq Adil, waad khamis, mahra salim, wafa mohammed

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Shouq Adil, waad khamis, mahra salim, wafa mohammed

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Mariam Rashid, Shaikha Juma , Shaikha saif, haya abdullah

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Biodiversity problems:
1.Climate change
2.Deforestation and habitat loss
3.Pollution
Biodiversity research and notes:
Biodiversity is the variation in living forms and can be measured in ways that include the number of species, functional variety of species, evenness of species distribution or genetic diversity. Biodiversity science investigates levels of biodiversity, its functional effects, and how and why it changes over time.

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2-75% fewer flying in Europe insects
3-95% fewer blue Fin tuna in the pacific

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is a term that represents the total variety of all live on earth  is a term that represents the total variety of all live on earth .

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My group and I discussed the biodiversity and identifies the problems facing the animals and their environment and we decide who will be the leader .

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My group and I discussed the biodiversity and identifies the problems facing the animals and their environment and we decide who will be the leader .

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Khawla Abdulla , Khawla Sultan , Shaikha Yasser , Shahad Hussain

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Maitha mousa , shamsa ammar , amna khalid

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Maitha mousa , shamsa ammar , amna khalid

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1.Climate change
2.Deforestation and habitat loss
3.Pollution
problems caused by shrinking biodiversity. ... Though the current trend is caused, undeniably, by human action—through poaching, habitat destruction, pollution, and anthropogenic climate change, among others—mass reductions in biodiversity can—and have—occur without human interference.

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1. In your groups, decide on the Biodiversity problem or challenge in the UAE that you will be researching.
2. Write the details under your group's column on this Padlet.
3. If you found some info add the link under your group's column also.
4. There is a SAMPLE GROUP at the end where you can check to make sure your work is similar.

Info 1

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The wetland, home to 4,000 flamingos, is the first site in the region to enter the list of conserved areas

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in Abu Dhabi is now on a global list of protected areas.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature placed the wetland reserve on its Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, a first for the region.

In 2013, Al Wathba became the first area to be designated a Ramsar site in Abu Dhabi for protecting the emirate's biodiversity and endangered species. Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance and UAE has eight of these.

Al Wathba Reserve is home to over 4,000 flamingos and 260 other birds, 320 invertebrates, 35 plant species, 16 reptiles and 10 mammals. The reserve is also the only site in the Arabian Gulf where the Greater Flamingo breeds regularly. This year, the reserve saw 601 flamingo chicks hatch, the highest number ever recorded at Al Wathba.

The wetland was announced to be on the global list at the fourteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Sharm El-Sheikh this week.

James Hardcastle, IUCN's lead on the green list programme, said: "Al Wathba is an amazing example of what can be achieved with hard work by men and women working to protect and manage the environment."

Since opening to the public in 2014, Al Wathba has attracted around 20,000 visitors.

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, secretary general of the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi, said: "To see Al Wathba secure its status as a globally recognised Green List Area is a matter of great pride for Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

"Biodiversity is an integral part of our cultural identity too, and something we want to preserve for present and future generations to come."

The IUCN Green List sets the global standard for protected areas. Sites must fulfil criteria including good governance, effective management, and sound design and planning. The site should also demonstrate successful results from conservation efforts. The certificate is valid for 5 years, during which the site needs to continue making improvements.

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Read more:
The UAE's wetlands are a national treasure that deserve our care and protection Air we go: Flamingo flights tracked for UAE conservation celebration Thousands of native trees to be planted in Abu Dhabi wetlands
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Abu Dhabi's Al Wathba Wetland marked as a protected area on international list

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The wetland, home to 4,000 flamingos, is the first site in the region to enter the list of conserved areas Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in Abu Dhabi is now on a global list of protected areas. The International Union for Conservation of Nature placed the wetland reserve on its Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, a first for the region.

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Info 2

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The waters in the Middle East are home to hundreds of species of both flora and fauna, making the area a diver's paradise, as well as a biodiversity hotspot. The specific temperatures of the waters in the area year round, make the Middle East the perfect residence for everything from whale sharks to sting rays.

The coral reefs that line the shores here in the Arabian Gulf, as well as the outskirts of Oman, are colourful and diverse. These corals rival the ones found in world-renowned diving locations, such as the Caribbean, or even The Great Barrier Reef, with their bright colours and distinctive shapes and features. Some of the greatest coral reefs in the area run along the Eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula, across both the UAE and Oman, with some of the greatest treasures residing in the Gulf of Oman. These reefs curve along and around the Musandam and Fujairah region, and thanks to their isolation from the big cities, are pristine and largely untouched. As well, further South of the Gulf of Oman, in the waters surrounding Muscat, the coral reefs are just as pristine, and include a more vast array of offshore reefs, such as the protected Damaniyat Islands, which the waters surrounding it have often been called "an aquarium". These aquarium-like waters in Muscat are not only home to lush coral reefs, but can also be home to much larger sea-dwelling species, who migrate to the region throughout the year- species like whale sharks.

The coral reefs throughout these regions make for an incredible dive, and with good visibility, these dive sites can even out-compete those world-famous underwater havens. Not only do the reefs make for great diving and incredible landscape shots, but they also provide a home to the hundreds of species of fish and marine mammals that frequent the area.

It is incredibly difficult to gauge the activity that's occurring beneath the seas as you surf, paddle or ride above the ocean's surface, as it is so vast and so immense - particularly in the Arabian Seas. Throughout the Middle East, for decades, there have been reported sightings of a number of different marine species, from whale sharks in the Marina, to dolphins on the outskirts of the Palm. Sightings such as these however, are limited to what people can see from above the surface, or even on the shore. Imagine the perspective from underwater, where the chance of seeing such activity increases exponentially. The underwater environment in this region is lucky enough to receive visits from, as well as provide permanent residency to, marine species that people travel the globe in search for. It is difficult to do a dive in Fujairah or Oman without seeing a turtle, or an eel, or even a stingray. The biodiversity in the area is so extensive that these underwater sightings are nothing short of frequent. As well as bottom dwellers like stingrays and coral occupants like eels, much larger species frequent the area - eagle rays, dolphins, sharks and much more. It's not uncommon for boat enthusiasts to come across a pod of dolphins, not far off the coast of Dubai, and equally not as common, is a group of divers experiencing a visit from the notorious gentle giant of the ocean - the whale shark. Avid divers may travel for years, across continents, in search for these elusive goliaths, whereas the residents of the UAE only have to travel a few hundred kilometres in the right season, to experience these titans. In Oman, between July and September, the plankton bloom can attract whale sharks, bringing them in large numbers, and increasing the likelihood of a sighting.

The biodiversity in the UAE's and Middle Eastern waters is vast, and is a treat to any one who lives here or comes to visit. We are blessed with a wide array of marine animals and extensive coral landscapes, making for active underwater expanses. It's often hard to understand the beauty of these marine ecosystems and even harder to spot those notorious, world-famous animals like whale sharks and turtles, without getting underwater and experiencing them. Luckily, in this area that we live in, the opportunity to do so is always within reach, with the high number of dive operators, both here in the UAE, as well as in the surrounding region. The biodiversity however is fragile, and is not only there for us to enjoy, but contributes to regulating the entire underwater ecosystem of the area, providing shelter and nutrients to marine species, some of which are fish that are incorporated into our diet. The importance of these reefs and the species that live within and around them should not be downplayed, so when the next opportunity presents itself, suit up, submerse yourself in the experience, allow yourself to appreciate and comprehend the underwater environment, and spread the word.

Words + Photos By: Jake Lyle

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The Arabian Seas: A Biodiversity Hotspot - OutdoorUAE

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The waters in the Middle East are home to hundreds of species of both flora and fauna, making the area a diver's paradise, as well as a biodiversity hotspot. The specific temperatures of the waters in the area year round, make the Middle East the perfect residence for everything from whale sharks to sting rays.

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Info 3

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Dubai and the United Arab Emirates are making animal conservation a government priority at a time when biodiversity is under threat and more animals face extinction globally.

A report by the United Nations earlier this year claimed animal extinctions are at an unprecedented high. According to the organisation, as many as one million species are under threat.

On a visit to the desert, you might expect to find camels or antelope, maybe some hawks. But Dubai's Al Marmoom animal sanctuary is teeming with biodiversity with hundreds of different species of birds, mammals, and reptiles.

The sanctuary covers 20 percent of the whole area of Dubai. In the beginning, it was a desert populated by native animals, but as the sanctuary expanded to more than 50 oases, it was discovered these water bodies could control the environmental balance.

The sanctuary has even managed to attract the Arabian Oryx. This animal was declared extinct in the wild in 1972, but has now been brought back from the brink by the reserve.

Saoud Faisal is a wildlife officer at the Al Marmoom sanctuary. He says in the 80s and 90s the Oryx were overhunted for food. Now the animal is considered part of the region's wildlife.

"They are totally protected now and also they are healthy," he explains. "We have them in large numbers which last year reached more than 500."

From desert oases to indoor tropical environments, recent laws in Dubai mean greater governmental support for animal sanctuaries.

Laws were introduced in 2007 to cover animal welfare, but awareness really started to build in 2016.

The laws also apply to rare and exotic animals. Some are looked after in animal sanctuaries like Green Planet.

Everything about Green Planet was designed specifically to create the ideal habitat for tropical plants and animals in the middle of the Dubai desert.

The sanctuary houses a wide range of species including many different birds, and mammals such as two-toed sloths. And lizards like green iguanas or basilisks.

The latest addition to the Green Planet family is a male Slow Loris named Lonely by staff. But this wide- eyed, rare primate wasn't lonely for long.

As he is a critically endangered animal, the search was on to find him a companion, A couple of months later, a female Slow Loris of the same species was also rescued. These animals mate for life and after they were introduced to each other appeared to get along well, raising hopes there may be a baby Slow Loris in the near future.

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Animal conservation "a government priority" says United Arab Emirates

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Dubai and the United Arab Emirates are making animal conservation a government priority at a time when biodiversity is under threat and more animals face extinction globally. A report by the United Nations earlier this year claimed animal extinctions are at an unprecedented high.

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Write the names of your group members.

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Write some Biodiversity problems that you found our about in UAE.
Examples =
1. Camels are dying because humans are leaving their rubbish in the dessert.
2. The porpoises that live in the sea near UAE are dying because of the construction that has taken place on the beaches in UAE.

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My groups chosen UAE problem that we will research and suggest a solution for.

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Climate change.

Deforestation and habitat loss.

Pollution.
Notes:
The definition of biodiversity refers to the amount of diversity between different plants, animals and other species in a given habitat at a particular time.

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1. Climate change
2. Deforestation and habitat loss
3. Overexploitation
4. Invasive species
5. Pollution

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HOW THE PLASTIC PROBLEM TRAPS ANIMALS IN THE UAE:
From getting trapped in plastic nets to eating plastic that they believe is food, animals in the UAE are dying from the harmful material we make.

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is the variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems.

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pollution and droughts play a major role in the loss of ecosystems in UAE. Extinctions of certain species has also been a problem. These problems will cause illness which will spread over many ecosystems which will get affected and soon will die.

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Animal conservation:is the act of protecting ecosystems and environments to protect the animals that live there. The importance of animal conservation is immeasurable, at a time where our planet is currently experiencing the sixth major extinction event in the 3.6 billion years that life has been on it.

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Not just a little plastic, but an unimaginable amount of plastic. Given that the camels cannot digest the plastic that they eat, the plastic accumulates in their stomachs, forming larger and larger clumps. It is estimated that one of every two camels in the United Arab Emirates dies of plasticconsumption.

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the UAE's vibrant wildlife is magnificent in its diversity.

Much of it is, however, is under threat, as the pressures of development, fishing, pollution and even climate change, create uncertainty over the future of rare species.

Indeed the Arabian leopard, for example, is believed to be extinct in the wild in the UAE, although a captive-breeding programme is helping to maintain a population.

There are many native UAE creatures still found in the wild here that are benefiting from conservation efforts through government organisations such as the Environment Agency

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 In fact, 50 per cent of the camels that die in the UAE are due to ingesting plastics.

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 In fact, 50 per cent of the camels that die in the UAE are due to ingesting plastics.

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The geckos , sharks , cormorants , sand cats the UAE's vibrant wildlife is magnificent in its diversity. Much of it is, however, is under threat, as the pressures of development, fishing, pollution and even climate change, create uncertainty over the future of rare species.

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The camels are one of the animals dying everyday because of cars hitting in AlFujairah , Camels is from our history of our country we cannot risk their lives because of some people who do not pay attention while they are driving , or we can save them lives by just doing some tips .

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Steps:
1. Color your post green.
2. Write 1 sentence about the problem in the UAE that you want to solve. Example = Many camels in the UAE are dying from eating plastic that humans leave behind when they visit the desert. We want to design a service where extra cleaners are sent to certain areas of the desert before the camels eat the rubbish and plastic.
3. Write 1 sentence about the App, Service or Prototype that you will design. Example: We will design a sensor that is attached to the street lights in desert areas. It will send a daily notification to our computer of how many humans pass it. If it was more that 100, cleaners will be sent to that area.
4. Write 2-5 sentences about your plan. Example: We will research sensors that read human movement. We need to know about the materials to make them and the cost. We need something that is heat resistant because it is very hot in the desert.

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1.Many camels in the UAE are dying from car accidents because of  humans driving fast without watching out . We want to make a service where camels are in a safe place and people who hit camels could report the case so someone could help fast.
2. We will design an app where people could report if they have seen camels and they could report if they have hit a camel so the camels could be saved.
3. We will research a way to have a quick respond from the staff.We need to hire people who know how to take care of camels.we need a safe place to put the camels after someone reports a case.

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Use one of the attached templates. I've attached it as Word and as PDF. Use what suits your device.