Sharjah Sets Regional Biodiversity Agenda After Conservation Forum

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority has announced a set of strategic recommendations to strengthen biodiversity conservation and nature protection across the region, following the latest edition of the Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabia’s Biodiversity.
The recommendations focus on reinforcing science-based regional action, enhancing preparedness for emerging environmental challenges, and supporting the long-term sustainability of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Central to the outcomes is the need to strengthen regional capacity in biodiversity assessment and the management of invasive alien species. This includes harmonising scientific methodologies, improving access to reliable data, and prioritising species with the most significant ecological impact to guide evidence-based policy decisions.
Marine conservation featured prominently in the forum’s outcomes. Participants highlighted the importance of improving regional preparedness for marine wildlife stranding incidents and seabird protection. Proposed measures include unified monitoring and response protocols, expanded use of advanced research technologies to track marine animal movement, and enhanced cooperation in wildlife health and rehabilitation to reduce environmental losses and improve crisis response efficiency.
Among the scientific developments discussed was a global reassessment of sea snakes for the Red List, covering dozens of species worldwide. The reassessment updated conservation statuses, identified principal threats, and outlined research priorities to inform future marine conservation planning.
The forum also emphasised investment in scientific capacity-building, particularly for students and early-career researchers. Recommendations call for advanced training and mentoring programmes that connect academic research with field application and environmental policy development.