Emirates Wildlife Society

Emirates Wildlife Society
Name	Emirates Wildlife Society
Formation	2001
Type	Non-profit organisation
Headquarters	Abu Dhabi
Region served	United Arab Emirates
Parent organization	World Wide Fund for Nature

Emirates Wildlife Society is a non-governmental organisation based in Abu Dhabi focused on biodiversity conservation, habitat protection, and environmental education across the United Arab Emirates. It operates within a network of regional and international conservation institutions and collaborates with government agencies, private sector partners, and research organizations to implement species protection and sustainable development initiatives. The society engages in habitat restoration, policy advocacy, community outreach, and scientific monitoring to address threats to native flora and fauna.

Overview

The organisation works on terrestrial and marine conservation issues across the Arabian Peninsula, coordinating activities with regional institutions such as Environment Agency–Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, Dubai Municipality, Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority, and international bodies including World Wide Fund for Nature, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Convention on Biological Diversity, United Nations Environment Programme, and Ramsar Convention. Projects have targeted emblematic species and ecosystems like the Arabian Oryx, Arabian leopard, Houbara bustard, green turtle, Hawksbill sea turtle, mangrove stands along the Persian Gulf, and coastal seagrass meadows. Collaborations extend to academic partners such as Khalifa University, United Arab Emirates University, Zayed University, Sultan Qaboos University, and international research centres like Zoological Society of London and BirdLife International.

History

Founded in 2001 as an affiliate of World Wide Fund for Nature, the organisation emerged amid regional conservation efforts that followed national initiatives like the establishment of Sir Bani Yas Island reserves and protected areas under the patronage of Abu Dhabi leaders including Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Early work included species reintroduction and protected area planning in collaboration with authorities such as Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court and conservation programmes inspired by global efforts like Project Arabian Leopard and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Over two decades, the society expanded its remit to include marine conservation alongside terrestrial projects, aligning with regional strategies such as the Gulf Cooperation Council environmental agendas and cross-border marine initiatives supported by IUCN Red List assessments and CITES frameworks.

Programs and Projects

Major initiatives have included species recovery programmes for Arabian tahr, Houbara bustard, and sand cat; habitat monitoring for mangroves, coral reef restoration around island systems such as Sir Bani Yas and Dalma Island; and marine pollution responses addressing oil spill impacts and plastic pollution in partnership with maritime stakeholders like Abu Dhabi Ports and Sharjah Port Authority. Community-based projects have focused on sustainable fisheries working with groups such as the Fisheries and Environment Authority of Oman and civil society partners including Emirates Marine Environmental Group. Scientific outputs have been informed by collaborations with institutions like King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, and regional museums such as the Sharjah Museum of Natural History.

Conservation Partnerships

Partnerships span government agencies, non-governmental organisations, universities, and private corporations. Notable collaborators include Environment Agency–Abu Dhabi, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Masdar, ADNOC, Emirates Airline for awareness campaigns, and international NGOs such as WWF-UK, Fauna & Flora International, The Nature Conservancy, and Conservation International. The society has engaged in multi-stakeholder forums including Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative and participated in international conferences like CITES Conference of the Parties, IUCN World Conservation Congress, and UNFCCC side events to promote biodiversity integration into climate policy.

Education and Outreach

Education programmes targeted schools, universities, and community groups, partnering with ministries and educational institutions such as the Ministry of Education (United Arab Emirates), Abu Dhabi Education Council, and British Council initiatives. Public campaigns have leveraged media outlets including The National (Abu Dhabi), Gulf News, and regional broadcasters to raise awareness about species such as loggerhead sea turtle and habitats like sabkha flats. Citizen science and volunteer initiatives engaged groups including International Coastal Cleanup volunteers and youth organisations like Scouting and Guiding organizations to monitor nesting beaches and record biodiversity data.

Funding and Governance

Funding sources have included grants, corporate partnerships, philanthropic donations, and project-specific support from entities such as ADNOC, Etihad Airways, Emirates Foundation, Mubadala Investment Company, and international donors associated with Global Environment Facility programmes. Governance structures involved a board with representatives from private sector partners, conservation experts from organisations like IUCN and BirdLife International, and liaison with governmental stakeholders including Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court and the Supreme Petroleum Council for strategic oversight on natural resource matters.

Impact and Criticism

The society has contributed to measurable outcomes including species population monitoring, protected area designation, and restoration of coastal habitats, influencing national conservation policy and contributing data to the IUCN Red List. Achievements cited by partners include successful nesting protections for sea turtles and habitat restoration projects supporting migratory bird species listed by BirdLife International as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas. Criticism has focused on perceived reliance on corporate funding from energy companies such as ADNOC and debates over balancing conservation with development projects like Masdar City and coastal infrastructure expansion. Academic critiques in journals from institutions like University of Exeter and King's College London have discussed challenges in measuring long-term ecological outcomes and ensuring transparency in project reporting.

Category:Environmental organisations based in the United Arab Emirates