SICFAB 25th Edition Highlights Marine Ecosystems And Invasive Species In Arabia
The 25th Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabia’s Biodiversity opened at Sharjah Safari, bringing together specialists to address current environmental threats. Organised by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, the forum concentrates on marine ecosystems, invasive and alien species, and seabirds, while strengthening scientific exchange and cooperation across the region and internationally.
More than 180 researchers and experts in biodiversity and environmental sciences are taking part in the event, which continues until 5 February. Participants from different countries are sharing field data, technical practices, and policy insights, with a strong emphasis on regional collaboration that is relevant to Gulf and wider Middle East marine environments.
The Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabia’s Biodiversity marks its silver jubilee, reflecting a 25-year record of conservation work. Since its early editions, the forum has helped make biodiversity protection a strategic concern in Sharjah, supporting knowledge-building programmes and coordination among institutions across the Arabian Peninsula.
Over previous sessions, the Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabia’s Biodiversity has hosted more than 200 specialists. These gatherings led to studies of marine incidents, reviews of reptiles and amphibians on the Red List, and updates to conservation classifications, alongside advanced training in monitoring, rehabilitation, scientific publishing, and effective environmental communication.
The current edition of the Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabia’s Biodiversity places strong attention on pre-emptive conservation. Organisers highlight scientific risk assessment, early-warning monitoring tools, and rapid-response procedures designed to support ecosystem resilience, control biodiversity loss, and improve preparedness for environmental pressures across marine and coastal habitats.
Special focus within the Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabia’s Biodiversity is directed to marine and coastal birds and long-term monitoring schemes. The agenda also promotes capacity-building in the region, investment in scientific knowledge, and cross-border collaboration to manage invasive and alien species affecting Gulf and Arabian coastal and offshore systems.
Sharjah International Conservation Forum sessions, students, and field activities for Arabia’s biodiversity
Opening-day sessions at the Sharjah International Conservation Forum for Arabia’s Biodiversity examined invasive species, marine accidents, and the global re-evaluation of sea snakes in the IUCN Red List. Parallel workshops targeted students, aiming to develop future biodiversity researchers through exposure to practical conservation methods and current scientific debates.
Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi attended the launch, then toured an environmental exhibition held alongside the forum and visited Sharjah Safari. Participants also viewed a visual presentation that highlighted local wildlife, documented Environment and Protected Areas Authority projects, and outlined ongoing conservation activities in Sharjah and the wider region.
With inputs from WAM
Sign in with Google