ADSW 2025: UAE And Malaysia Collaborate To Protect Endangered Malayan Tigers
During Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a significant agreement was signed to establish Southeast Asia's first tiger reserve. This initiative aims to protect the critically endangered Malayan tiger and other rare species. The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZF) has committed US$22 million over five years to Enggang Management Services for this cause.
The Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve will be located next to Taman Negara National Park, covering 1,340 square kilometres. This area will provide a suitable environment for conserving the Malayan tiger and other threatened wildlife in Malaysia. The initiative is part of global efforts to prevent the extinction of rare species.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed emphasised the importance of this collaboration in preserving biodiversity and stabilising ecosystems. He noted that this effort aligns with the UAE's commitment to sustainability, inspired by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's legacy of environmental protection for future generations.
Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Executive Managing Director of Mohamed bin Zayed Fund for Nature - Presidential Court, stated, "If tiger populations continue to decline at this rate, experts predict their extinction within a few years. However, there are success stories where timely intervention has restored species on the brink of extinction. This initiative to support the Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve is a crucial step toward securing the Malayan tiger's future."
This project will expand protected areas for the Malayan tiger and manage habitats to ensure successful reproduction. Measures include anti-poaching patrols, breeding programmes and habitat restoration. A research facility focusing on advanced genetics applications will also be established at the reserve.
Captive breeding, rewilding and translocation programmes are planned. The Rewilding Centre will honour President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his contributions to environmental conservation and protecting endangered species.
Broader Benefits for Wildlife
While focusing on the Malayan tiger, conservation measures will benefit other rare animals like wild cats, elephants, tapirs, sun bears and various bird species. These efforts aim to create a balanced ecosystem supporting diverse wildlife.
Dato' Sri Muthanna Abdullah, Chairman of Enggang Holdings, remarked on the significance of international partnerships in conservation. "This grant from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund reflects the depth of global partnerships in environmental conservation. Partnering with the UAE allows us to amplify our efforts to protect the Malayan tiger and other rare species," he said.
The project underscores how international cooperation can effectively address environmental challenges. It serves as an inspiration for similar initiatives worldwide aimed at preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species.
With inputs from WAM
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