Abu Dhabi - Wam
Shaikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Public Works and Chairman of the National Media Council has invited all media in the state to come forward and raise awareness among the public on the importance of voting for Bu Tinah making it one of the New7Wonders (N7W) of Nature. In a statement to Emirates News Agency (WAM), He said: "We hope that media will play its role in promoting awareness among the citizens, residents and visitors on the importance of biodiversity in the UAE and support the state's efforts aimed at making the island one of the New7Wonders (N7W) of Nature." He also hailed the visit of Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to the 'Bu Tinah Experience' at the Abu Dhabi Corniche. He said that VP vote will encourage the citizens and residents to vote more for "Bu Tinah". The "Vote for Bu Tinah campaign" has also received support from His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces after he voted for Bu Tinah through the website. Bu Tinah Island, located around 130 km west of Abu Dhabi, is a core area of the UNESCO-designated Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve-the first marine biosphere reserve in the region. The island is situated in the western region of Abu Dhabi Emirate and is closed to the public which has been a critical factor in protecting it from the negative impacts of development and human-related activities and allowing its biodiversity to flourish in peace. Bu Tinah is home to unique coral reefs, healthy mangroves, endangered Hawksbill turtles and dugongs, dolphins, Ospreys and Socotra cormorants, and is the only finalist from the Arabian Gulf.