The Environment and Protected Areas Authority, EPAA, in Sharjah called on citizens and residents in the emirate and the wider UAE to contribute towards protection of wildlife and conserving the environment to ensure sustainable resources for future generations.

The initiative coincides with the beginning of winter when the natural sites in desert and mountain areas see a significant rise in the number of visitors, both individuals and families, who go to these sites to enjoy wildlife.

"Community involvement in environment protection and biodiversity conservation in Sharjah and the UAE is instrumental to ensure a sustainable environment for future generations. This community contribution is particularly significant as our environment has a unique variety of rare and endangered species," said Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the EPAA in Sharjah.

Al Suwaidi said that human activities that may damage the natural habitat and cause environmental degradation are prohibited as per the act of preventing environmental degradation in wilderness areas in Sharjah. Such activities also violate the federal and local laws for environmental protection, she added.

Violations such as dumping or disposing of hazardous waste in the wilderness area, soil erosion, vegetation damage, tree cutting, illegal hunting, livestock killing, overgrazing or leaving animals unattended are banned and strictly prohibited as per the provisions of the act, she said.

Act No. 9, issued by the Executive Council in 2012 with regard to the prevention of environmental degradation in wilderness areas in the Emirate of Sharjah, and its amendments in Resolution No. 39 of 2016, impose fines ranging from AED1,000 to AED50,000 on wildlife intruders.