Expert throws light on critical dilemmas within biodiversity conservation

EEG invited a leading expert and scientist from Sudan, Dr. Mutasim Bashir Nimir to speak about the importance of protected areas, its management and future.

A protected area is defined as an area of land and/or sea especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity and of natural and associated cultural resources, managed through legal or other effective means- UNEP-WCMC.

The expert began by defining Protected Areas as "universal mechanisms for in-situ biodiversity conservation." More than 100,000 protected areas exist covering about 11% of the land areas of earth, he informed the audience, going on to explain that Marine protected areas cover only 1% of the world seas and oceans, indicating that not enough protectorates have been established across the world to manage biodiversity, and manage a range of ecosystem goods and services.

While there is considerable variation in the focus, objectives, targets, direction and content of protected areas management across countries, there is uniformity in the understanding that some form of protectorate has to be established for conservation, and for the sustainable use of natural resources. While many countries have long standing established protected areas management, some are only beginning to look at protected areas as conservation hotspots, and sometimes key to economic development.

However, it is this linkage that poses one of the biggest challenges, since it leads to conflict issues between conservation policies, communities and development. For example, if a forest is declared a protected area and access is denied to communities living within its boundaries or peripheries, it might cut off their life blood by denying them access to livelihood and resources that they have enjoyed for generations, in turn perpetuating poverty and marginalization of local communities. It can also potentially create incendiary situations and make conservation initiatives counter-productive and un-developmental.

In some cases, it is often local communities that have their traditions and cultures rooted in the local biodiversity (some tribal communities protecting certain species of flora or fauna) that have been successful in living sustainably off the ecosystem services and products available to them. Thus one of the challenges is also to synergize and not divest communities. In an age when land and resources are both facing constant threats from rising populations, development and the like, the case for protected areas grows more and more difficult.

Dwelling at length on this issue, the speaker Dr Nimir said, "There is a growing concern about effectiveness of protected areas. Conflicts between conservation and communities are growing in developing countries and between protected areas and development in developed countries." He cited the Dinder National Park in Sudan as a case example, where conservation policies and development priorities are being set up to tackle such challenges. A short film was shown to the audience on the subject.

The lecture was kicked off with a short opening speech delivered by EEG's Honorary Member and Director General of Environment & Protected Areas Authority Sharjah, Mr. Abdul Aziz Al Midfaa on behalf of EEG's Chairperson Habiba Al Marashi. He spoke briefly about some of the ongoing programs and initiatives of the Group, including the Arabia Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2008, and upcoming events for school and college students, corporate workshops, and the Clean up UAE at year-end. He reminded every one to be ever vigilant to environmental harm, to make the summer break environmentally active and eventful, to follow green habits and practices whether at home or work, and to get involved in environmental events and volunteering.

The lecture concluded to be followed by a round of discussion and exchange among the speaker and the enthusiastic audience. A lot of information was traded, which was very effective in widening knowledge and know-how about the topic in particular, and conservation in general. At a time when biodiversity destruction and species extinction are staring at humanity squarely, when our own future sustainability is up for question, the lecture managed to bring home the importance of looking after natural resources, and setting up adequate management systems and protocols that support both development and conservation of biodiversity.

The speaker and the host of the evening, and EEG corporate members Emarat Atrium and Abela Catering were thanked for their contributions, and each presented with a token of appreciation. The monthly lectures will be continued and a set of eight lectures will be completed during the course of the year.