Jeep backs world first Arabian Wildlife Expedition

Divided into four expeditions, 'The Cycle of Life' TV series will for the first time take viewers on a 12-part voyage of discovery through Arabia's wildlife, marine life and ecology with local experts and an international team of scientific researchers.

"For over 60 years, the Jeep brand has built a reputation for delivering rugged, go anywhere, do anything vehicles with real four-wheel-drive power,'' said Bruce Ohms, Sales and Marketing Director, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, Middle East. "We have also championed the Tread Lightly approach to the environment which is why we are giving our utmost backing to this ecologoical project and supplying four Jeep vehicles for the expeditions.

"When we say Tread Lightly we are urging 4 x 4 drivers to ensure the future of the outdoors by taking extra care and consideration for the wildlife and natural surroundings. We are delighted that each programme in this fantastic film series will include tips on responsible off-road driving.

"The Jeep name is one of the best known of all consumer brands in the world and an international byword for off-road capability. It is, therefore, very apt that Jeep, with over nine million units sold in over 100 countries, should be at the vanguard in environmental concern in this region.''

Other support sponsors of this project include Lufthansa as the official airline, Sony Broadcast and Professional, with Sony DVCAM technology as the format of choice, and Garmin GPS navigational equipment provided by AMIT, Dubai.

Filming for the series started late last year and will take the Ocean World Production team to Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, with possible visits to Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Yemen and Eqypt.

"Virutally all life on earth is dependent on water and nowhere is this more pronounced than in the arid mountains, deserts and coastal environs of the Arabian Peninsula,'' said Jonathan Ali Khan, Expedition leader. "As such the presence or lack of water determines where life finds a sustainable balance.

"From rain fall in the UAE's Hajar Mountains, our team will move into shifting sand dunes, where life has evolved some amazing specialisations in order to survive, to the shores of the Gulf with their mangrove ecosystems, sea grass beds and coral reefs.''

The first film will cover the two-week explosion of life that takes place following the Khareef (monsoon) in Oman.

"Our first expedition to Oman proved to be a major success resulting in over 200 hours of natural history footage,'' added Ali Khan. "Our remaining expeditions will document endangered species and help raise awareness of the work being done to save animals, such as the Oryx and Arabian Leopard, that are only found in this part of the world. It is especially important that we acknowledge the efforts and progress of the region's conservation authorities such as the Sharjah Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife, the Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Authority, the Conservation Department of Oman's Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources, the Office of the Advisor for the Environment to the Royal Diwan (Oman), the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development in Saudi Arabia and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature in Jordan.''

Commenting on the film series Jeep Marketing Manager Hussein Razek said: "This is a landmark television series of interest not only to viewers here in the Gulf but also those worldwide. By supporting TV production with content development such as this project, regional television is also given a major push towards educational and responsible prgramming. We are proud that Jeep can play a small part in increasing awareness of the unique heritage and diversity of wildlife that can be found in this region.''