The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia have officially launched a historic collaboration aimed at preserving the critically endangered Malayan tiger, marking a significant milestone in global wildlife conservation efforts. The agreement, signed during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, saw the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MBZF) partner with Enggang Management Services to create Southeast Asia's first dedicated tiger reserve, the Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, HRH Prince Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, Regent of Pahang, and H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, were all present to witness the historic signing.
This collaboration marks a monumental step in the global fight to protect the Malayan tiger, whose population is dwindling rapidly, with fewer than 150 individuals remaining in the wild. The initiative, backed by a US$22 million grant over five years, is designed to establish a safe and sustainable environment for the Malayan tiger within the 1,340 square kilometers of the new reserve, located next to Taman Negara National Park.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed emphasized the importance of this project in not only conserving the Malayan tiger but also in preserving the region's rich biodiversity. He highlighted that the project aligns with the UAE’s long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability and its vision for a better future, inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father.
The new tiger reserve is set to become a critical site for conservation efforts, which will include anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, breeding programs, and extensive research. The reserve will also serve as a platform for international scientific collaboration, including advanced genetic research, to enhance the conservation of endangered species.
This collaboration will not only benefit the Malayan tiger but also contribute to the protection of a variety of other endangered species in the region, including elephants, sun bears, tapirs, and wild cats. The comprehensive approach involves rewilding and translocation efforts, as well as captive breeding programs, further reinforcing global conservation strategies.
Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Executive Managing Director of the Mohamed bin Zayed Fund for Nature, stated that this partnership is a crucial step toward preventing the extinction of the Malayan tiger. She noted that timely intervention could reverse the decline of species, as evidenced by other successful conservation efforts globally.
This partnership between the UAE and Malaysia exemplifies the power of international cooperation in conservation and the importance of shared global responsibility in protecting endangered wildlife. The project also highlights the UAE's continued leadership in environmental sustainability and commitment to the protection of biodiversity, furthering its role as a global hub for conservation initiatives.
A Vision for the Future
The creation of the Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve is a significant step forward in ensuring the survival of the Malayan tiger and maintaining the balance of the region’s ecosystems. This partnership serves as a model for future international collaborations aimed at preserving endangered species and addressing the challenges of biodiversity loss. With its commitment to sustainability, the UAE continues to lead efforts to secure a healthier, more sustainable world for future generations.
Comments
Post a Comment