As we commemorate the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, 2015 as announced by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), we must realise the true importance of conservation of the flora and fauna around us. They play an integral role in our society, strongly associated with our culture and a mark of our heritage. Endemic species are something to be proud of and it is our responsibility to spread awareness about the need to conserve all these creatures.
The Arabian Oryx, is an endangered animal in the UAE, but the government’s efforts for its conservation are bearing fruit. In the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, the sand cat is also an endangered species. However, the UAE is taking up excellent initiatives to make sure that our worst fear doesn’t become a reality. It is our moral duty to preserve the wildlife that has given so much pride to the nation, whether it is our host country, or homeland.
We can conserve our biodiversity by using our resources judiciously and effectively and not exploiting them, be it flora or fauna. Humanity’s fate is tightly linked with biological diversity – the variety of life on Earth. It is essential for sustainable development and human well-being. I urge all the readers to take a pledge on this day, to do our efforts in saving the biodiversity by not over-using our assets and to comprehend the prominence of these amazing, graceful, lovable, yet vulnerable creatures in our society.
When we do so it is helping us in the long run because in this ecosystem we are all dependant on each other. So, by not paying attention to endangered animals, we are killing our lifeline, and then I think there is no hope for our generation.
— The reader is an Indian student based in Dubai
