The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s (EAD) Youth Council has launched the initiative ‘Bahruna Dhukhr’ (Our Sea is Our Wealth) in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Fishermen’s Association and Modon, to preserve the UAE’s ancestral maritime heritage and pass it on to future generations.

The initiative focuses on implementing educational programmes that highlight the UAE’s maritime heritage and aim to preserve the environment through a multi-pronged approach, including school trips for pupils of all ages to instil in them the principles of sustainability and emphasise the importance of maintaining and sustaining fish wealth.

The initiative coincides with the ‘Year of Sustainability’ announced by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to help consolidate the concepts of sustainability and highlight its importance to the marine fishing sector, as well as its role in supporting the fishing profession – an important popular and cultural heritage in the UAE.

Abdulrahman Qaderi, Unit Head – Environ
ment Field Support and member of the Agency’s Youth Council, said, “The initiative focuses on transferring the sustainable marine heritage of our ancestors to future generations. This is considered a vital step towards protecting our natural resources and enhancing the sustainability of the marine environment.”

The initiative will be implemented at 234 government and private schools through the Sustainable Schools Initiative (SSI) network, which was created by EAD. Field trips and awareness workshops will be organised to introduce the various fishing methods and equipment used locally, focusing on the main fish species in our waters – an integral part of the UAE’s natural heritage and a vital resource for fishermen.

Experienced fishermen will also contribute by conveying their experiences and inspiring stories to the students in a way that revives their sense of marine heritage and the importance of ancestral knowledge.

This initiative will reach more than 5,000 students in 100 schools registered within th
e SSI network, introducing them to marine heritage and the marine environment.

It will also provide a unique opportunity for students to learn about healthy seafood, the different types of fish found in Abu Dhabi’s waters, and ways of cleaning, cutting and cooking fish. They will also get an introduction to the types of fishing vessels and ancient and modern means of fishing.

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)