EPAA hosts EAZA Small Mammal TAG mid-year meeting

Sharjah 24: The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah has announced that it will host the mid-year meeting of the Small Mammal Taxon Advisory Group (TAG), which is part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). The event, organized in collaboration with the EPAA through the Arabia's Wildlife Centre, one of the region's leading institutions specialized in breeding and protecting endangered species, reflects the EPAA's commitment to supporting international cooperation and advancing environmental conservation and biodiversity protection efforts.

The meeting will take place over four consecutive days, from May 5 to May 9, 2025, at the "Sharjah Seed Bank and Herbarium" in Al Dhaid City. The scientific program includes specialized research presentations, institutional experience sharing, and interactive sessions focused on developing strategies for the protection and environmental management of small mammal species, both in natural habitats (in-situ) and within protected environments and specialized centers (ex-situ).

Bringing Together Leading Experts in Small Mammal Conservation from Europe and the Middle East

This event is a prominent scientific platform in the region, bringing together a select group of scientists, experts, and practitioners specialized in small mammal conservation, research, and husbandry from across Europe and the Middle East. The goal is to discuss key challenges and opportunities in this field and enhance collaboration tools between environmental institutions involved in these efforts.

Advancing Environmental Care Practices and Updating Protection and Breeding Strategies, Especially for Endangered Species

Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, emphasized the importance of hosting this specialized meeting, which is one of the key environmental scientific events in Europe and the Middle East. She stated: "Hosting this event reflects Sharjah’s ongoing commitment, under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to supporting global biodiversity conservation efforts and building bridges of scientific and knowledge exchange with leading international institutions in this field."

She added: "Such meetings enhance the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and strengthen Sharjah's position as a leading scientific and environmental hub in the region. We take pride in our continuous collaboration with EAZA, which directly impacts the development of environmental care practices, the update of protection and breeding strategies, especially for endangered species."

Sharjah's Role in Supporting Biodiversity Conservation Efforts

The opening session featured a formal welcome to the participants and an overview of Sharjah's role in supporting biodiversity conservation through a network of projects, centers, and scientific initiatives, positioning the emirate as a leader in environmental and wildlife support in the region.

Field Visits

The meeting’s program also includes field visits to the Arabia's Wildlife Centre, where participants will have the opportunity to explore modern veterinary care systems, breeding methods, small species management techniques, and successful experiences in reintroducing certain species into their natural habitats.

Coordination Sessions, Workshops, and Collaborative Planning Between Member Institutions

The program also includes coordination sessions, workshops, and joint planning between the member institutions of the group, with the aim of identifying priorities for the upcoming phase, expanding the collective work within European Endangered Species Programmes (EEP), and exchanging data and expertise on breeding, animal behavior, and managing genetic lines.

Participants expressed their deep appreciation for the warm welcome, the professional organization, and the high-quality scientific facilities provided by Sharjah, praising the leading role of the authority in the region and its integrated approach, which combines protection, education, scientific research, and institutional communication.