Gulf conservation groups have teamed up with National Geographic Al Arabiya to showcase 100 stunning images of Arabian species
The Gulf countries of the Middle East may be more famous for their outlandish construction projects, endless deserts and malls than their biodiversity but one art exhibition is hoping to change all that. A large coalition of conservation groups have teamed up with National Geographic Al Arabiya to launch a massive outdoor art exhibition to tackle people’s perceptions and showcase a wide variety of species from the Arabian peninsular.
It is hoped that the exhibition will raise awareness of the region’s biodiversity and also encourage a culture of conservation amongst citizens in the Gulf nations. According to the Wildlife Middle East (WME) newsletter, organisers are currently undertaking extensive research with conservation groups to select the 100 Ambassador Arabian species which will be showcased.
Species unique to the region will be displayed along side endemic, endangered and also more common species. Exhibition designer Franck Minthe told WME, “If people are familiar with their wildlife they will be moved to help conserve it. Awareness is the first step to finding solutions.”
The tireless Green Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali al Nuaimi, who was recently named an ambassador for Ford’s environmental grants, is a project ambassador and spokesperson for the travelling exhibition. The art exhibition will be striving to be as eco-friendly as possible and the pavilion information centre will be made using recycled cardboard and FSC certified wood.
The world première exhibition will take place in the Abu Dhabi Corniche in December 2011 and will then head to Dubai before travelling internationally over the next couple of years. It will be visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Europe and North America- entry will be free and there will be 24/7 access as the exhibition is outdoors.
Founder and curator of the Wild Arabia project Caterina Lo Mascolo told WME, “We want to show everyone that the Gulf has much more to offer than camels, falcons and scorpions…This region has many riches, but wildlife is the hidden treasure we intend to reveal.”
: Image via Wild Arabia with National Geographic/Facebook.
For more on biodiversity in the Gulf see:
15 Racing Camels In Qatar Killed By Toxic Pesticide
Greater Flamingoes Return To Abu Dhabi Wetlands
Badly Injured Cheetah Found On Abu Dhabi Streets
New Arabian Humpback Whale Species Found In Oman
Live Baby Leopard Found In Suitcase En Route To Dubai
Author: Arwa Aburawa
Arwa is a Muslim freelance writer who is interested in everything climate change related and how Islam can inspire more people to care for their planet and take active steps to save it while we can. She is endlessly suspicious of all politicians and their ceaseless meetings, especially as they make normal people believe that they are not part of the solution when they are the ONLY solution. Her Indian auntie is her model eco-warrier, and when Arwa is not busy helping out in the neighborhood alleyway garden, swap shopping or attempting fusion vegetarian dishes- with mixed success, she’d like to add- she can be found sipping on foraged nettle tea.
I’m not sure if they are planning to tour in Oman but you can inquire about becoming a partner of Wild Arabia by contacting
Managing Director Caterina Lo Mascolo at
caterina[AT]universka.com.
Maybe if you know of any animal conservation organisation in Oman, you could ask them to get in touch..??? Worth a try!
Arwa
It would be good if it comes to Oman – and not just Muscat but also at least down to Salalah – where there are some Arabian Leopard and possibly many of the other 99 Ambassador Arabian species