Abu Dhabi: A batch of 58 Hawksbill turtles has hatched safely on Saadiyat Island off Abu Dhabi under a programme implemented by the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) and undertaken by the Emirates Heritage Club (EHC).
The findings and recommendations from the monitoring programme form key inputs to the planning process for Saadiyat Island, which is being transformed into an international residential, tourism and cultural hub.
"Our aim is to ensure that development does not disturb the natural habitat or wildlife of the island," said Nasser Al Shaiba, Environment Affairs Director, TDIC.
The Hawksbill turtles live in the coastal shallows offshore Saadiyat Island.
"Our guidelines have resulted in planned hotel developments being kept a considerable distance away from nesting grounds with access to open beach and mangroves which flank the shoreline," explained Lee Tabler, CEO, TDIC.
Have your say
Have you ever seen a Hawksbill turtle? Should more be done to protect the marine environment ? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form below to send your comments.
Your comments
Saadiyat Island is going to eventually be transformed into a concrete jungle, no matter how much precaution is taken it will definitely end up disturbing the eco system.
Baz
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2007, 11:11
I haven?t seen a hawksbill turtle but I think it is a great idea to work on ways of protecting this species. Turtles all over the world are being hunted for their flesh and shells, so I think more should be done to protect them. To think that they only breed once a year and that even if they lay a hundred eggs, only a few hatchlings will actually only make it as full-grown turtles.
Sheriff
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 15, 2007, 02:32
