Nakheel, a leading real estate developer, is marking World Environment Day today with the news that 60 baby turtles nesting at the developer’s waterfront site in Dubai’s Jebel Ali have hatched since the 2014 nesting season began in March, with over 1,000 expected before it ends in September.  

Thirty two nests – each containing up to 100 eggs, of which an average 30 will turn into hatchings – have formed at the site, which forms part of the Emirates Marine Environmental Group (EMEG) Ghantoot Reserve. So far, two nests have hatched, producing 60 healthy Hawksbill turtles between them.    

The Hawksbill turtle – scientific name Eretmochelys imbricate – is a critically endangered species belonging to the Cheloniidae family of sea turtles. Nakheel’s site provides an ideal spot for nesting before translocation by the EMEG to a protected area.

A Nakheel spokesman said: “Our partnership with the EMEG to protect and promote sea life in the UAE is a major part of Nakheel’s commitment to environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.  We are delighted with the success of the 2014 season so far, and look forward to seeing more healthy young hatchings in the coming months.” - TradeArabia News Service