The UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (Moccae) has signed an agreement with the Fujairah Centre for Adventures (FCA) to build the world's biggest coral reef park in the northern emirate of Fujairah, said a report.

 

The project is aimed at bolstering the strategic partnership between the two sides for protecting the marine environment and providing the marine species with sanctuaries, reported state news agency Wam, citing a senior official.

 

"It is a part of our projects for the 'Year of Zayed' initiatives since late Sheikh Zayed was a pioneer in environmental protection," remarked Sultan Alwan, the assistant under-secretary of the region's sector at the ministry, after signing the deal with Khamis Al Mamari, FCA director-general, in the presence of Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

 

"We want also to ensure the sustainability and development of the ecosystems and controlling the impacts of the climatic change," he added.

 

Al Mamari pointed out that the MoU was signed in line with the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, regarding protection of the marine environment and reserves and attracting more diving lovers to the emirate.

 

As per the agreement, Moccae will provide coral larvae of different types and sizes, technical support, training, logistical support as well as promoting the project across the UAE and the world, said the Wam report.

 

FCA, in association with the competent authorities in the emirate, will identify the locations of the coral reef parks that should be within the boundaries of marine protected areas, observed Al Mamari.

 

The two parties will form a joint technical team to develop the general outlines of the plan, improvement recommendations and prepare the follow-up reports, he added.