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4th International Conference on Global Warming opens in presence of Ras Al Khaimah Ruler April 03,2017

RAS AL KHAIMAH, 3rd April, 2017 (WAM) --- The 4th International Conference on Global Warming: EcoSystem Productivity opened today bringing together environmental experts, researchers and academicians to discuss the issue of global warming and explore ways of increasing the productivity of ecosystems.

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras al-Khaimah, attended the opening of the three-day conference, organised by the Environment Protection and Development Authority of Ras Al Khaimah at Al Hamra Convention Centre.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, delivered an opening speech in which he shined a light on the UAE's rich biodiversity, diverse terrestrial and water habitats coastal wetland, salt marshes and other water bodies which, he noted, host a range of species and provide natural protection from storms and tide water.

Projecting the UAE's efforts in preserving biodiversity, he said the number of the country's natural reserves went up from 19 in 2010 to 43 in 2016.

He further noted that the UAE has five sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites). The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, and is also known as the Convention on Wetlands.

These efforts are in line with the UAE Vision 2021, Zeyoudi said.