The External Inspection Section of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA)has achieved remarkable success in confiscating 1460 banned birds sound devices during the return season of bird migration in March. This is an increase of 195 devices since March 2020, where 1265 devices were seized. This increase is due to a rise in inspection patrols.

Intensifying inspection campaigns and achieving the desired goal

Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, said, “The Authority is keen to implement its agenda of preserving and protecting the environment, and spread environmental awareness, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah in environmental sustainability. Accordingly, the specialised teams roam the various regions and carry out the confiscation of these devices, whilst also conducting awareness campaigns regarding the dangers of overhunting.”

HE Al Suwaidi added that the tasks carried out by the External Inspection Section are based on the decisions and laws issued by the Executive Council. The inspection campaigns were intensified to control and confiscate banned birds sound devices, in the spirit of one team and embracing cooperation and solidarity to carry this out. The tasks were entrusted to these teams to achieve the goals of the Authority, where determination and positivity overcomes challenges and risk.

1460 devices confiscated

The Authority’s specialized team, (External Inspection Section) during their tours in various regions of the Emirate of Sharjah between February 28 and March 28 2021, were able to seize and confiscate 1,460 devices. These devices are used in hunting birds by attracting them through sounds, as they lead to the gathering of birds in large numbers, before nets are set up to trap the birds. Such devices have a negative effect on wildlife and the destruction of natural resources.

Fight against poaching

The EPAA exerts all efforts, through its specialized teams and employees, to combat poaching, whether for migratory wild or marine birds. This is in addition to prohibiting the use of devices and equipment that deceives birds for the purpose of hunting them, and seeks to emphasize the importance of preserving migratory birds, which constitute one of the issues of preserving the biodiversity in the country, as this is one of the Authority’s strategic goals.

The teams of the External Inspection Section face many challenges and risks during the seizure and confiscation of banned bird sounds devices during the migration season, but they are working to address them efficiently and competently, and to reduce this phenomenon.

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah seeks to protect the environment, natural reserves, wildlife and their biodiversity through scientific studies and research. The authority publishes educational awareness material, implements policies for environmental awareness and programs, and launches specialized campaigns in the field of environmental awareness and education.