National Geographic Abu Dhabi & the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi release new documentary series exploring the UAE’s protected areas

National Geographic Abu Dhabi and the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) announced today a new documentary series that showcases the UAE’s diverse flora and fauna and steps that can be taken to preserve this natural heritage in Abu Dhabi. The series will air exclusively on National Geographic Abu Dhabi channel.

Entitled “Explore Your Environment,” the five-part documentary series takes viewers on a journey across various protected areas within Abu Dhabi. It reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to protecting the biodiversity of its desert and marine ecosystem.  These include over 400 plant species and two to three million migrating birds, which pass through every year. The nation’s marine habitats are also home to the world’s densest population of dugongs, as well as the endangered Hawksbill and Green Turtles, four globally threatened species of shark, three threatened species of ray and around 240 species of fish[1].

Narrated by Emirati explorer and conservationist Fahood Taymour, the series consists of 2-minute videos taking the viewer on a journey across the Emirate’s protected areas. Stops include both well-known tourist sites such as Jebal Hafit National Park as well as lesser-traveled locations such as Bu Tinah Island in the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, a 130 kilometers ride from Abu Dhabi’s coast. Other stops include the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and Al Ghada Protected Area.

Fahood’s approach will capture viewers, bringing awareness to the environment and biodiversity locally, as he encourages them to take small steps to cut down on pollution and fish for less vulnerable species of fish. This warning is echoed globally with the United Nations recently sounding an alarm bell that nature worldwide is declining globally at rates unprecedented in human history – and the rate of species extinctions is accelerating, with grave impacts on people.[2]

While shedding light on the EAD’s mission to protect and conserve the environment for people’s wellbeing, this latest documentary series also reflects National Geographic’s aim to raise awareness about the global environmental issues from wildlife erosion to ocean pollution and climate change.