Residents of Ras Al Khaimah now have the convenience of reporting environmental violations directly, thanks to a new service by the Environment Protection and Development Authority (EPDA).
This system is crafted to reduce harmful activities and enhance community engagement in safeguarding local wildlife and natural environments.
Moza Al Mehairi, assistant director general of EPDA, informed Khaleej Times that the initiative seeks to motivate the public to report actions that could endanger biodiversity or disturb ecological equilibrium.
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She highlighted that the system is crucial in protecting vulnerable migratory species, such as stone-curlew birds, which face threats from illegal hunting and other damaging activities.
Al Mehairi mentioned that previous violations frequently involved unapproved bird-hunting devices. “Some individuals use devices that play bird sounds to lure them, simplifying their capture with cages,” she said, noting that these practices are banned and endanger wildlife directly.
She stated that the authority has consistently launched initiatives to reduce such violations throughout the year. “The goal is to curtail behaviors impacting the environmental balance. Some hunt indiscriminately, putting local species under pressure,” she added.
Al Mehairi shared that the authority has noted various violations over time. However, due to regulations, awareness initiatives, and community cooperation, the number of infractions has decreased steadily. “Data indicates a significant reduction in violations,” she commented.
The reporting system allows residents to contact the authority via a dedicated hotline, where a specialized team quickly responds to alerts. “Community members reach out, and our team promptly addresses the issue,” she said, highlighting that public awareness has been crucial in cutting down harmful activities.
Al Mehairi emphasized that violations extend beyond bird hunting, also targeting harmful activities affecting local trees, natural habitats, and native species, especially in biodiversity-rich areas like Ras Al Khaimah’s mangrove forests. “Mangroves are vital to our natural ecosystem, and their protection is paramount,” she noted, stressing the importance of conserving all local species and ecosystems.
The EPDA stated that the public reporting service is part of a wider initiative to foster an environmentally aware community and preserve Ras Al Khaimah’s distinct ecological landscape.
