Dugong Conservation through Community awareness

Dugongs Dugongs a classified as vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) 2009 Red List of Threatened Species They are facing number of threats due to habitat loss and human-related activities such as increased: Marine activity, incidental drowning through entanglement with fishing gear, mainly nets, vessel strikes, marine pollution, and destruction of their main habitat, especially seagrass beds which are particularly vulnerable from increasing developmental activities along the coast.

Community role in Protection Raising awareness on the current threats that affect the dugong population world wide is crucial for their conservation All members of the coastal communities need to work together to help protect Dugongs Integrated action through all sectors, Private and Public, need to be taken to help reduce stress on populations Fishermen activities should take into consideration their impact on dugong population and how they can limit their negative impact Well aware public sector can minimize direct and in direct human impact to dugong population and their habitat Well aware private sector can help fund, and give incentives to fishermen, sponsorship for students and research

UAE efforts

Public Segments Youth Teachers Fishermen General Public Stakeholders Industries Government and Decision makers

Youth Awareness Dana Story book Students resource material (intermediate and senior) Talks in schools Games Abu Dhabi Science Festival Dugong “Dana” mascot life size model appearance in schools and malls Dugong Information Packets: Book/posters/Board game

Teachers Training Dugong Awareness Teacher Training Programs. Dugong Awareness Customized Presentations. Abu Dhabi Science Festival. Teachers resource book. Integrating Marine endangered species into class curriculum. Integrated material includes information on endangered species with focus on Dugongs, turtle, marine habitat – a comprehensive book – characteristics / threats / efforts etc.

Fishermen Workshops Custom awareness sessions tailored to fishermen Fishermen bycatch reporting One on one with main fishermen in fishermen communities along the coast Giveaways for the fishermen community and workers

General Public Films produced by EAD - Bu Tinah and Dugongs Bu Tinah Dome VVIP tours (Prince Charles last visit to Abu Dhabi included a tour around Bu Tinah) Presentations customized for all target groups Giveaways - Stickers / Flags for Fishing Boats / Caps / water bottles Abu Dhabi Science Festival Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference World Future Energy Summit Ali’s ( EAD’s environmental ambassador) social media channels

Stakeholders Yearly reporting to stakeholders on progress. Tailored workshops to raise awareness about Dugongs, Habitats and conservation and tie it to stakeholders goals and strategy. Frequent meetings with stakeholders emphasizing their role and responsibilities. Keeping Stakeholders informed on new rules, regulations, projects and where they can help.

Industries Awareness about coastal industries and development effect on Dugongs and their habitats through: Meetings with top management Workshop for on field workers and employees Raising awareness through Partnership with industries helps open doors for: Sponsorship Financial Aid Better Exposure

Government and Decision makers Reporting progress to decision makers and partners to help increase awareness of status of Dugong Awareness within demission makers help support awareness programs, research and funding