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ABU DHABI, 11th October, 2022 (WAM) — A new smartphone app and website has been launched today to help people learn more about Abu Dhabi’s wildlife and to support the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) ) to report sightings.
The app was launched at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre during GITEX, which started on October 10 and ended on October 14.
The Abu Dhabi Nature Species app is a free tool for educating adults and children about the more than 4,000 species of flora and fauna that live in the emirate.
One of the app’s main features — “citizen science” — enables registered users to submit photos or videos of any species they find in the wild. Using the exact GPS location observed, EAD’s team of experts will review each submission and add any new species or habitats to their database.
People can also search the app’s extensive database and learn more about the more than 4,000 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, plants and habitats that EAD has identified. The database combines video, audio, images and information such as a brief description of each species, their size, colour, habitat, taxonomic classification and sightings in the emirate.
Users will also be able to search for locations within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi where they will be able to spot species that may be found, based on previous observations by EAD. People can also “ask the experts” questions about the environment, and a team of EAD scientists will respond.
Other key features include the latest news section to keep users informed of the latest news from EAD; a public forum; quizzes to test knowledge of species and habitats, and conservation information on protected areas and ecotourism sites in Abu Dhabi.
The app provides research information for adults, families with children and students.
The app is part of EAD’s commitment to help increase environmental awareness by informing and connecting the public and using technology for conservation activities to help preserve biodiversity and quality of life.
Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environmental Information, Science and Outreach Management, said: “The launch of the Abu Dhabi Nature Species app is an important milestone in EAD’s efforts to raise environmental awareness and educate the public about the diverse species that exist in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. We GITEX was chosen as the publishing platform because it is an important hub for digital technology and that is what this app stands for.”
“Anyone with a smartphone can now contribute to protecting and documenting Abu Dhabi’s unique biodiversity. It’s also a great way to educate children and teenagers about nature and encourage a love of the environment at a young age. With the help of our “Public Forum” “Featured, the app will also be an important tool for connecting with the community and sharing our rich environmental knowledge,” he added.
Baharoon noted, “With just a few clicks of a button, users can access key information about Abu Dhabi’s habitats and species, while playing a key role in helping EAD identify and locate new species. I encourage everyone to download the app or visit the site.”
The app is available on Android and iOS platforms.
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