The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has signed an agreement with the Fujairah Centre for Adventures (FCA) to build the world’s largest coral reef park in Fujairah. According to a report on state news agency WAM, the project signifies the two organisations’ commitment to protecting the marine environment and providing marine species with sanctuaries.

The agreement was signed by Sultan Alwan, assistant under-secretary of the Regions Sector at MOCCAE and Khamis Al Mamari, director-general at the FCA, in the presence of Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

“It is a part of our projects for the ‘Year of Zayed’ initiatives since the late Sheikh Zayed was a pioneer in environmental protection. We want also to ensure the sustainability and development of the ecosystems and control the impacts of the climatic change,” said Alwan.

Al Mamari said that the MoU was signed in line with the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.

The MOCCAE says it will provide coral larvae in different types and sizes, along with technical support, training, logistical support and will promote the project within the UAE and globally. The FCA will work with competent authorities in the emirate to identity locations of the coral reef parks that should be within the boundaries of marine protected areas, Al Mamari explained.

The two organisations said they will also form a joint technical team to develop the general outlines of the plan, improvement recommendations and prepare the follow-up reports.