Book on Jebel Hafit released
The 220 page book, which is lavishly illustrated with colour photographs, is entitled: "Jebel Hafit - a Natural History" and provides a detailed introduction to the geology, archaeology and natural history of the mountain, just south of Al Ain.
Published by the Emirates Natural History Group, ENHG, with support from the Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations, ADCO, the book is edited by Simon Aspinall and Peter Hellyer, two leading experts on the country's environment and heritage. It contains ten separate chapters, along with a lengthy introduction detailing the history of scientific research on Jebel Hafit over the last fifty years or so, a Preface by Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Under-Secretary of the Diwan of the Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region, and a Foreword by the former ADCO General Manager, Mr. Andre van Strijp.
Contributors include top experts on the country's geology, archaeology, birds, mammals, insects, plants and other topics.
The book shows that Jebel Hafit, which rises to just over 1000 metres above sea level, is one of the most important places in the United Arab Emirates in terms of the diversity of its plants and wildlife, as well as being a key site in terms of the country's archaeological heritage.
It is currently being evaluated by the Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency, ERWDA, for nomination as a nature reserve or protected area, and the scientific data contained in the book will help to support arguments for its protection.
In his Preface, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun wrote that: "The mountain of Jebel Hafit looms large over Al Ain, and is an ever-present reminder of the forces of nature and of our own relative insignificance in the grand scheme of things... I am delighted to see this impressive publication on its natural history." "The Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations, ADCO, which supported its publication, and the long-running efforts of the Emirates Natural History Group, ENHG, deserve our special appreciation," he said.
In his Foreword, the former ADCO General Manager noted: "Only a few of us realise the richness of the UAE's biological and historical diversity ... This book makes a major contribution to our knowledge of the country." He noted that the new publication grew out of support provided several years ago to the ENHG for a study of Jebel Hafit. The initial report was produced in 1998, but work has continued over the last six years, with much new information being gathered.
"We are proud that ADCO has been able to make another contribution towards the growing wealth of literature concerning the environment of the UAE," Van Strijp said.
The book's lead editor, Simon Aspinall, said that the Emirates Natural History Group was extremely grateful to ADCO for its support.
"The Group has received support over many years from ADCO, which has always shown itself to be a Company which takes its responsibilities for protecting the country's environment and heritage very seriously," he said.
"Thanks to ADCO, we have now been able to produce the first exhaustive study of one of the country's landmarks. No other single place in the UAE has been given such detailed attention. We look forward to further collaboration with ADCO in the years ahead." WAN/PH-SA 14 22 CCCCQQE