The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah has commended Resolution No. 5 of 2021, regarding violations of the conservation of biological diversity in the nature reserves in the emirate, which was issued by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Sharjah. The resolution includes 9 types of violations, which come with fines of up to 50 thousand dirhams.
This came after reviewing Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 regarding the protection and development of the environment, Law No. 2 of 1999 regarding the establishment of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Sharjah and its internal regulations and its amendments, Law No. 11 of 2017 regarding the organization of the Environment and Natural Reserves Authority in the Emirate of Sharjah, and the decision of the Council Executive No. 9 of 2012 regarding the prevention of environmental degradation in the wilderness areas in Sharjah. The resolution was based on the proposal of the Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority and approved by the Executive Council.
Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, said, “We affirm the importance of, and fully support, this decision, which was based on the visions and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, related to protecting and preserving Sharjah’s natural environment. We thank the Executive Council, headed by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Sharjah, for their efforts and role of carefully following up all the details related to protecting and preserving the environment.”
Al Suwaidi affirmed that EPAA and its specialized teams will continue their approach to protecting the environment, and implement this decision strictly in the interest of the public interest and preservation of the environment, whilst it continues its efforts to further raise the community’s environmental awareness.
According to the decision, there are 9 types of violations, each of which comes with a specific fine. The first violation: hunting, transporting, killing, or harming wild or marine creatures in natural reserves, or carrying out actions that would eliminate them, unless this is done in accordance with the rules specified by the laws, regulations and decisions. The fine for this violation is 10 thousand dirhams.
The second violation: Taking any organisms or transporting organic materials such as rocks and soil for any purpose. The fine for committing this type of offense is 10 thousand dirhams.
The third violation: the introduction of strange species into the natural reserves, and the fine is 10,000 dirhams.
Fourth Violation: Damaging or destroying geological or geographical formations or areas that are considered natural habitats of species of life or plants. The fine for this violation is 10 thousand dirhams.
Fifth violation: Polluting the soil, water, or air of natural reserves, and the value of the fine for committing this violation is 50 thousand dirhams.
The sixth violation: cutting down trees or plants, destroying them, or removing the soil inside the natural reserves. The fine for this violation is 10 thousand dirhams.
The seventh violation: Entering reserves or being inside them without official permission from the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, and the fine for this violation is 5 thousand dirhams.
The eighth violation: The practice of any activities by companies or legal persons in the areas surrounding natural reserves that affect the environment of natural reserves or natural phenomena without official permission from the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, and the violation fine is 10 thousand dirhams.
Ninth violation: Anything that would disturb the natural balance of nature reserves, and the fine for this violation is 10,000 dirhams.
The first article of the resolution states that any individual or entity found violating the aforementioned regulations will be subject to fines and punishment. The second article indicates that the value of the stipulated administrative fine is doubled in case the violation is repeated for a second time, and the violator is referred to the competent authorities in the event that the same violation is repeated for a third time or more.
The third article affirms that anyone who violates the regulations shall bear all compensation and costs for removing the damage and the consequences of the violation, which are determined by the competent authorities in the Emirate of Sharjah.
As per the fourth article, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah will collect the administrative fines referred to in this decision in favor of the Sharjah Government Treasury.
Article 5 indicated that this decision shall be enforced from the date of its issuance, and the concerned authorities shall implement it, each in its own right, and shall be published in the Official Gazette.
The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah seeks to protect the environment, natural reserves, wildlife and their biodiversity through scientific studies and research. The authority publishes educational awareness material, implements policies for environmental awareness and programs, and launches specialized campaigns in the field of environmental awareness and education.