[06/December/2009]

CAIRO, Dec 6 (Saba) -- An international conference for safeguarding and developing natural resources got underway on Sunday at the headquarters of the Arab League Secretariat-General, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported on Sunday.

Dr. Jamal Jaballah, in charge of the department of the environment and sustainable development at the Arab League, said in a statement addressed to the conferees that protection of the wild life is necessary for maintaining the existence of mankind. In line with this approach, the league has been coordinating with specialized organizations for the preservation of the nature and protecting rare species through the implementation of relevant international treaties, he said.

On the league role in this regard, Jaballah noted that the Arab Environment Ministers Council has approved the statute of the Saudi Arabia-based Arab Union for Natural Reserves, the first integrated Arab venture in this field.

As to the Arab agenda for the preservaton of the botanic wealth, Jaballah noted that the league has devoted special attention to the implementation of the international treaty for preserving the botanic and agricultural resources.

He called for creating an annual Arab award and financial rewards for managers of the best natural reserves, encouraging scientific research at the reserves, investments in this sector and establishing environmentally friendly tourist resorts.

The five-day conference addresses action mechanisms for the protection of the human and natural resources in the face of diverse threats such as over-population and man-made desertification.

Saba