Ecotourism company raises funds for WWF

On Friday 18th March, over 60 participants of an eco-adventure race, biked, hiked and climbed in the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, a northern emirate, in support of the WWF. ‘Arabian Quest’ was organized by Mountain Extreme, an ecotourism company in UAE.
 
Funds raised from the event will contribute to establishing a mountain protected area for rare and endangered local species in Ru’us Al Jibal mountain range of Ras Al Khaimah. Such a nature reserve is proposed by WWF in partnership with an official agency. The area, which presently has no formal protection, is the last refuge for endangered species such as the Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr), caracal lynx (Felis caracal) and Arabian tahr (Hemitragus jayakari).
 
“With species and habitats being lost rapidly, protection measures are vital. The project also seeks the involvement of local tribes in conservation through training as park rangers and managers. WWF is trying to raise funds for a protected area and is ready to get started as soon as sponsorship is available. Contribution from Mountain Extreme’s ‘Arabian Quest’ towards this project is valuable indeed. WWF greatly appreciates the support from its organizers, participants and sponsors,” says Dr. Frederic Launay, Director WWF UAE.
 
The rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the area have the potential to attract visitors seeking a uniquely Arabian mountain experience. WWF’s plans include a pilot ecotourism project that, again, will involve local tribes.
 
John Falchetto, founder and general manager of Mountain Extreme, is pleased with the outcome of ‘Arabian Quest’ and its success in raising awareness and funds for WWF conservation projects in the UAE. “Despite the difficult course, there was an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the first ever eco – adventure race,” he says “Arabian Quest was not about bikes or t-shirts. It was about sportsmanship, about running for conservation and about pushing one’s limits!”
 
NOTES:

• The mountain protected area project will be implemented in partnership with the Environment Protection and Industrial Development Commission, Government of Ras Al Khaimah ‘Arabian Quest’ was held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairman, Ras Al Khaimah Civil Aviation Department
 
For more information:
Rashmi De Roy, Communications Officer
WWF UAE
Tel +971 4 3537761
Email rderoy@wwfuae.ae