ABU DHABI (WAM)
Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo, toured the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and the Jubail Mangrove Park as part of her visit to the UAE at the head of a delegation aimed at strengthening relations between Tokyo and Abu Dhabi in cultural cooperation, digital transformation, wildlife protection – especially falcons, and addressing the challenges of climate change.
The Governor was accompanied by Shehab Ahmed Al Fahim, UAE Ambassador to Japan, and a delegation of Japanese entrepreneurs as part of the "Startup Mission", which encourages to establish their projects in Abu Dhabi to enhance economic cooperation and support innovation and entrepreneurship between the UAE and Japan.
The Governor and the delegation were received by Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). He noted that the visit represents a milestone in UAE-Japan relations and opens new horizons for future cooperation in sustainability and environmental protection.
During her visit to the Hospital, one of the world's leading falcon medicine and research centres, Governor Koike learned about the UAE's efforts to preserve the rich cultural heritage of falconry and protect wildlife.
She listened to a detailed explanation from Dr. Margit Muller, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, about the comprehensive healthcare procedures the facility provides to falcons, the role of the hospital in supporting biodiversity, and in promoting environment-friendly, traditional falconry practices.
The Governor expressed her admiration for the UAE's commitment to protecting its natural heritage and active participation in global environmental preservation efforts.
Governor Koike concluded her Abu Dhabi visit with a tour of the Jubail Mangrove Park, an environmental model that reflects the emirate's commitment to rehabilitating natural habitats and enhancing resilience to climate change. It is also a leading environmental education and recreational destination that aims to enhance awareness and knowledge of the ecosystem and biodiversity of Abu Dhabi's mangrove forests.
Abdulla Saeed Al Shamsi, Corporate Director of Jubail Island Investment Company, accompanied Governor Koike on an exploratory tour, where she learned about the vital role of mangrove trees in enhancing coastal resilience, supporting marine biodiversity, and as natural carbon sinks to help address the challenges of climate change.
Governor Koike planted a mangrove tree in the park to express her commitment to supporting joint environmental initiatives and enhancing international efforts to combat climate change.
The gesture represents a symbol of friendship and sustainable cooperation between Japan and the UAE and affirms the importance of protecting biodiversity and contributing to the sustainability of ecosystems, especially in coastal areas that play a vital role in preserving the environment.
She was also briefed on the Abu Dhabi Pearl Project and learned how local oysters are farmed sustainably in the Arabian Gulf, producing high-quality pearls. The Abu Dhabi Pearl Centre is the first and only one of its kind in the region to produce high-quality pearls using sustainable farming techniques.