UAE's natural heritage celebrated with Caracal Challenge in Capital

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UAEs natural heritage celebrated with Caracal Challenge in Capital

Caracal Challenge, UAE's first ever 15km desert excursion, was designed to enable the community to reconnect with nature and support environmental conservation.

Abu Dhabi - The endurance test saw participants navigate the desert landscape at night using the moon and stars.

Ashwani Kumar

Published: Sat 12 Nov 2016, 10:38 PM

Last updated: Sun 13 Nov 2016, 12:42 AM

As many as 400 enthusiasts successfully completed the first-ever Caracal Challenge - a 15-km walk through Abu Dhabi's Al Khatim desert, the event's organiser Husaak Adventures said on Saturday.
The endurance test saw participants navigate the desert landscape at night using the moon and stars. Thus, they also got to learn about the UAE's natural environment.
The proceedings from the event will be donated towards Emirates Wildlife Society - WWF's Terrestrial Conservation Programme that aims to protect land-based species and habitats across the UAE and Gulf region. The funds will help develop a central biodiversity database, integrating protected area networks and building awareness around the initiative.
EWS-WWF deputy director general Laila Mostafa Abdullatif said events like the Caracal Challenge have proven that the community can make a real difference by contributing towards EWS-WWF's work to build a future where people live in harmony with nature, and by spreading awareness about the UAE's rich natural heritage.
Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) was the strategic partner of the event, which saw 30 experienced guides, trained by the terrestrial teams of EAD and EWS-WWF, educate the participants about the country's rich natural heritage.
EAD terrestrial and marine biodiversity sector executive director Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri said the Caracal Challenge aimed to develop curiosity among residents to the UAE's natural heritage and to encourage them to contribute towards its protection.
Ali Khalil Husain of Husaak Adventures said the UAE's first ever 15km desert excursion was designed to enable the community to reconnect with nature and support environmental conservation across the Emirates.
Participants were taught about species such as the Arabian oryx, the Houbara bustard, red foxes, Arabian hares, spiders and scorpions.
- ashwani@khaleejtimes.com