Membership sign-up from 7:15pm, talk begins at 7:30pm NEW VENUE: The Third Place Cafe, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi ABOUT THE TALK: Hakim Abdi spent his formative years in the UAE. In 1994, at the age of 14, he began to regularly attend the ENHG Abu Dhabi meetings, where he developed a keen interest in birds. In a short period of time, he became well-known in the UAE's fledgling birdwatching community as its youngest member. Upon finished high school in 1999, he was encouraged by a member of the ENHG Committee to volunteer at the Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency (now called Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi). Hakim's bird recording skills soon gained him full-time employment at the agency as an Ecology Technician. In 2001, Hakim left the agency to pursue his undergraduate studies in the USA. He has since obtained a master's degree in Germany and a doctorate in Sweden. In this presentation, Hakim will talk about this journey and the impact the ENHG had on his development as a scientist.

Refreshments, Membership sign-up and Bookstall from 7:00pm, talk begins at 7:30pm Salon 1, Park Hyatt Saadiyat Abu Dhabi Talk Summary: The collection of sound information on the identity and distribution of natural and semi-natural habitats is a vital tool for effective conservation planning and the monitoring of biodiversity. In his presentation, Dr Gary Brown gives an overview of the typical habitats found in the UAE with examples of their characteristic flora and fauna. He also provides insight into some of the key environmental problems facing the region with regards to biodiversity conservation. About the Speaker: Dr Gary Brown has worked in various countries of the Arabian Peninsula for over 20 years, including at several academic institutions (Kuwait University, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat). The “Abu Dhabi Habitats Manual”, now used for all ecological EIAs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, was developed during his time spent at ERWDA (now EAD) in Abu Dhabi over a decade ago, together with Dr Benno Böer of UNESCO, also a former employee at ERWDA. Gary holds an MSc and PhD in Botany / Ecology from the University of Bonn, and gained the qualifications for full professor in Germany. He has published extensively in refereed scientific journals, mainly on vegetation ecology, botany in both Europe and the Arabian Peninsula.  Apart from being the senior author of the book “Vegetation Ecology of Socotra”, published by Springer, he has also contributed chapters to various key books on the natural history of the Emirates, including, The Emirates, A Natural History, Jebel Hafit, A Natural History and Desert Ecology of Abu Dhabi . He is currently working on his next major book project dealing with the vegetation ecology of eastern Arabia.  

Come and join us at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah for an overnight adventure deep in the desert dunes, including BBQ dinner, evening trek, stargazing and  a 'dunes at dawn' walk before breakfast the following morning, all whilst accompanied by the Mleiha centre experts. A key advantage of this trip is that you need bring no equipment nor have a four-wheel drive! Tents, complete with camping mattresses and sleeping bags are all provided.  BBQ dinner and breakfast the next morning are catered.  Trekking poles will also be available.  Bring your own boots! The excursion will start at around 5pm at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre and will include a short guide around the excellent visitor centre.  We will then be driven off road to the campsite for trekking followed by dinner.  After dinner an expert will guide us through the night skies with the help of a telescope.  On the following morning there'll be an optional early start for those who wish to see the dunes in the sunrise before breakfast. Further activities (e.g. cycling) can be booked through the Mleiha centre.  Please see the following link:  https://www.discovermleiha.ae/EN/activities/adventures Price: 350AED per adult, 250AED per child aged 5 - 12.  Under 5s are free. Click the "ticket" tab to sign up. Please RSVP before 12th October. If you have any questions,  email the trip leaders on debbiedalzell@me.com or louise.evans21@hotmail.com  This trip is for ENHG members, however you are welcome to sign up on the day. 

DNHG Trip to Southern Vietnam Trip Leader – Binish Roobas Dates – October 14 - 22, 2017 (9 days, 8 nights) Price* (8-10 pax): AED 2800 per person twin sharing Vietnam is located on the east of the Indochina Peninsula. It covers a total area of approximately 331,210 km2 (127,881 sq mi), making it almost the size of Germany. The country is mostly hilly and densely forested, with level land covering no more than 20%. Mountains account for 40% of the country's land area, and tropical forests cover around 42%.The South was divided into coastal lowlands, the mountainous Central Highlands (Cao-nguyen Trung-phan) and the Mekong Delta. Our trip focuses on Coastal lowlands and mountainous Central Highlands. The rich diversity of Vietnam’s wildlife includes at least 11,400 species of vascular plants, 1030 species of moss, 310 species of mammals, 296 reptile species, 162 amphibian species, 700 species of freshwater fish and 2000 species of marine fish. There are about 889 species of birds and 310 species of land mollusks. However, a study by the WWF has reported that nearly 10% of the wildlife in the country is threatened with extinction. Vietnam is placed 16th highest among 152 countries studied in terms of the proportion of its wildlife species found to be in danger. Day 1 (Oct 14, Saturday): Arrival at Saigon: Arrive in Saigon. Meet our guide & driver, then transfer to hotel. Overnight in Saigon after a welcome dinner. Day 2 (Oct 15, Sunday): Saigon – Dalat : Breakfast at hotel.The scenic 7 hour drive along Highway 20 to Dalat will be broken up by stops at some of the tea and coffee plantations. Lunch at picturesque Dambri Falls. Arrive at Da Lat, known as the City of Eternal Spring. Evening dinner at one of the fine restaurants in Dalat city. Day 3 (Oct 16, Monday): Dalat – Bidoup Nui Ba National Park:Breakfast at your hotel in Dalat.Brief description of 2 days / 1 night camping/hiking tour:Pick-up at your hotel in Dalat.+ Departure time: Between 8:30 to 9:00+ Finishing time: Between 14:00 to 15:00 on the next dayDuration: 2daysActivities:Trekking, bird watching, campingFood and beverage; water, refreshment (fruit, biscuits) or meals (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner)(What to bring: Camera, hat/ cap, trekking shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent .Available rental gears (extra charge): Binocular, sleeping bag, hammock, blanket, mobile flash light and leech socks. Please make requests when you make a booking of the tour.Included: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 diner, camping gears, ticket, tour guide, insurance (covered by ticket)Overnight Camping Day 4 (Oct 17, Tuesday): Bidoup Nui Ba National Park – Dalat:End camping tour in Dalat at about 15:00. Transfer back to your hotel in Dalat.Dinner by yourselves. Overnight in Dalat. Day 5 (Oct 18, Wednesday): Dalat - Cat Tien National Park:Breakfast at your hotel.Set off for 4 hour drive north to Nam Cat Tien National Park.Arrive around noon, enter the park and have lunch at the restaurant.In the afternoon, take a walk along the jungle trails to observe wild animals such as deer, wild pigs, snakes, porcupines, gaur (rare) and weasels as they forage for food on the grassland. In the evening, take jeep for night safari. Overnight at Guest houses. Day 6 (Oct 19, Thursday): Cat Tien National Park - Saigon:Breakfast at your hotel.Rise early to the sounds of the forest. Leave for Bau Sau or Crocodile Lake. The jeep takes 20 minutes (10km) from the lodge to the trekking point, for a 1-hour trek of about 5 km.Bau Sau is a beautiful lake surrounded by the jungle and home to many crocodiles. At the lake, board your boat and paddle around the lake for an hour. You’ll have the chance to see birds, crocodiles, and wild lotus before heading back to lodge for lunch. At 2 pm, commence the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving at 6 pm.Dinner by yourselves. Overnight in Saigon. Day 7 (Oct 20, Friday) Saigon - Tram Chim National Park - Long Xuyen:Breakfast at your hotel.Transfer to Dong Thap to visit Tram Chim National Park.more than 300 bird species have been recorded in the park, however many of them are very rare or no longer seen recently.Homestay at Long Xuyen Day 8 (Oct 21, Saturday): Long Xuyen- Vuon Co- Tra Su- Chau Doc:Morning visit to Long Xuyen Floating Market along the bank of river.Check out and head to Vuon Co. Vuon Co is a 1.3 hectare bird sanctuary with thousands of resident storks. There is a tall wooden viewing platform to see the storks chattering away in their nests.Transfer to Chau Doc. On the way, visit Tra Su cajuput forest, getting to the wild birds sanctuary , cruising smoothly with small boats to discover the arrays of splendid canals deep into the forest, watching storks, cranes and other tropical birds.Arrive in Chau Doc, check into lodge. Day 9 (Oct 22, Sunday ): Chau Doc- Saigon- Departure :-Breakfast at the lodge.Morning tour to discover Chau Doc:Visit Temple of Lady Xu, then Tay An Pagoda with its domed tower, elements of Hindu and Islamic architecture and more than 200 statues including one of a goddess with a thousand eyes and a thousand handsFinally, visit The Cavern Pagoda, a series of tombs, sanctuaries and a small grotto.Leave Chau Doc for Saigon. Lunch on the way. Drop-off at the airport of Saigon or any hotel, depending on flight timing. *Price includes all except: flights, visas, bottled beverages, personal expenses, insurance, occasional meals not covered in the itinerary and tips. For more information and sign-up, contact Binish Roobas at johanruphus@hotmail.com. A deposit of AED 1500 will be required for sign-up.

Time: Refreshments from 7:00pm, Lecture from 7:30pm Title: Coastal Systems Protecting Our Shorelines… from Blue Carbon to Climate Change Adaptation by Jane Glavan, Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI) Partnerships Manager About the Speaker: Jane has been a part of the Abu Dhabi Global Environmental Data Initiative (AGEDI) team since the organisation’s inception in 2003.Inaugurated in 2002, AGEDI was formed to facilitate quality environmental data that equips policy-makers with actionable, timely information to inform and guide critical decisions. AGEDI works in close coordination with long-term partners Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to maximise information exchange for improved decision-making at the local, national, regional and global levels As Partnership Project Manager, Jane has led on a range of AGEDI’s milestone projects, including the National Blue Carbon and Ecosystem Services programme, a successful extension of the Abu Dhabi Blue Carbon Demonstration project, which was the largest project of its kind worldwide, and the Climate Change Programme, which is the most comprehensive study of the issue for the region.Jane also led in the Biodiversity Systematic Conservation Assessment, a pioneering initiative for the region amongst numerous other projects. To further her global reach, Jane took on a more active role by being elected as Chair of the Project Steering Committee for the UNEP/GEF Blue Forests Project and the AGEDI representative for the International Partnership on Blue Carbon.  She also contributed as a Coordinating Lead Author for the Biodiversity Chapter in the Global Environmental Outlook 6 for West Asia in 2015. She is also presently Review Editor for chapter 1 of the IPBES Asia Pacific regional report amongst other advisory roles. As a result of her unique insight, Jane has enhanced environmental management and protection through better and open access to environmental information, bringing strong partnerships at the local, national, regional and international levels.

TIME: Refreshments from 7:15pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi LECTURE TITLE: Moths & Caterpillars of the UAE by Roland Breithaupt  LECTURE SUMMARY: In this talk Roland will explain how he became involved in arthropod research and some of his most interesting finds. He will share his extensive knowledge on how to find, catch, and raise moths and caterpillars and how to avoid some of the common problems. Finally, he will explain why we need biodiversity assessment, what threats there are to insect life, and what can be done for their protection and conservation.   ABOUT THE SPEAKER: ROLAND BREITHAUPT grew up on a small farm in the Black Forest in Germany and first came to the UAE in 1987, moving here permanently in 2011. Throughout his career he has worked in many countries as a field service engineer. Always keen on nature and photography he began focusing on moths and raising their caterpillars nine years ago. This developed into a longstanding relationship with researchers and institutions when he began sending them specimens from Thailand.

TIME: Refreshments from 7:15pm, lecture from 7.30pmVENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu DhabiLECTURE TITLE: 40 years of the Emirates Natural History Group: A Conversation with Peter HellyerLECTURE SUMMARY: This year, the Emirates Natural History Group, the UAE’s oldest environmental non-governmental organisation, celebrates its 40th Anniversary. To mark the occasion, Peter Hellyer, a Life Member of the Group and a former Chairman, as well as author or editor of numerous books on the UAE’s natural history and archaeology, will give a talk to the Group on his memories of many years of involvement with the country’s history and heritage. A collection of anecdotes and tales of discovery, the talk will take the format of a discussion with current Group Chairman Arabella Willing.ABOUT THE SPEAKER: PETER HELLYER first came to Abu Dhabi in 1975, to make documentary films for the late Sheikh Zayed. He has been a committee member of the ENHG since 1985 and is now a Life Member. He was chairman for a couple of years around 1990-1991. He launched the group's peer-reviewed journal, Tribulus, in 1991 and has edited it ever since. He was the first recipient nearly twenty five years ago of the Jashanmal Annual Award for Natural History, the forerunner of the Sheikh Mubarak bin Mohammed Award, which he has also received. He has written or edited a dozen books on the UAE's history, archaeology and natural history and was also a founder member over twenty years ago of the Emirates Bird Records Committee, of which he remains a member. Between 1991 and 2006, he was also Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey, ADIAS, finding numerous important archaeological and fossil sites throughout Abu Dhabi, often in collaboration with two other former Group Chairmen, Simon Aspinall and Drew Gardner. His current interests include birds and UAE history before the federation, topics that he often covers, besides politics, in his fortnightly columns for The National, while his official job is as Director of External Information and Research for the government's National Media Council He was given UAE citizenship by the President in 2010, for his contributions to knowledge of the country's heritage and natural history, and received the Abu Dhabi Award in 2014 His wife, Wafa, was Group Secretary for nearly a decade from the early 1990s.

Please join us in celebrating the close of another wonderful ENHG season. We will begin with an iftar at Melius Restaurant, followed by a guided tour of Masdar city. All welcome, however please make sure everyone is registered before 17th June. Location: Melius Restaurant, IRENA HQ building, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi Date: Tuesday, 20th June 2017.Time: Sunset Price: Approximately AED 75 per person. Payment will be made on the night, but please help us to confirm numbers by registering for a free "ticket" below.  

TIME: Refreshments from 7:15pm, lecture from 7.30pmVENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu DhabiLECTURE TITLE: Human History of Canada: Turtle Island until today by Jennifer Hasenknopf LECTURE SUMMARY: As a way to mark Canada's 150th Birthday (1 July 2017) and promote Canadian heritage and culture, this lecture will be presented as a first in a series on various Canadian natural history topics. This lecture will talk about the human origins of Canada, beginning with the First Nations, Inuit and Metis, and move onto the many other groups who have arrived and became part of the multicultural fabric of Canada. ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Jennifer Hasenknopf is a Canadian citizen from Vancouver, Canada and long term resident of Abu Dhabi and participant of Emirates Natural History Group for several years. She has an undergraduate degree in Canadian Studies from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. She has been passionate about the ideals of Canadian identity and the ongoing reconciled relationship between Canada and its indigenous population. She works full time in the legal field and in her spare time she writes fiction and is currently working on a few novels relating to Canadian culture.

TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi LECTURE TITLE: Conservation Tourism: the smart way to protect wildlife and habitat by Alex WaltersLECTURE SUMMARY: Conservation Tourism is a phrase at the heart of Great Plains Conservation’s mission statement. Working with tourism partners, who send their clients to Great Plains Conservation’s portfolio of safari camps in Kenya and Botswana, the profits from commercial tourism activities are wholly attributed to conservation work in these countries and expanding further habitat that needs protection to ensure wildlife protection for generations to come. Such conservation measures includes airlifting 100+ rhinos to the safety of Botswana, rehabilitation former hunting reserves to entirely photographic tourism, working with communities to ensure wildlife and humans coexist in moderate harmony, raising awareness worldwide and locally through media campaigns, education and documentary films.ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Alex Walters is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Great Plains Conservation, based in the green hills of Wales. His primary role is to be the link between the safari camps and lodges that Great Plains operates in Africa and the travel trade partners who send clients to these camps. His love for Africa stemmed from his undergraduate study of termites in Zimbabwe in 1993, and has travelled to Africa periodically ever since.Prior to working for Great Plains in 2010, he spent 15 years working for various travel companies, sending clients predominantly to Africa, and has worked for the Royal Geographical Society in London. He has a BSc (Hons) degree in Geography from King’s College London and graduated with distinction from Bournemouth University studying Business, Finance and Tourism.This talk is generously sponsored by Elegant Resorts Middle East http://www.elegantresorts.ae/

We have now arrived at the perfect time, the month of May, to go snorkeling and scuba diving… And the best place to do this is in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Oman. So, I've organized a trip there for the weekend of May 4 – 6. On the itinerary are the highly-proclaimed dive sites of Fahal Island and Bandar Khayran just off Muscat which are very convenient to local economical accommodation. However, there are two issues:1) The shortness of this notice2) Recent announcement of an increase of the fee – from OMR 5 to OMR 20(!) – for a short-stay Oman tourist visa. I will do some more checking to see if this increased fee is currently in effect or still pending... Approximate cost for 3 dives on Friday (no equipment rental):Snorkeling: OMR 40 / AED 380Scuba Diving: OMR 54 / AED 515 Approximate cost for 2 dives on Saturday (no equipment rental):Snorkeling: OMR 18 / AED 175Scuba Diving: OMR 37 / AED 355 Full equipment rental:Snorkeling: OMR 5 / AED 50Scuba Diving: OMR 15 / AED 150All of the costs quoted here may be further discounted once we have submitted a finalized list of participants to the dive operator. So, exact costs and other details (including suggested best location for accommodation) will be posted when I have received an adequate number of replies to this announcement.Accommodation for the two nights of May 4 & 5 is to be arranged by each participant on his/her own behalf. Economical accommodation (AED 180 – 220/night) is plentiful in Muscat and easily made via Booking.com or Agoda.com. So, anyone who is interested in participating in this event, please send a reply to me at spacemandc@gmail.com by Sunday, April 30, so that I may determine if we have enough interest to finalize arrangements. Please be sure to specify if you will be snorkeling or scuba diving. I look forward to hearing from you... We should enjoy some very interesting diving and have a lot of fun!Please note that field trips are open to paid-up members of the 2016-2017 season. If you are not yet a paid-up member, or if you want to renew your membership to join the trip, you may do so by signing up at our next lecture on May 2nd 2017 at the Park Hyatt Saadiyat Hotel at 7pm. Membership is 100 Dhs for individuals and 150 Dhs for families.  Denis ChengField Trip Coordinator

TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE: Alyazya Ballroom Terrace, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi LECTURE TITLE:  Desert survival. Techniques used by the Commandos. LECTURE SUMMARY: The United Arab Emirates have some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, but also the most dangerous. The Global View Commando Team will be delivering a lecture on the survival techniques employed by the world’s elite expeditionary fighting soldiers. You will learn skills that will not only allow you to survive but thrive in the harshest of environments. You will hear examples of some of the greatest feats of man versus nature…….and some examples of just pure blind fluke. Expedition preparation, planning and safety will ensure your next adventure will not be your last. One day this lecture may save you and your family’s lives……can you afford not to attend? ABOUT THE SPEAKERS: Max Carter is a founding partner of Global View Commando and has received and delivered advanced survival training across the world throughout his 15-year career in the Royal Marines. Now a renowned instructor and expedition leader his efforts are being concentrated in the UAE whilst establishing the desert survival expeditions before moving to Brazil to take on the rainforest. Adam Lund, also a founding partner of Global View Commando has 14 years of experience in the Middle East and is the driving force behind the business development of the company. A well-travelled adventurer come entrepreneur with a vast knowledge of advanced survival training and techniques having worked along-side the Royal Marines in a training advisory role. Peter Langley (Pete) served for 13 years in the Royal Marine Commandos and spent much of his career working in the Middle East at sea on anti-piracy and maritime interdiction operations. An experienced instructor, Pete has worked in kinetic theatres training many foreign forces. Now head of Global View Commando’s logistical arm, he will be turning his attention to developing our Arctic survival school later in the year. The GVC team have recently deployed to the Thula Thula game reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with Veterans For Wildlife, a UK based charity. Our instructors have been training anti-poaching teams who will be protecting the survival of the Black Rhino species and their guardians at the reserve.