TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi  LECTURE TITLE:  A guide to Lebanon's natural history and its conservation. LECTURE SUMMARY: Lebanon, well known as a cross roads of cultures is also host to a fascinating diversity of plants and animals; forest mammals from Europe, desert birds from Arabia and plants from the Irano- Turanian Steppe can all be found in close proximity. Spectacular flocks of migrating eagles, storks and other soaring birds fly over snow capped peaks  and turtles nest on the southern sandy beaches. As well as exploring this rich biodiversity the talk will look at conservation efforts working against rampant development, illegal hunting and pollution seeking to preserve  refuges for wildlife by the creation of nature reserves and public awareness campaigns.   ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  Chris has been Executive Director of A Rocha since April 2010. He joined A Rocha in 1997 working, until 2009, as Lebanon Director where he cofounded the work. He oversaw the habitat restoration programme at the Aammiq marsh, the development of the environmental education project and the field research programme; identifying 11 new Important Bird Areas nationally. Prior to joining A Rocha, Chris had a wide experience of science teaching and schools’ management in the UK and the Middle East, attending Bible College and learning Arabic (in Jordan) along the way. He holds a Master’s degree from Cambridge University and a PGCE from Nottingham. He was born in 1961 and is married with three children. Chris’s book, Postcards from the Middle East: How our family fell in love with the Arab world was published by Lion Hudson in March 2015.

Dear All,   The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi has kindly offered to host the ENHG at the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, which has recently been opened to the public. This visit will be on the 21st Jan from 3pm until sunset (outside the normal opening times) and will offer an excellent opportunity to learn more about the reserve in addition to seeing the flamingos plus other migrating birds that are wintering or en-route through Abu Dhabi. Further details about the reserve can be found below. The visit will be led by Oscar Campbell This trip is open to a maximum of only 15 participants, so if you are interested in attending, please email me (Yves Queromain ) immediately to get your name on the list (Please make sure to include the names of all people in your group, a contact telephone number and contact email address if different from the one used).   Meeting time is 1500 at the reserve car park. (see attached Instructions) Bring a hat / sleeves, as there is no shade on the walk and a (small) chance of bugs at dusk. Also bring water in a bottle suitable to carry; we will walk about 2-3km in all. Also, please, please bring binoculars - you will get far more out of the visit if you have your own. We will be back at the car at about dusk, or just afterwards (c1830 approx).   This trip is open only to paid-up members of the ENHG, and all participants go at their own risk.   Please also note that the reserve is open every Thursday and Saturday from 8am to 2pm – further details can be obtained from the EAD website:- http://www.ead.ae/al-wathba-wetland-2/ The website also has links to Species fact sheets, Trail Map and Field Guide. The attached map to this email provides more detailed directions of how to get there.  

This talk will discuss small and large mammals assessment and monitoring using trail camera traps in terrestrial protected areas of Abu Dhabi Emirate. Camera trapping technology is helping to carry out assessment of nocturnal and crepuscular species of animals in different habitats in the wild. These monitoring efforts have led to the 'rediscovery' of the Arabian Sand cat after a gap of 10 years in Abu Dhabi's Western region. Population monitoring of the critically endangered Arabian Tahr on Jabel Hafeet will also be highlighted in the presentation.  About the Speaker: Shakeel Ahmed has worked for the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi in Terrestrial & Marine Biodiversity Sector over the last 10 years. He is a trained biologist who holds an MPhil in Zoology and has worked on a range of research projects for government and non-government organizations.As Assistant Scientist in the Environment Agency, his role is designing and conducting projects on the assessment and monitoring of specific high priority species (endemic and threatened species, flagship species) and their habitats. Shakeel is key member of the EAD terrestrial species monitoring team and oversees camera-trapping studies in the field.

Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm Location: The Beach House Lawn, Park Hyatt, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. (Enter through the hotel lobby)  This is an outdoor venue, so please wrap up warm. About the Film: This fascinating Sheikh Zayed documentary called ‘Farewell Arabia’ (1967) follows the beloved Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, in Abu Dhabi in the late 60s. The 52-minute long documentary is gripping from the very first frames – when Zayed appears out of nowhere cruising over a sand dune in his limo singing to himself. Abu Dhabi is almost unrecognisable and referred to as “A little kingdom in Arabia, called Abu Dhabi” by the English voiceover. This NET Journal film contains historic footage of life in Abu Dhabi in the 1960s and covers societal issues and changes surrounding petroleum discovery in Abu Dhabi in the modern day United Arab Emirates, the new found wealth the oil industry has brought to those countries, and how Abu Dhabi's ruler Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan dealt with the situation.

DNHG Trip to Northern Vietnam   Trip Leader –  Binish Roobas   Dates – December 16- 23, 2016 (8 days, 7 nights)   Price* (13-15 pax):  AED 2600 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 northern part of the country consists mostly of highlands and the Red River Delta. Phan Xi Pãng, located in Lào Cai Province, is the highest mountain in Vietnam, standing 3,143 m (10,312 ft) high.   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 (Dec 16, Friday): Arrival at Hanoi: Arrive in Hanoi. Meet our guide & driver, then transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.   Day 2 (Dec 17, Saturday): Hanoi City Tour and Shopping: The day is dedicated to an in depth discovery of Hanoi beginning with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (shorts and tank tops are not allowed). Next, visit the Temple of Literature, a structure dedicated to Confucius. Constructed in 1070, the compound soon became the first Vietnamese university. Then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.   The afternoon’s touring will provide the opportunity to see Hanoi’s famed Old Quarter from the seats of cyclos, and the Temple of Jade at the centre of atmospheric Hoan Kiem lake. We will have about 2 hours on your own for shopping in Hoan Kiem Area. Our last activity will be a performance of a traditional show at Hanoi’s Water Puppet theatre. Overnight in Hanoi.   Day 3 (Dec 18, Sunday): Hanoi – Van Long – Cuc Phuong National Park- Depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh province, enjoying the drive through the luxurious vegetation of the Red River Delta. On the way, spend one hour visiting the Dinh and Le temples of the Ancient Capital Hoa Lu, dedicated to King Dinh and King Le. Lunch at local restaurant in Tam Coc.   Continue to the beautiful wetland of Van Long, rich in diverse flora and fauna. Upon arrival, we will board a bamboo rowboat for a 2 hours rowing tour. Then transfer to Cuc Phuong National Park. Dinner and overnight in Cuc Phuong National Park.   Day 4 (Dec 19, Monday): Cuc Phuong National Park: After breakfast, we first visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, then start a long trek through the forest to learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the park. We will make stops at Cho Chi, the oldest tree in the forest, a number of picturesque streams and waterfalls, and Nguoi Xua, the ancient cave of man.   In the afternoon, continue exploring Vietnam’s oldest national park and an area of lowland forest and lakes easily accessed by a paved road. It is rich in birdlife and we have our last chances here for both Pittas, Red-collared Woodpecker and White-winged Magpie as well as a supporting cast which includes Malayan Night Heron, Pied Falconet, Eared Pitta, Silver-breasted Broadbill, White-tailed Flycatcher, Fujian Niltava and the annamensis form of Limestone Wren-Babbler.   Day 5  (Dec 20, Tuesday): Cuc Phuong–Halong Bay Cruise: Early breakfast and depart for world famous Halong Bay, ‘the descending dragon’, a journey of approximately 4 hours. Listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, Ha Long Bay is a stunning limestone archipelago stretching over some 1500 square kilometers and comprising nearly 2000 islets.   Arrive at Tuan Chau harbor (Halong Bay) at noon and embark on our boat for an overnight cruise among wonderful limestone islands. Afternoon visit to Sung Sot Cave, the most beautiful & largest cave in Halong Bay. Also kayaking activity at Luon Cave. On board, relax and/or enjoy a sunset party and experience cooking class (learning how to make Vietnamese spring rolls or fruit carving). Dinner on board.  Overnight on boat.   Day 6 (Dec 21, Wednesday): Halong Bay Cruise – Cat Ba Island: Have breakfast and enjoy beautiful sunrise on the sundeck of the boat while cruising to Gia Luan habour. Pass through Cat Ba national park by bus, featuring beautiful tropical flowers, green trees and limestone mountains. Arrive at Beo harbor, take small boat to visit one of the oldest floating villages in Vietnam, named Cai Beo  (on Lan Ha Bay).    Arrive at Monkey Island Resort, check in and enjoy your lunch beside the lovely beach. Free time for swimming , kayaking, playing football, volleyball on the beach or  play chess, billiards, ping pong, or table football in the entertainment area.   In the afternoon, go up the mountain for panoramic pictures of Monkey Island and Lan Ha bay, then arrive another beach to see some monkeys and discover their lives. Free time to relax in eco-garden, conquer Cat Dua tower with a great view to Lan Ha bay or hike up to explore the small jungle on the right side of the island. Dinner (normally BBQ) in the restaurant beside the beach.   Day 7 (Dec 22, Thursday): Morning on Cat Ba Island: Have breakfast and enjoy the sunrise at Monkey Island beach. A small boat takes us from Monkey Island Resort to Beo harbor. The tour guide will rent motorbikes to go to Cat Ba national park. A bus takes us back to the entrance gate of Cat Ba National Park and hike for 1 hour up to Ngu Lam peak. The panorama view from the top is worth the challenging way up.   Drive to Hospital Cave (Hang Quan Y) which was built during the American war. The tour guide will lead you to explore the cave. Ride motorbike back to Beo harbor and take a small boat to back to Monkey Island Resort. Lunch in the restaurant on Monkey Island beach.   The rest of the afternoon is free to swim in the pure water of Monkey Island Resort or lying on the beach. Dinner in the restaurant beside the beach in melodious songs and softly sound of ocean waves. Overnight at Monkey Island Resort.   Day 8 (Dec 23, Friday): Cat Ba Island to Hanoi’s Airport: Have breakfast and check out. Bus to Gia Luan harbor  and boat trip back to Halong. Lunch on board the boat en route to Tuan Chau harbor by another way, passing through many other beautiful rock formations.   Return to Tuan Chau harbor and take a bus back to Hanoi, with a short break on the way. Drop off at Hanoi’s airport for flight departing for your home country.   *Price includes all except: flights, visas, bottled beverages, personal expenses, insurance, lunch on free day, and tips.  Estimated R/T airfare from Dubai to Hanoi (connecting): starting from 2100 AED by Cathay Pacific. 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 7pm, AGM from 7.30pm, Lecture from 7.50pm  VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi AGM: The Annual General Meeting of the ENHG-AD will also be held before this lecture at 7:30 PM, before the lecture.  This approximately 20-minute AGM will consist of the Treasurer’s and Chairman’s presentations reviewing the finances and activities of the Abu Dhabi chapter of the ENHG from Sept 2015 through Aug 2016. As always, the AGM is open to all to the general public, but only paid-up members will be invited to vote on the ratification of ENHG-AD Committee officers/members.  LECTURE TITLE:  An introduction to distinctive UAE spiders by Binish Roobas LECTURE SUMMARY: Spiders are among the least studied groups of insects in UAE. During his talk Binis will lead us though the basic identification, behaviour and habitats of some of the most interesting spiders to be found in the Emirates. ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  Binish Roobas has a bachelor's degree in Zoology from Kerala University and has worked in Kerala as a naturalist guide. In the UAE, he has been responsible for the recognition and study of several rare species, including Walton's mudskipper and Bosk's fringe-toed lizard.He has shared his efforts through regular short reports and photographs in the DNHG's monthly newsletter, Gazelle, longer papers in the ENHG's journal, Tribulus. He has a special interest in butterflies, dragonflies and spiders. Binish's talk will introduce us to some of the more distinctive spiders that can be found here

Invited by Dubai Chapter If interested, please contact Sonja at lavson@gmail.com   Trip to Jebel Asarh (Jebel Shams) in Oman for National Day Weekend (Thursday 1st December to Saturday 3rd December 2016)     DNHG is organizing a long weekend trip to Omani mountains, to Jebel Asarh, less known smaller brother of Jebel Shams.  We will do the spectacular Jebel Shams Canyon walk and explore the less known villages and canyons of Jebel Asarh, enjoying the cooler mountain climate.  If open, we will stop to visit Al Hoota Cave on the way.   The distance from Dubai to Jebel Asarh is about 450 km one way, approx 6 hrs drive. We will cross Omani border, so you will need to get the visa (exit UAE 35 AED, visa for Oman 5 OMR/50 AED). You will obviously need your passport, Omani car insurance and all necessary documents in case you drive rented or leased car.  4WD car is needed (however, there's an option to ask the resort to pick you up at the bottom of the mountain in case you don’t have a 4WD).    We have negotiated special package rate with Sunrise Resort on Jebel Asarh for DNHG members.  Reduced rate of 70 OMR/700 AED per Arabic tent (2 people) includes: -       2 x nights in Arabic tent for 2 people  (i.e. 350 AED per person) -       2 x HB (breakfast and dinner) -       Camp fire and barbecue -       Local Guides for Canyon walk and Jebel Asarh walk   The trip plan is as follows:   Thursday Dec 1: Morning departure from Dubai towards Al Ain and Mezyad border.  Omani Border formalities. Al Hoota Cave visit (if open, entrance 6.5 OMR/65 AED adults, 3 OMR/30AED children) (Optional, if Al Hoota is not accessible: Wadi Dam walk and swim) Late afternoon/early evening: arrival at the location, Sunrise Resort Evening camp fire and barbecue. Overnight in Arabic tents   Friday Dec 2: Breakfast in the resort Full day hike to Grand Canyon of Oman, to abandoned village, medium to difficult level, 5 hrs walk (Please note that this spectacular hike requires proper hiking shoes, a decent level of fitness and head for heights as we will walk on the ridge of a 1000m deep canyon) Alternatively, you can explore Jebel Asarh mountain villages and fields (by car + walk) Bring packed lunch (your own or prepared by the resort at 5OMR/50 AED for lunch) Dinner in the resort Overnight in Arabic tents.   Saturday Dec 3: Breakfast in the resort Morning walk to Jebel Asarh and small canyon Afternoon: departure towards Dubai.     Group is limited:    Sunrise resort is keeping 8 Arabic tents available for DNHG, i.e. max 16 people sharing.     Estimated cost: ·         Sunrise Resort discounted package rate of 70 OMR/700 AED per tent (2 pax, 2 nights), including the hiking guides  ·         UAE exit, Omani visa 85 AED ·         Al Hoota Caves (if open) 6.5 OMR/65 AED ·         Food & drinks: bring your own picnic lunch for Friday and Saturday hike. Alternatively you can buy lunch box in the resort at the cost of 5 OMR/50 AED per lunch box. Bring your own water, drinks, snacks, fruit, etc… There are no shops on the mountain, you can only purchase from resort or hotels.  ·         Petrol (about 900 km return journey)   IMPORTANT! ·         Passports and Omani car insurance are mandatory for this trip. 4WD is required.  ·         To book the tents and meals we need to collect your prepayment, 700 AED per tent.  ·         Group is limited to max 16 people sharing. The space will be assigned on first paid basis. Only participants with fully prepaid lodging will be considered as signed up, no waiting list.  ·         Prepayments are not refundable in case of last minute cancellations or no shows.  ·         If less than 5 prepayments will be collected by Nov 23, the trip will be cancelled.   Pls see also attached photos.     If interested, please contact Sonja atlavson@gmail.com

Join us of an informal get-together at B-Lounge, Sheraton Abu Dhabi. Take the opportunity to learn more about the group, or simply chat to fellow members about our favourite topic – Natural history!  Everyone is welcome, so feel free to bring friends and family. We’ll be there from 7pm, and conveniently it’s happy hour until 9pm which gets us 25% off drinks. B-lounge is an outdoor venue and most easily accessed from the health club entrance. See you there!

TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE:  NYU Abu Dhabi, building A3, lecture room 001. Click here for a location map   https://nyuad.nyu.edu/content/dam/nyuad/departments/web-services/documents/maps/campus-map-with-directions.pdf  LECTURE TITLE:  Flora of the Kimberly Region in North West Australia by Tim Willing LECTURE SUMMARY: Tim will talk us through the varied habitats of the Kimberley region. Rugged sandstone savannahs dominate this remote corner of tropical Australia. Salt marshes, mangroves, monsoon rainforests and paperbark woodlands add diversity to a sparsely settled region. ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  Botanist Tim willing grew up in Africa and emigrated to Australia in 1973. Over the years he has become a leading expert on the flora of Western Australia, publishing several books and discovering a handful of new species.  He was a government conservation officer for many years but since 2005 he’s been working as a charter boat naturalist. 

TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi LECTURE TITLE:  ENHG Trans-Siberian Railway Adventure of July 2016 by Denis Cheng LECTURE SUMMARY: In this talk Denis will be sharing personal comments, anecdotes and photos of the ENHG field trip he took along with Valerie Lindsay (a member of the Dubai chapter) in July 2016. A journey on the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway that traverses the immense vastness from Moscow in European Russia to Vladivostok 10,000 km away on the eastern coast of Siberia has always been the stuff of dreams of many an extreme traveler and adventure seeker. Indeed, this train ride is also a trip through 1,100 years of anthropology, archeology, momentous political, and spectacular natural, history. As one of the Field Trip Coordinators of the Abu Dhabi chapter of the ENHG, Denis decided to realize his extreme traveler’s dream, and give the chance to many others to do the same, by organizing a trip on this iconic railway as an ENHG field trip in July of 2015. However, due to a “perfect storm” of unfortunate occurrences, he was not actually able to join in with the group of five ENHG members from various chapters who had answered his call. Upon hearing their accounts of how truly amazing and memorable the trip did indeed turn out to be, Denis determined to organize another such field trip for the ENHG this summer. For both participants the excursion on the world’s longest railway line, lived up to its billing as a “trip-of-a-lifetime” . ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  Denis is a senior lecturer of English at Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research. He is one of the Field Trip Coordinators, and a former Deputy Chair, of the Abu Dhabi Chapter of the Emirates Natural History Group. He has M.A.s in English and Applied Linguistics and Instructional Technologies and, as an undergraduate, studied geology, paleontology, anthropology and archeology. He is an avid scuba diver, backpacker and amateur astronomer.

TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi LECTURE TITLE:  The Gulf Green Turtle Project: tracking the path of green turtles in the Arabian region LECTURE SUMMARY: The Emirates Wildlife Society is an environmental non-governmental organization registered in the United Arab Emirates. Since its establishment in 2001, EWS has been working in association with WWF, and is focused on working with people and institutions within the UAE and the region, to conserve biodiversity, tackle climate change and reduce the ecological footprint through education, awareness, policy, and science-based conservation initiatives. Marine turtles are integral components of marine ecosystems in the Arabian region, and a conservation priority of national and regional conservation programmes. Even though Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are the most abundant sea turtle species in the inner Gulf, and the second most abundant in Oman, a small number of protected areas exist which encompass certain life stages of this endangered species, being spatially-limited given the lack of knowledge on turtle habitat use.  Post nesting behaviour, key foraging sites and development grounds remain unknown. In this talk I will present EWS-WWF’s journey on marine turtle conservation and describe how the recently launched Gulf Green Turtle project will close key information gaps by combining different scientific techniques and inform conservation management of this species in the region. Spanning the next four years, this initiative promises to be the first of its kind worldwide, and will produce the most comprehensive ecological database for green turtle populations in the world. Prepare yourself to enjoy the amazing footage captured in the recent 2016 green turtle tagging season.  ABOUT THE SPEAKER:  Jimena Rodriguez joined EWS-WWF in April 2016 to manage the Gulf Green Turtle Conservation project in the Gulf region. Prior to joining EWS-WWF, Jimena spent seven years in Adelaide, Australia, where she completed her Ph.D. on molecular ecology of the Eastern Pacific olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) in 2015. During her time in Australia, she worked on various research projects on bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, while also contributing to the restoration genetics project of five endangered fish species from the Murray-Darling Basin in South Australia. Her passion for marine conservation and marine turtles has led Jimena to 11 years of professional experience across several countries, giving her the opportunity to also interact with different cultures. Through her international experience, Jimena learned about the relevance of informed decisions in shaping the successful management of marine resources; to date, she has taken the lead in many research projects which have been successfully incorporated into conservation practices of endangered species. Jimena began her career empowering women on developing sustainable economic activities around biodiversity conservation while living in the remote areas of El Darien, Panama and the northern tip of Colombia, where she worked with indigenous communities (Kuna and Wayuu people, respectively). She was also a pioneer of the marine turtle conservation rehabilitation centre and marine turtle conservation program (ProCTM) established at the University Jorge Tadeo Lozano in Colombia, where she obtained a BSc degree in Marine Biology.

TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi LECTURE TITLE:  Protecting Gentle Giants at 20 Meters Deep: Six Senses Laamu and the Manta Trust by Megan Latta and Beth Taylor LECTURE SUMMARY: Six Senses Laamu, as is the case with almost every resort in the Maldives, relies heavily on the health and vibrancy of its surrounding marine life and reefs. What makes Six Senses Laamu especially unique, however, is not only its awareness of the stunning natural resources on its doorstep, but also its distinctive location as the only resort in the Laamu Atoll. With access to the famous Yin Yang surf break, multiple channel and beautiful lagoon dive sites, and the one-of-kind Hithadhoo Corner Manta Ray aggregation site just minutes away, Six Senses Laamu understands the importance of maintaining the pristine location and has committed to supporting marine conservation through various projects. Recognizing the rarity of its resident manta ray population at the region’s most consistent aggregation site, in 2013 Six Senses Laamu began supporting the Manta Trust, a UK based NGO that aims to protect the world’s manta ray population through research, awareness and education. Three years later, with over 100 individual mantas identified, nearly 2,000 sightings catalogued, and with the completion of the country’s' first ever manta ray measurement study using lasers, the partnership between the resort and the Manta Trust has developed to levels never anticipated. The continuation of this unique collaboration and of the year-round research of these majestic creatures makes Six Senses Laamu the ideal location for not only divers hoping to explore stunning new dive sites, but also cutting edge marine research. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:  Beth Taylor, a graduate of the University of York's Marine Environmental Management Masters Program, is the Project Manager of the Manta Trust's Laamu Atoll project. Having led the project for this international NGO for the past three years, Beth has managed the manta identification project at Six Senses Laamu and has since elevated manta ray research there by introducing various new methods of data collection not only to Laamu, but also to manta ray research in the Maldives itself. Prior to her work at the Manta Trust, Beth worked on numerous coral reef health and shark population projects in various locations in the Caribbean. Megan Latta is the current manager of sustainability projects at Six Senses Laamu, a five star luxury resort in the southern Maldives. A recent but dedicated inductee into the world of marine conservation, Megan helps manage projects on site, including the Manta Trust's research at the local manta ray cleaning station and dive site, Hithadhoo Corner. Manta Trust researchers are now undergoing manta ray imagery and a type of measuring that takes place nowhere else in the Maldives and only a few other locations throughout the world. With this research, Six Senses Laamu hopes to contribute to the worldwide campaign of protecting the limited and unique manta ray population. Six Senses Laamu also recently began a partnership with Blue Marine Foundation to improve not only local grouper spawning sites, but also the grouper fisheries of the Maldives as a country. This project, which officially began on site in July of 2016, hopes to investigate what measures should be taken in order to establish a healthy grouper fishery while also managing the country's grouper export trade. With these projects, Six Senses Laamu not only hopes to educate their guests on the importance of marine conservation, but also make a lasting and important impact on the ocean's on which it relies. This talk has been arranged with the support of Elegant Resorts.  Renowned for excellence, Elegant Resorts is a luxury travel specialist established in the UK in 1988.  The Dubai office launched in 2015, catering to discerning individuals seeking tailor-made  holidays and experiences. From sophisticated city breaks to hideaways and eco-retreats, Elegant Resorts creates bespoke itineraries to suit all tastes.   For more information please visit www.elegantresorts.ae