The findings, which were published in a biannual report finalised recently, show that at least 18 out of an original 36 species of coral found in the region have recovered from damage suffered due to past climatic stress events.

The report is part of a threeyear research study, which commenced in last year, titled "Coral Reef Investigations in Abu Dhabi and Eastern Qatar".

The completion of the report comes ahead of a scheduled Marine Conservation Forum to be held in Abu Dhabi from September 11 to 14. Dr Bernhard Riegl, principal investigator on the coral reef study, together with a team of specialists from Abu Dhabi and Doha who are working on the project, will be key participants at the Marine Conservation Forum.

The forum will devote the first two days to discussing regional coral reef conservation efforts. According to the coral reef study, Halul in Qatar and Ras Ghanda in Abu Dhabi are two areas where the most vigorous coral regeneration is taking place. Yasat and Dalma islands in Abu Dhabi also recorded good coral growth and high coral cover.

"We are encouraged by the results of extensive surveys undertaken as part of the coral reef project. Assuming no further disturbances to their habitat occur, the rate of regeneration suggests that the entire range of the region's coral species would be reestablished within a decade" said Razan Al Mubarak, Director, EWSWWF (Emirates Wildlife Society – World Wide Fund for Nature).

EWSWWF is the project manager for the study, which is sponsored by Dolphin Energy. The EAD (Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi) and SCENR (Supreme Council for the Environment and Natural Reserves, Doha, Qatar) are the two regional government agencies involved in the project.

Citing the excellent cooperation between governmental agencies and other entities involved in the project as a model for the region, Al Mubarak said: "Developing regionwide cooperation among various stakeholders is critical to ensure effective conservation of environmental resources in the Gulf."

Al Mubarak also added that the upcoming Marine Conservation Forum to be held next month presented further opportunities to pool the region's environmental resources.

"The forum will have more than 50 experts from the GCC, Iran and Yemen in attendance and is an excellent opportunity to develop a strategy for regional cooperation in marine environment preservation," she said.

The Marine Conservation Forum is organised by EWSWWF under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water. The first two days of the forum, dedicated to coral reef conservation, will be followed by two days of presentations focused on marine turtle protection.

First Gulf Bank is the main sponsor of the event. The Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) and Total are cosponsors, and Dolphin Energy the support sponsor of the event. More information on the forum is available at http://www.panda.org/uae/mcf.