ENVIRONMENT
Environmental programs and initiatives have been developed to contribute to water sustainability, raise biosecurity rates, and enhance environmental security. Therefore, the government of Fujairah paid attention to preserving the environment and issued several legislations to safeguard the environment to reach a sustainable future and achieve a green economy by protecting the environment through research and efforts towards sustainability. Pollution poses a severe threat to natural ecosystems, food safety and quality, human health, and coastal tourism, contributing to climate change. FRC research aims to develop reliable decision-making tools supporting governmental agents and authorities.
MARINE
The waters of Fujairah host a diversity of marine and coastal ecosystems with rich biodiversity that are under increasing pressure from various human activities and are of significant scientific, cultural, and economic value to the emirate. Therefore, the continued assessment of the diversity of marine species like seashells, fish, sea-dwelling reptiles, birds, and marine mammals is vital to understanding and protecting marine ecosystems. The FRC research is oriented to study, monitor, and protect the marine ecosystems, identify the mammal's species and maintain long-term continuous monitoring to analyze their behavior, space, and core areas used for resting and feeding.
PLANTS
Sustainable agriculture in the UAE has become a clear goal for the concerned authorities to develop this vital sector to achieve food security and reduce the food import gap. Vertical farming, smart agriculture, and combined land use for food production and energy generation could help produce food in environmentally sustainable agriculture. Developing an efficient, site-specific, and climate-responsive multi-parameter sensing device for smallholder farmers, testing them under UAE conditions, and introducing them in Middle East markets by training small farmers and improving their income through IoT technologies.
CAMELS
The camel is a remarkable creature with the unique ability to endure harsh environmental conditions. It can withstand dehydration for several days, endure hunger for about a month, carry heavy loads, and travel long distances. Moreover, due to global warming and the limited rainfall in many regions, camels are now considered an alternative to other farm animals for meat and milk production. The wise leadership in the U.A.E. has consistently shown great reverence for authentic Bedouin history over the years, underscoring the significance of upholding Emirati traditions and customs. Annually, a camel race takes place in the U.A.E., serving as a platform to showcase cultural heritage and remind the younger generation of a glorious era and the sportsmanship of their ancestors.
HONEYBEE
The UAE beekeeping is of great importance for the local economy and contributes to the nation's food security strategy. The UAE production of honey is estimated at 800 tons annually, while the production of free honey in the mountains and valleys is estimated only at 5% of that amount. The FRC works toward achieving sustainability in beekeeping, integrating management methods to enhance production systems and preserve natural resources. The FRC research programs aim to produce genetically improved bees with higher resilience to the harsh environment that could generate better income for the UAE's beekeepers due to increased production and lower disease management costs.