Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the master developer of tourism, cultural, and residential destinations in Abu Dhabi, was today announced as Platinum Sponsor of Abu Dhabi’s Bu Tinah Island (in the Developer, Tourism Destinations and Real Estate category) across 2010 and 2011 in its campaign to become one of the world’s New7Wonders of Nature. Bu Tinah is one of just 28 worldwide locations included in the final shortlist.

A pristine wonder of nature, Bu Tinah Island is rich in biodiversity and situated amid sparkling aquamarine waters, colourful coral reefs and mangrove forests off the Western Coast of Abu Dhabi. A haven of peace and beauty, the remote island is of key significance for global climate change research because of its fragile habitat which thrives despite the high temperatures and high salinity.

Ahmed Hussein, Chief Operating Officer of TDIC, commented on Bu Tinah Island’s campaign: “Reaching the final list of 28 is an impressive achievement given the sheer global scale of this campaign. The conservation, preservation and sustainability of the environment are part of TDIC’s philosophy so we are proud to be sponsoring this jewel of the Arabian Gulf in its campaign to become one of the New7Wonders of Nature.”

“More than one billion votes from people everywhere will choose the Official New7Wonders of Nature, with even-greater passion and excitement than moved the world in the first New7Wonders campaign,” notes Jean-Paul de la Fuente, Director and Head of Value Development, New7Wonders. “TDIC, an expert in intelligent tourism development, knows that reaching this global audience with a message of support for Bu Tinah Island will be of great value on many levels for the company, Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates and, of course, for Bu Tinah.”

Thabit Zahran Al Abdessalaam, Director Biodiversity Management Sector of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) added, “Bu Tinah Island is truly remarkable—coral reefs thriving in up to 37°C water, populated by an amazing range of marine life and part of a huge, protected nature reserve. Most people would never expect to find this fascinating ecosystem in the Emirates, better known for its bustling cultural and business centres. We’re honored to count on the support of TDIC in the New7Wonders campaign.”

The New7Wonders of Nature is a global campaign that began in 2007 to create a list of seven natural wonders as voted for by people in a global poll. The initial campaign received over 440 nominations from over 220 countries. This list was then narrowed down to the Top 77, from which a panel of experts recommended the list of the most deserving 28 Official Finalist Candidates. This was based on the unique beauty of the nominated site, ecological substance, historical legacy and geographical location.

Bu Tinah Island fought off tough competition from nearly 200 other natural destinations across the world to be shortlisted in the final 28. Bu Tinah is a very important place for conservation and environmental research and it is hoped that a place in the final list is significant for both the preservation of the island and for the region as a whole because it demonstrates the natural wonders that Abu Dhabi has to offer to the world. Moreover, the world spotlight on Bu Tinah will hopefully promote further protection of the UAE’s precious environment.

The island is regularly visited by flourishing communities of critically endangered species of animal and marine life, such as the hawksbill turtle, and is home to the world’s second largest population of dugongs. Bu Tinah is also vital to the local population for its historic pearl-diving traditions. Now totally undisturbed by human activity, its underwater ecosystem thrives with rich coral reefs and the most amazing aquatic life. All of these characteristics combine to make Bu Tinah a unique ‘living laboratory’ with emphasis on climate change research and environmental protection lessons.

Bu Tinah Island lies within the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, the region’s first and largest UNESCO-designated marine biosphere reserve. The area is inaccessible to visitors, and fishing and the collection of turtle eggs are prohibited.

The third and final stage, in which the seven wonders will be chosen by an estimated one billion votes worldwide, is now underway. The official declaration of the New7Wonders of Nature will take place on 11 November 2011.
 

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