"We cherish our environment because it is an integral part of our country, our history and our heritage. On land and in the sea, our forefathers lived and survived in this environment. They were able to do so only because they recognised the need to conserve it, to take from it only what they needed to live, and to preserve it for succeeding generations.

With God's will, we shall continue to work to protect our environment and our wildlife, as did our forefathers before us. It is a duty, and, if we fail, our children, rightly, will reproach us for squandering an essential part of their inheritance, and of our heritage"

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan

The island of Sir Bani Yas, conceived over twenty years ago as a Wildlife Reserve, is celebrated today as one of Sheikh Zayed's great legacies. What started as a simple vision for a single island 250 kilometres from Abu Dhabi, has formed the basis and guiding principles for environmental conservation throughout and beyond the Desert Islands.

Under the guidance of Sheikh Zayed, the preservation of the natural landscapes, pristine waters, and existing habitats of Sir Bani Yas has created a unique environment that hosts an impressive range of land, marine, and avian wildlife.

With warm, shallow waters, newly planted mangroves and restored habitats, each of the Desert Islands has become an important feeding and breeding grounds for many species of birds, sea turtles, and other marine life. The preservation of the country's natural heritage has been a great achievement. Sharing this achievement with the global community will ensure the continuation of Sheikh Zayed's legacy.