By Asifa Kanwal
The passion of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, for nature conservation is deeply rooted in his lifelong association with the desert and its unique flora and fauna. His commitment is a continuation of the visionary legacy of his father, the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, who believed that environmental stewardship is a moral responsibility owed to future generations.
Guided by this philosophy, the Conservation Breeding Centre, CBC, a pioneering initiative and the first project of its kind in Pakistan, was sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in 2014. The Centre was established in Lal Sohanra, Cholistan Desert, a region of immense ecological significance that provides a natural habitat for a wide range of desert species.
A Protected Sanctuary for Wildlife
Spread across 165 square kilometres, 40,772.4 acres, the Conservation Breeding Centre is a highly secured and carefully managed conservation zone. It offers a near-natural environment where wildlife can thrive with minimal human interference, ensuring ecological balance and natural behavioral patterns.
The protected area is home to several important species, including chinkara, blackbuck, and nilgai, blue bull, along with other indigenous fauna. These species roam freely within the vast landscape, benefiting from a habitat specifically designed to support natural breeding, survival, and population growth.
Habitat Restoration and Sustainable Management
To sustain wildlife populations, native desert flora is regularly cultivated and seeded using both conventional and aerial methods. This ensures adequate fodder throughout the year, particularly during periods of drought and extreme climatic conditions. The restoration of vegetation supports herbivorous species and strengthens the overall desert ecosystem.
Water availability, one of the most critical challenges in desert conservation, has been addressed through the careful maintenance of 23 tobas, natural rainwater reservoirs, within the Centre. These water points are continuously monitored, maintained, and recharged across all seasons by water bowzers operated by the Human Welfare & Nature Conservation Society, HWNCS. This ensures reliable water access for wildlife even during prolonged dry spells.
A Living Testament to Environmental Leadership
The Conservation Breeding Centre stands as a vivid testament to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s dedication to environmental conservation. The project reflects a holistic approach integrating habitat protection, species conservation, water management, and ecological sustainability.
Beyond safeguarding wildlife, the CBC serves as a model conservation project in Pakistan, demonstrating how large-scale protected areas can successfully balance nature preservation with scientific management. It has also contributed to raising awareness about conservation ethics and the importance of protecting endangered and vulnerable species in their natural habitats.
An Enduring Legacy of Stewardship
The flourishing success of the Conservation Breeding Centre underscores the UAE leadership’s unwavering commitment to nature and biodiversity. It reinforces the belief that true progress lies not only in development but also in preserving the natural world upon which all life depends.
By championing initiatives such as the CBC, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has reaffirmed his role as a global advocate for conservation, honouring his father’s legacy while shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.