Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre, led by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, EPAA, has recently received an award for Educational Project of the year at the 9th annual Middle East Architect Awards.

The awards ceremony for the architecture and design community in the Middle East, the Middle East Architecture Awards, serve to recognise the best projects in the architecture community, from residential, cultural and public, across the region.

Commenting on the award, Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, said, "We are deeply honoured to receive the award for Educational Project of the Year; it is truly gratifying to have our hard work acknowledged and we accept this award with a continued commitment to protecting both the delicate landscape and its wildlife through conservation initiatives and community education."

Located at the base of the Hajar Mountains on the outskirts of Kalba, Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre celebrates the rich biodiversity of the region’s mountain habitats and highlights the strong connections between wildlife and landscape and regional creativity and culture. Hosting thirty different mountain species, the centre offers unique viewing opportunities from within the centre out across large landscaped enclosures, and within indoor nocturnal habitats.

"The award reinforces Sharjah’s commitment to protecting endangered species by promoting the culture of environmental conservation in compliance with the directives and visions of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to protect the environment and develop it in a better and more optimal way," Hana Saif Al Suwaidi added.

Inaugurated by the Ruler of Sharjah, Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre has been open since March 2016 and was established to protect endangered animal species native to the region’s fragile mountain ecosystems.