Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority, EPAA, recently arrested four people accused of taking protected wildlife from the Alqurm Protected Area at Khor Kalba, on the UAE’s East Coast, it has been announced. The penalties are prescribed by the Sharjah Executive Council for individuals found to be causing harm to nature and wildlife in the Emirate. Offences include any damage to the soil and vegetation, and the cutting of perennial and annual vegetation. The Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority seeks to protect the environment, nature reserves, wildlife and their biological diversity by conducting scientific studies and research and implementing measures for pollution control. In addition, the Authority seeks to increase awareness through educational programmes on the principles of sustainable development.