The miles of desert that stretch out past the city’s limits might appear barren to the naked eye, but closer inspection reveals a healthy ecosystem and numerous archaeological sites. In the interest of finding out more about the animals, vegetation and local historical sites of the UAE, a group of curious minds established the Emirates Natural History Group (ENHG) in 1976. More than three decades later and the group is still going strong, with a rich range of monthly activities, field trips and two publications. Set up under the patronage of HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the first chapter was established in Abu Dhabi, before branching out to Al Ain and Dubai in following years. We caught with the group’s acting chairman, Dr Andrew Bean, to find out more about this long-standing organisation.
Was the ENHG the first non-governmental organisation in Abu Dhabi?
No – but it was the UAE’s first NGO to focus on the environment.
Who were the founding members of the group?
It was founded in 1976 by J.N.B. ‘Bish’ Brown and John Stewart-Smith. Brown had founded a similar group in Kuwait, before coming to Abu Dhabi to work for ADMA (Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company), and Stewart-Smith, as well as other founder members, felt there was a need for a voluntary group for people, Emiratis and expatriates, who wanted to promote knowledge and the study of the UAE’s natural history.
When were the chapters for Al Ain and Dubai formed?
The Al Ain chapter was formed in 1980, Dubai in the mid 1980s, and Fujairah in 2011.
Walk us though the typical monthly activities of the group.
We hold free lectures twice a month, and we also organise regular field trips and excursions.
What sort of publications does the group produce?
In the past, we used to publish The Bulletin, which appeared three times a year. However, this stopped because Tribulus was launched, with the objective of publishing more academic, peer-reviewed material. It is circulated to members, external researchers, academics and institutions overseas and is also available on the web. There have been 20 volumes published to date. It remains the only English peer-reviewed journal covering all aspects of UAE natural history, general history, fossils, geology and archaeology and is widely cited in international academic publications. We also publish a monthly magazine, Focus, which is available to buy online.
What does the group hope to achieve through its activities?
The main aim of the ENHG is to encourage and assist members and other interested individuals in the study and appreciation of the natural history and archaeology of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates,
the Middle East and the world at large. As well as our small but effective research grants fund (Dhs10,000-20,000), we give out two awards each year.
Can you tell us about the two annual awards?
There are two awards given each year; the Sheikh Mubarak bin Mohammed Award for Natural History and the Bish Brown Award. The former award is presented by the ENHG’s patron, HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, and is the country’s premier natural history award. The recipient is someone who has made an important contribution through published research either concerning archaeology, history or natural history of the UAE. This award is in place of the Jashanmal Award that was presented for several years after the introduction of the ENHG in the UAE.
The latter award was created to commemorate one of the Group’s founders, J.N.B. ‘Bish’ Brown. The award itself, a silver falcon, was donated by former vice chairman Dr Terry Adams and his wife and former Group secretary Caroline Adams, and is held for a year by each recipient. It is intended to acknowledge contributions made by an individual in terms of promoting study and conservation of the UAE’s environment, wildlife, history and heritage, whether through formal study, encouragement of educational awareness or other means, and can, therefore, be given to amateurs as well as professionals.
How many members does the group currently have?
We now have over 140.
How has membership changed over the years?
We are fairly static in membership. Back in 2004-2006, around when I joined, our public lectures would often attract up to a 100 attendees at the Cultural Centre, but now that it is closed and there is so much more to do in Abu Dhabi, we usually get 20-50 people attending lectures. Field trips range from five-25 people, anything beyond that number gets a bit unwieldy. Our family members include little kids, and adult members cover the whole range, including some people who have been in Abu Dhabi for several decades.
How can people find out about upcoming activities or seminars?
More details can be found on our website, as well as on the last page of our monthly publication Focus.
The ENHG hosts seminars on the first and third Tuesday of the month at the Assembly Hall of the HCT Abu Dhabi Women’s College. For more information visit www.enhg.org.
