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OCTOBER 24 TO OCTOBER 27
The Blue Hall, New York University Abu Dhabi Arts Center
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Exhibition: Created by Camilla Singh with the participation of Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
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Installation: "Conservatory for Plants with Obesity”: This is a multi-sensory sci-fi installation blending natural elements and artifice to explore transformation driven by human excess. In the conservatory, plant life gradually shifts from simplicity to exaggerated form as an ecological response to human indulgence and carbon dioxide overproduction. As always, plants adapt to their surroundings, and in this case morphing in response to excess, much like their natural responses to light or touch. We witness the plants during a process of transformation, taking on surreal, exaggerated forms, expressing their adaptation to a new state of balance where stored fat embodies their participation in excess. Its a story that underscores humanity's role as an intrinsic part of the natural world, rather than architects or observers.
OCTOBER 24
6:30 PM TO 8:30 PM, The Blue Hall, New York University Abu Dhabi Arts Center
An introduction to Marine Biodiversity in the UAE with leading experts from the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi
Speakers: Dr. Himansu Das, Dr. Hind Al Ameri, Nessrine Alzahlawi, Arabella Willing (moderator)
Dr. Himansu Das
Bio: Unit Head, Marine Endangered Species and Habitats
Dr. Hind Al Ameri
Bio: Dr. Hind Al Ameri, a Marine Conservation Scientist at the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi. Her work focuses on assessment and conservation of the region’s marine species, especially those that are vulnerable or endangered. She spearheads the preservation and recovery efforts for key marine species such as dugongs, cetaceans, and marine turtles.
Nessrine Alzahlawi
Bio: Multilingual biodiversity conservation professional with 17 years of experience in biodiversity policy development, applied ecology, international environmental treaties (CBD, Ramsar, CMS), stakeholder engagement, awareness, communication, and capacity building.
Arabella Willing
Bio: Arabella Willing is a British marine biologist known for her work with Hawksbill turtles and environmental outreach programmes. In January 2019 Arabella joined the Conservation Education team at Emirates Nature-WWF to work on “Connect with Nature” a new programme that gives UAE youth access to learning and leadership opportunities.
OCTOBER 25
3 PM TO 5 PM, Al Reem Central Park, Al Reem Island
Kayak 4 Conservation
In this activity, participants will have the opportunity to join us for an immersive kayaking adventure through the mangrove forest in Al Reem Island, where they’ll discover the cultural and ecological significance of these unique ecosystems. They will also learn about the threats mangroves face and how they can collaborate to ensure their long-term resilience!
By participating, they will contribute to ongoing research by collecting data on single-use plastics and other waste in the marine environment through a litter collection survey! This data is shared with the Environment Agency–Abu Dhabi to inform researchers and policymakers, helping shape better environmental decisions and regulations for a sustainable future.
No experience is necessary, although a reasonable level of fitness is required. Participants will need to be able to kayak several kilometers and carry bags of litter. It's also recommended to wear water shoes and clothes you don't mind getting wet!
Learn more about the event and sign up for it on the Connect with Nature website here!
OCTOBER 27
3 PM, The Blue Hall, New York University Abu Dhabi Arts Center
Al Sidr Panel (open to the public): "Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi in Focus"
This panel includes staff of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi (NHMAD) who will discuss stories linking the past, present, and future of natural history. From scientists, leaders in natural history to museum curators, this panel explores the role of natural history in presenting a profound understanding of our interconnected world.
Speakers: Dr. Brigette Howarth, Dr. Mark Beech, Ms. Sara Almarzooqi, Prof. Phil Manning,
Dr. Peter C. Kjærgaard
Dr. Peter C. Kjærgaard
Director of the NHMAD
Bio: Peter joined NHMAD in July, having come to Abu Dhabi from a position as Director of the Natural History Museum of Denmark and Professor of Evolutionary History at the University of Copenhagen. He has been involved in multiple media productions on our relationship with the natural world. Peter has previously worked at the University of Cambridge, Harvard University among other places. The NHMAD is his third major museum project.
Prof. Phil Manning
Director of Science, NHMAD
Bio: Phil is a world-renowned natural scientist and has also been a writer, presenter and co-producer on multiple award-winning television documentaries, e.g., for National Geographic Channel, BBC, History Channel to name a few. He holds the Chair of Natural History at the University of Manchester and is a Fellow of the Geological Society (London), the Royal Geographical Society (London), and the Explorers Club (New York). Prof. Manning and his team continue to undertake field- based research in the Hell Creek and Morrison Formations of South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana.
Ms. Sara Almarzooqi
Assistant Curator, NHMAD
Bio: Sara is an Alumna of NYUAD, graduating with a BSc in Biology and a minor in Heritage Studies. Sara was one of the first curatorial team members to join NHMAD in 2023. Sara has recently completed a certification as a tour guide in Abu Dhabi. She is particularly interested in marine research of the region, originating from the research she carried out for her capstone entitled ‘Reef Fish Diets across the Temperature Gradient in the Arabian Gulf using Genomics’. Sara engages in fieldwork, immersing herself in the natural landscapes of the UAE to explore its rich biodiversity.
Dr. Mark Beech
Curatorial and Scientific Lead, NHMAD
Bio: Mark has been working in Abu Dhabi for 30 years as a palaeontologist/archaeologist or zooarchaeologist and researcher of UAE natural history. He has contributed to some of the major discoveries of Abu Dhabi, e.g., Late Miocene fossils from Al Dhafra which feature as an entire gallery by themselves in NHMAD.
Dr. Brigitte Howarth
Curator of Entomology, NHMAD
Bio: Brigitte is a terrestrial ecologist with specialism in entomology. She has lived and worked in the UAE for more than 25 years, joining NHMAD in May 2023. Prior to joining, she worked in various capacities at Zayed University including as associate professor, department chair and associate director for the Center for Educational Innovation, and at the American University in Dubai as Director of Institutional Effectiveness. Brigitte is also Chair of the Al Ain Chapter of the Emirates Natural History Group.
© 2024 AL SIDR ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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