​Dubai, Dec 5 (IANS/WAM) The UAE on Monday highlighted its efforts on biodiversity protection at the 13th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

A delegation from the UAE is participating in the meeting in Cancun, Mexico, which is aimed at the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of the components of biological diversity and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources.

Khalfan Al Suwaidi, Deputy Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector, who is representing the UAE, said: "The preservation of natural life and its development are top priorities in the UAE and considered as the cornerstones of the country's policy in the field of environmental conservation and development."

Quoting President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan regarding the nation's environment conservation strategy, Al Suwaidi said: "Since its inception, the UAE has been keeping the balance between economic and social development and the preservation of the country's cultural, social and environmental heritage."

"The country has been taking a number of measures, as well as developing relevant laws and legislation regulating professional fishing to preserve, develop and ensure the sustainability of fish stocks," he added.