Pristine Seas: Bringing the Ocean Back is an audio-visual exhibition to be held at the waterfront destination of Al Qana
Here’s one more reason to get excited about the coming Eid break: a one-of-a-kind exhibition is set to open in Abu Dhabi featuring some of the most stunning imagery and stories produced by National Geographic.
Pristine Seas: Bringing the Ocean Back, an audio-visual exhibition curated by National Geographic, will open at The National Aquarium (TNA) at the waterfront destination of Al Qana on Friday, 21 April.
The UAE earlier announced Eid al-Fitr holidays for the public and private sector to start on Thursday until Shawwal 3. This could mean a five-day weekend in the UAE if the first day of Shawwal falls on Saturday, as predicted by Abu Dhabi’s International Astronomy Centre (IAC).
As residents search for the best getaway deals and fun experiences, the opening of the world-class exhibition during the holidays is a welcome addition to the list of Eid escapes across the city.
The exhibition, which will be on display at TNA for two years, draws upon over a decade worth of global expeditions conducted by the National Geographic Pristine Seas project to document and protect the ocean, highlighting the importance of marine protected areas (MPAs) as a mechanism for protecting and restoring the world’s oceans.
“To protect vital ocean places, we need to combine research with compelling visuals to inspire people through both minds and hearts,” says Enric Sala, National Geographic Explorer in Residence and Pristine Seas Executive Director.
“I am thrilled to bring over a decade of filming and science into the first National Geographic Pristine Seas exhibition.”
Explore some of the most exotic places and marine environments on Earth through the exhibition’s narrative, photography and film, and learn how the Pristine Seas team supports Indigenous Peoples, local communities and governments in the creation of MPAs.
The Aquarium will also host a free-to-attend lecture series by Paul Rose, an accomplished National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition leader, on Saturday and Sunday, from 2pm.
One of the world’s most accomplished science divers, polar explorers and expedition leaders, Paul’s work has helped scientists unlock and communicate global mysteries in the most remote and challenging regions of the planet.
Since 2008, the National Geographic Pristine Seas project has carried out 38 expeditions and helped establish 26 MPAs covering over 6.5 million sqm of the ocean — an area more than twice the size of India. Pristine Seas supports the global goal of protecting 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030.
While you can support the Pristine Seas movement by attending the exhibition, residents as young as five can do more by joining TNA’s own initiatives to promote ocean conservation.
“We have launched the Junior Marine Biologist Program, which is specifically aimed at children aged 5 to 15 and gives them the opportunity to actively participate in the rehabilitation of sea turtles,” says Paul Hamilton, General Manager at TNA.
“In addition, all TNA guests are given the opportunity to observe the daily activities of the Wildlife Rescue Program and its dedicated veterinarians in action.”
For more information, visit thenationalaquarium.ae
Date
21 April 2023 (The exhibition will run for two years)
Location
The National Aquarium, Al Qana
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Image source The National Aquarium
