UAE Environmental Leader Saif M. Al-Ghais to Speak at WWU Nov. 19

Contact: Patrick Buckley, associate professor at Western Washington University’s Huxley College of the Environment, at (360) 650-4773 or Patrick.Buckley@wwu.edu

BELLINGHAM – Saif M. Al-Ghais, executive director of the United Arab Emirates Environment Protection and Development Authority will speak at 3 p.m on Friday, Nov. 19 in Communication Facility Room 105 on Western Washington University’s campus.

The presentation is part of the Huxley College of Environment Speaker Series and is free and open to the public.

Al-Ghais will address the environmental status of the Arabian Gulf region, where much of the coastal environment is under pressure due to rapidly increasing population and demand for desalinated water, unmanaged development along the coastline, overfishing and habitat destruction. During the last 20 years, Al-Ghais has been actively involved in research of marine environment conservation and protection in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in the field of environmental pollution and toxicology.

Since 2007, he has worked as the executive director of the Environment Protection and Development Authority in Ras Al Khaimah in addition to teaching Biology full-time at the United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain. Al-Ghais received his bachelor’s degree from Seattle Pacific University and his doctorate in Marine Biology from the University of Liverpool.

WWU’s Huxley College of the Environment Speaker Series brings together faculty members and professionals as well as other interested members of the WWU and Bellingham communities. Speakers address topics of contemporary environmental concern in the region and the world.

For more information, contact Patrick Buckley at (360) 650-4773 or Patrick.Buckley@wwu.edu.

WWU’s Huxley College of the Environment is one of the oldest environmental colleges in the nation and a recognized national leader in producing the next generation of environmental stewards. The College’s academic programs reflect a broad view of the physical, biological, social and cultural world. This innovative and interdisciplinary approach makes Huxley unique, and the College continues to earn international recognition for the quality of its programs.

ment, at (360) 650-4773 or Patrick.Buckley@wwu.edu