Burj Khalifa yes – but in your front yard? 

SPECIAL ENVOY: 

“Good day, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

“What would you think if someone constructed a giant building the size of Burj Khalifa in your front yard? 

“Well, this is just what happened to us Dugongs in the Marawah Biosphere Reserve, off the coast of Abu Dhabi. But not once, 9 times!

“The national oil and gas company has built NINE huge artificial islands in our nature reserve, each one bigger than the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. 

“They want to drill from these islands, and they say that is environmentally friendly and SOOOOO much better than using oil and gas platforms. Oh, but isn´t the oil industry saying that oil platforms are so clean too? 

“Already the construction of these islands has covered up many of our seagrass meadows with silt, gravel, and mud. And remember: seagrass is the only food we eat – so picture that your favourite shops and restaurants have to give way for a second, or ninth Burj Khalifa. 

“Well, that kind of construction in a protected area, which in theory, should be a safe haven to vulnerable and rare species is unacceptable! 

“We will protest not just loudly but officially against this outrageous violation of our rights to a healthy and safe home!”