evidence: This is especially worrying as Socotra is one of the most biodiversity rich islands in the world. It supports globally significant populations of animals, including a number of endangered species. Seventy percent of the island is protected land and it hosts 700 endemic species. The Yemeni website "Green Dream" published a report on UAE policies that harm Socotra’s environment. The report describes a wide array of environmental malpractices including overfishing, illegal trade in endemic species, increased waste, and infringing on the island’s cultural fabric. [...] As Farea al-Muslimi, a non-resident fellow at Chatham House, notes: "The UAE has surprised everyone, even themselves, with how well they’ve done militarily in Yemen. They have almost had free rein as a result to control and have presence in whatever they want in the country, including Yemen’s ports, which is a prize for them." But Socotra is not a prize. It is a rich ecosystem with an indigenous population. The prime location of the island has created a unique culture influenced by the Middle East, Africa, and India. Socotris value their heritage and environment, which are now both under threat. Not only is Socotra under threat, but the entirety of Yemen. Through building military bases both in Socotra and Mayun Island, the UAE is aggressively pursuing a hard-line stance in Yemen. It is establishing itself as a military power for the long haul.