UAE | Environment
Protecting Ras Al Khor sanctuary 'no easy task'
Dubai Municipality will face a daunting task to maintain the status of Ras Al Khor Sanctuary as a protected area after it was listed by the Ramsar Convention as the internationally recognised wetland, said an environment expert.
- By Ashfaq Ahmed, Staff Reporter
- Published: 21:42 January 22, 2008
- Ras Al Khor Sanctuary is the first wildlife sanctuary in Dubai covering 6.2 square-kilometre area.
- Image Credit: Arshad Ali/Gulf News
Dubai: Dubai Municipality will face a daunting task to maintain the status of Ras Al Khor Sanctuary as a protected area after it was listed by the Ramsar Convention as the internationally recognised wetland, said an environment expert.
The expert on the condition of anonymity said that rising pollution in Dubai Creek from marine transport, dumping of untreated water from the sewage treatment plant and the upcoming major residential and commercial projects along the Dubai Creek are major threats to the wildlife sanctuary, which is located at the end of the Dubai Creek.
Safe haven
"Although property developers have committed some funds to protect the sanctuary, it will not help stop damage to the natural surroundings of the wetlands and the migratory birds will also possibly shy away from the site," he feared.
Dubai Municipality yesterday announced that the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary has been listed as an internationally recognised and protected wetland area in the UAE.
Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilisation of wetland signed in 1971 in Iran, has confirmed the sanctuary as the UAE's first recognised wetland. It is the third such site in the GCC countries. The treaty was officially ratified by the UAE last year.
Hamdan Al Shair, Director of Environment Department at Dubai Municipality, said Al Shair said the sanctuary is one of the few urban protected areas in the world recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the BirdLife International. This sanctuary is established by fulfilling all the standard criteria of protected areas defined by IUCN - the World Conservation Union.
He noted that the sanctuary is a safe haven for a variety of plants, animals and birds, which are challenged by the demanding climatic regime, the geology and other physical conditions.
There are presently 157 Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention, with 1,708 wetland sites, totalling 153 million hectares, designated for inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.
"Being within the urban area, the sanctuary was always under regular anthropogenic threats and pressures. A series of measures, including the enactment of comprehensive laws and statutory regulations for the protection of the sanctuary and ensuring sustainable development have been taken," he said.
Ecosystem: 266 species of fauna
The Ras Al Khor sanctuary, which supports high species concentration and diverse ecosystems, is the first wildlife sanctuary in Dubai.
Covering 6.2 sq km and surrounded by a buffer zone, the sanctuary holds approximately 266 species of fauna and 47 species of flora.
The existence of various ecosystems within the sanctuary - mangroves, mudflats, lagoons, sabkhas, reed beds and shrub lands - contributes to rich biological diversity; as these support a variety of plants, insects, molluscs, fishes, reptiles, birds and mammals.
The majestic Flamingoes in the background of lush green mangroves are the most visible and attractive natural feature of the sanctuary.
Share this article
Popular in UAE
-
Your pictures
Readers' pictures
The best reader pictures from around the UAE this week
Latest news
- Criminal wanted in 360 cases arrested in Dubai
- UAE visitor admits to possessing fake notes
- Men get bail in Dubai due to lack of translator
- Security trial in UAE adjourned until December
- Colombia seeks stronger ties with UAE
- Conference on combatting crime through sports begins
- Passer-by foils Dh2.5m robbery bid in Dubai
- Brothers deny vandalising plaintiff's car
- Over 6,000 Haj pilgrims to get vaccines
- Extended break for Eid and National Day
- Free SMS offer for paid parking in Dubai
- UAE official urges corporate support for diabetes control initiatives
- Duo develop low energy desalting process
- Embassy in Abu Dhabi provides glimpse of Indian culture
- Sharjah book fair to focus on innovative publishers
Community Reports
-
Pavement parking irks pedestrians
Gulf News reader calls on authorities to step in and stop car owners from invading pathways meant for safe walking
-
Faded parking lines pose a problem
Motorists could be fined for parking incorrectly even though they can hardly see the boundaries in the designated areas
-
School buses block residential parking
Commercial vehicles taking up free parking facilities in Al Wuheida, inconveniencing residents in surrounding villas
-
Community report: Doing their bit for poor children
A group of students takes concrete action to raise funds for Dubai Cares
