Fujairah: Wadi Wurayah is a unique wetland that supports many species not seen in other parts of the world.
Located in the Hajar mountain range in the emirate of Fujairah, the wadi is home to one of the few freshwater springs that run throughout the year.
The wadi’s special location was identified by the WWF as an Eco-Region and an area important for conservation.
Home to around 100 unique species, including dragonflies, toads, mammals and birds, the area’s conservation has become a number one priority of the UAE’s eco warriors.
In 2006, the Government of Fujairah and Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS-WWF) joined forces to begin conservation efforts for Wadi Wurayah.
After three years of assessment and research, on March 16, 2009, following a decree by His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, Wadi Wurayah officially became the UAE’s first protected mountain area under law No 2 of 2009.
The Mountain Protected Area covers 129sqkm between Khor Fakhan and Bidiyah.
The project was undertaken by the EWS-WWF, in partnership with the Fujairah Municipality, and was sponsored by HSBC Bank Middle East.
Apart from assessing the importance of Wadi Wurayah for conservation of nature, the project assessed threats that were putting pressure on its fragile ecosystems. Among the major threats were overexploitation of water resources, overgrazing, hunting, habitat degradation (littering, fires), quarrying, habitat fragmentation, urbanisation and introduction of exotic species.
“What we have done right now is to set the foundation for an extensive conservation effort, but we are still in the early stages. We are tagging the various species and setting camera traps to assess the wildlife,” said Ida Tillisch, Director of EWS-WWF, speaking to Gulf News.
She added that it is very difficult to carry out conservation work without knowing the population of wildlife that needs to be protected.
In 2010, Ramsar Convention listed Wadi Wurayah as a Wetland of International Importance for its important freshwater catchments, which provide sustenance for a number of native species as well as migratory birds.
The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty which commits member countries to maintaining the ecological character of their Wetlands of International Importance and to plan for the wise or sustainable use of all wetland areas in their territories.
In January 2013, the Fujairah government appointed EWS-WWF to lead the development of a management plan of Wadi Wurayah National Park and ensure environmental protection according to best international standards.
Last year, after declaring the Wadi as the UAE’s first National Park, the area was also closed to the public to allow the ecosystems to revive without any interference.
“One of the important steps that we took in the conservation effort was to close the area for the public. The idea is to help rejuvenate the ecosystem without any disturbance. Having successfully done that we now hope to carry on with our efforts unhindered,” she added.
