Agency holds terrestrial eco survey

The Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency (ERWDA) has completed a 'Terrestrial Environment Survey' on the ecological resources of Zirku and Arzanah islands.

The survey was commissioned by Zakum Development Company (ZADCO), an oil production company that manages both the islands. Results of the survey will be used in the development of the environment management plans for Zirku and Arzanah.

The survey's completion was announced yesterday at a joint press conference of ERWDA and ZADCO.

Dr Amrita de Soyza, Head of ERWDA's Terrestrial Environmental Research Centre, said it was the first survey of its kind to investigate offshore island ecological resources.

A major goal was to understand the biodiversity of each island and recommend action to maintain or even improve the biodiversity.

"Several significant and priority species and areas were identified for protection. Some species were even identified that had not been previously recorded in the UAE," he pointed out.

Arzanah Island covers an area of 4.2 sq km of which 1.2 sq km is industrialised. Zirku covers approximately 8 sq km and just under one half is industrialised. The remaining areas of both the islands are untouched.

Dr de Soyza said the study covered each island's plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates and some aspects of soil. It has been found that Zirku island is the most important nesting habitat for hawksbill turtles in the Arabian Gulf.

"The survey helped in recording 40 species of birds on Arzanah and 37 on Zirku island," he said.
He said vehicular traffic in the islands' natural areas is being limited to official roads so that the natural habitat is not disturbed.

He said cats, rats, mice and pigeons should be controlled through an integrated approach. Some areas on Arzanah were identified as priority areas for protection.

These areas include the beaches on the eastern coast, the eastern plains and mountain areas in the centre and northeast. "Increased protection of coastal areas will encourage increased turtle nesting and bird diversity," he added.

Easa S. Al Sarkal, ZADCO's Manager of Health, Safety and Environment, said his company gives a high priority to the environment. The company has conducted many intensive drives and commissioned numerous programmes.

Abdullah Zamzam, Assistant Secretary General for Finance and Administration in ERWDA, presented an overview of the agency's activities, saying ERWDA is charged with assisting the Abu Dhabi government in conservation and management of the natural environment, resources, wildlife and biological diversity.

Mark Lorkin, Head of ZADCO's Environmental Section, said the company has taken several world class initiatives. These environmental initiatives have been developed by utilising in-house expertise and international consultants.

"Strong partnerships with agencies such as ERWDA and industry colleagues such as Japan Oil Development Company (JODCO), have resulted in expert assessment and achievements in many environmental aspects," he said.

An ecology exhibition was also held at the ZADCO's main office as part of the activities of the 5th UAE National Environmental Day.

The exhibition highlighted the company's environmental programmes, including island and marine environmental protection surveys, mangrove plantation development on Zirku island, waste, energy and material resources management campaign and publication of children's book on the environment.