The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment revealed the details of the “Secretariat of Important Biodiversity Sites” listing nine globally important biodiversity sites in the UAE in a new global achievement that culminates the country’s efforts during the Year of Sustainability and its ongoing endeavors to preserve nature and protect living organisms from the risk of extinction.
The sites are of biological importance and contain a large number of endangered plants and species.
The achievement comes through a project whose results were reviewed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him” yesterday, as part of a meeting on the occasion of World Environment Day, which brought together His Highness with a group of young people, entrepreneurs and leaders in the field of the environment who presented pioneering initiatives and ideas that are consistent with the approach of The UAE supports sustainability through innovation.
The nine sites are: the Arabian Oryx Reserve in Abu Dhabi, the Marawah Marine Reserve in Abu Dhabi, the Al Yasat Marine Reserve in Abu Dhabi, the Al Marmoom Reserve in Dubai, the Dubai Desert Reserve, Wadi Al Hilo in Sharjah, Khor Fakkan and Sharks Island in Sharjah, Wadi Al Bayh in Ras Al Khaimah, Al Siniyah Island and Khor. Al Bayda in Umm Al Quwain.
The achievement enhances the UAE’s global standing in finding practical solutions to enhance biodiversity through nature-based solutions to overcome various environmental and climate challenges.
The achievement was the result of a project carried out in cooperation between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and through the involvement of competent authorities from the governmental and private sectors.
A team of national and resident cadres in the country, consisting of 75 male and female experts, trained by international experts and led by the Ministry, worked on the project.
The project was completed last year by identifying nine key biodiversity sites (KBAs) in the country according to the global standard for identifying key biodiversity sites.
These sites have been published in full on the Global Biodiversity Key Sites Database.
The Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al-Dahhak, confirmed that the UAE, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him,” is continuing its journey towards greater progress and prosperity and playing a major role in global efforts to achieve sustainability and preserve the planet Earth, which is The approach established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, “may God have mercy on him,” who paid special attention to the environment and nature.
She said: “The selection of nine globally important biodiversity sites in the Emirates represents the culmination of the country’s efforts in the Year of Sustainability and its ongoing endeavors to enhance biodiversity and protect nature, as the country has many inspiring and unique experiences and efforts to preserve living organisms from extinction locally and globally.”
She added: “With the selection of the nine important sites for biodiversity and other state efforts in this field, the UAE strengthens its leading position as a global capital for sustainability, which prompts us to work more with our various partners in the UAE and the world to expand the maintenance and increase of reserves as one of the most prominent nature-based solutions to confront… Climate change, thus contributing to the creation of sustainable societies and generations that realize the importance of nature in our lives and our future.”
She concluded: “Biodiversity conservation projects in the Emirates enhance public understanding of biodiversity and limit the damage that can cause its loss. These projects also contribute to shaping policies that enhance the country’s economic goals. With increasing awareness and commitment, the UAE continues its leadership in protecting diversity.” Biological, and works to enhance and restore the natural habitats of these diverse species for current and future generations.”
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al-Dahhak thanked the various local and international stakeholders that worked on this project, which was crowned with success in including these sites globally in the UAE, noting that this step is an impetus for continuing efforts aimed at expanding programs to protect nature and the rarest living organisms from extinction. As a leading global Emirati experience in this field. The nine sites are distinguished by a number of features that have made them among the most important sites for biodiversity regionally and globally, as two sites have been identified as important sites for global biodiversity for the Arabian gazelle, the Arabian sand gazelle, and the Arabian oryx, and these are the first important sites for the biological diversity of these mammals in the world.
The country is home to the largest number of Arabian oryx in the world after it was on the verge of extinction in the 1970s. The Arabian oryx is found in both the Al Marmoum Reserve in Dubai and the Arabian Oryx Reserve in Abu Dhabi.
Two important global biodiversity sites for dugongs (sea cows) have also been identified. The two sites are the first important sites for dugong biodiversity in the Middle East.
The country is home to the second largest concentration of dugongs in the world, and they are found in both the Al Yasat and Marawah Marine areas. In addition, three sites have been identified for three endemic species of gecko (Margarita’s gecko, Emirati gecko, and Mountain-headed gecko), and these are the first major sites for reptile biodiversity in the UAE.
The percentage of important protected sites is 100%, with five protected sites, and the percentage of protected area of the area of important sites for biodiversity is 98%.
The achievement contributes to raising the index of the percentage of terrestrial protected area that is important sites for the country’s biodiversity from 51.55% to 98.08%, the index of the percentage of protected marine area that is important sites for biodiversity from 48.61% to 98.17%, and the index of the percentage of area of important biodiversity areas covered by protected areas. Natural 37.59% to 98.13%.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature is the world’s first environmental organization and the largest global institution in terms of natural information. The Union is active in more than 160 countries and includes more than 1,400 members, including governments, governmental and non-governmental organizations, scientific bodies, and indigenous peoples’ organizations.
Areas important for biodiversity play an important role in contributing to protecting biodiversity from extinction and maintaining its stable state, as these sites provide a safe environment for many plant and animal species, and environmental balance by supporting different ecosystems and providing the necessary natural resources, in addition to providing natural environmental services. Such as purifying air and water, improving soil quality, storing carbon, and being a genetic resource for plants and animals.
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