UAE designates 9 globally significant key biodiversity areas

Demonstrating the country’s commitment to preserving nature and endangered species, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has designated nine globally significant key biodiversity areas (KBAs) spread across the country.

Approved by the Key Biodiversity Areas Secretariat, these regions are critical for the protection of numerous endangered plants and animals.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, reviewed the project recently during a World Environment Day meeting, which included discussions with young people, entrepreneurs, and environmental leaders.

The meeting also highlighted pioneering initiatives aligned with the UAE’s approach to sustainability through innovation.

These designations, the result of collaboration between MOCCAE and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), highlight the UAE’s global leadership in biodiversity conservation and nature-based solutions. The IUCN, the world’s leading environmental organisation, operates in more than 160 countries and includes over 1,400 members.

The initiative involved 75 national and resident members, who were trained by international experts and guided by the ministry.

Key biodiversity areas are vital for maintaining ecological stability, supporting a safe environment for various species and providing essential natural resources.

The nine newly designated KBAs in the UAE are…

• Arabian Oryx Protected Area, Abu Dhabi
• Marawah Marine Area, Abu Dhabi
• Al Yasat Marine Area, Abu Dhabi
• Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai
• Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
• Wadi Al-Helo, Sharjah
• Khor Fakan and Shark Island, Sharjah
• Wadi Al-Bih, Ras Al Khaimah
• Siniyah Island and Khor Al Beidah, Umm Al Quwain

The Arabian Oryx Protected Area and Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve are home to the largest number of Arabian oryx in the world.

Marawah Marine Area and Al Yasat Marine Area are significant for the Dugong (sea cow), hosting the second-largest gathering of sea cows globally. Meanwhile, Wadi Al-Helo, Khor Fakan and Shark Island, and Wadi Al-Bih are crucial for endemic gecko species, marking the first KBAs for reptiles in the UAE.

The designated KBAs significantly increase the protected area coverage in the UAE, raising the mean area protected in terrestrial and marine sites important to biodiversity from 51.55 per cent and 48.61 per cent to 98.08 per cent and 98.17 per cent, respectively.

In alignment with the Year of Sustainability

Discussing the designation of the KBAs, Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasised the UAE’s commitment to sustainability. “The designation of nine globally significant KBAs in the UAE is a testament to our initiatives during the Year of Sustainability and our dedication to biodiversity conservation.

“The UAE has shown exceptional efforts in protecting living creatures from extinction, both locally and globally.”

Read: UAE: Sheikh Mohamed extends Year of Sustainability into 2024

The successful designation of these KBAs highlights the UAE’s proactive role in global biodiversity protection, contributing to ecological balance and providing essential natural resources.

Dr Al Dahak added: “This achievement serves as a catalyst for ongoing conservation programs aimed at safeguarding nature and preventing the extinction of rare species. It represents a pioneering Emirati global experience in biodiversity conservation.”

Read: Abu Dhabi issues policy for protected areas