The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary was commemorated as the only listed protected wetland in the UAE by Dubai Municipality this week.
Wadi Wurrayah in Fujairah could become a second wetland on the list if it meets the appropriate criteria of the Ramsar Convention, said Mohammad Abdul Rahman Hassan, head of marine environment and sanctuaries unit from the environment department at Dubai Municipality.
"Wetlands have a broad definition. It can be reeds, a mangrove swamp or Khors - as long as there is less than six metres of water," said Hassan. Wadi Wurrayah on the East Coast has already been earmarked by the Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF and is waiting federal protection by decree.
The Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, was ratified officially by the UAE in 2007. It is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international co-operation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
Ras Al Khor wildlife sanctuary spreads across 6.2 square kilometres and supports over 500 species of flora and fauna and is open to visitors. "As long as the wetland satisfies the criteria, the area will be recognised as a protected area," said Hassan.
He added that some wetlands around the world are not completely restricted and are developed to be sustainable. Environmental impact assessments for developments around Ras Al Khor, which is completely fenced off, have been approved and the site remains unaffected, said Hassan.
Ras Al Khor Sanctuary, located at the far end of the Dubai Creek, is one of the few urban protected areas in the world recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the BirdLife International.
Two years ago, during an initial assessment of the site, Peter Bridgewater, Ramsar Convention Secretary-General told Gulf News he was convinced the sanctuary is an excellent potential Ramsar site in an arid region.
The sanctuary, which attracts a large number of flamingos amongst other birds, is a well-balanced and healthy system despite being man-made, Bridgewater said at the time.
He dismissed any fears that construction work and the planned extension of Dubai Creek could have a negative impact on the lagoon's wildlife and habitat. – Gulf News
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