The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced the designation of nine globally significant key biodiversity areas (KBA) in the UAE. These areas are of strategic biological importance globally and are home to numerous endangered plants and animals.
Approved by the ‘Key Biodiversity Areas Secretariat,’ the nine newly appointed KBAs include:
- The Arabian Oryx Protected Area in Abu Dhabi;
- The Marawah Marine Area in Abu Dhabi;
- Al Yasat Marine Area in Abu Dhabi;
- Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai;
- The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve;
- Wadi Al-Helo in Sharjah;
- Khor Fakan and Shark Island in Sharjah;
- Wadi Al-Bih in Ras Al Khaimah; and
- Siniyah Island and and Khor Al Beidah in Umm Al Quwain.
It was shared that the key biodiversity areas play a critical role in protecting biodiversity from extinction and maintaining its stability.
Five of these key sites are fully protected, accounting for an average of 98 per cent of the KBA area coverage by Protected Areas in the UAE.
It was outlined that the designation of KBAs raises:
- The mean area that is protected in terrestrial sites important to biodiversity from 51.55 per cent to 98.08 per cent,
- The mean area that is protected in marine sites important to biodiversity from 48.61 per cent to 98.17 per cent, and
- The average proportion of key biodiversity areas covered by protected areas from 37.59 per cent to 98.13 per cent.
The project is the result of a collaboration between the MOCCAE and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with the designation completed last year, following the global standard for identifying such areas. These sites have now been officially published on the World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas.
Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, commented: “The designation of nine globally significant key biodiversity areas in the UAE is the result of the nation’s initiatives during the Year of Sustainability and its commitment to biodiversity conservation and nature protection. The UAE has demonstrated exceptional endeavours in protecting living creatures from extinction, both locally and globally.”
HE Dr. Al Dahak added: “Such conservation projects in the UAE play a crucial role in raising public awareness about the importance of biodiversity and mitigating the adverse impacts of its depletion. These projects are instrumental in informing and shaping policies that align with the UAE’s economic objectives.
“With growing awareness and dedication, the UAE remains at the forefront of biodiversity protection efforts and is actively working to improve and rehabilitate natural habitats for a wide range of species, benefiting both current and future generations.”