His Excellency Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, highlighted the importance of the establishment and management of protected areas in the UAE with the aim to maintain and develop ecosystems in line with the directives of the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
On the occasion of World Wetlands Day (Ramsar), which globally celebrated today, 2nd February 2017, His Excellency explained that the ministry, in coordination with the competent authorities in the seven emirates, has paid massive attention to the preservation and development of wetlands in order to ensure the sustainability of ecosystems of the wetlands, and its survival for future generations.
Dr Al Zeyoudi said that with the directives and continued support of UAE’s visionary leadership, the country has succeeded in transforming the important places in terms of biodiversity and ecologically distinctive areas into protected areas.
HE added that the wetlands, which represents one of the rich environments of biodiversity in the country, has received a great deal of attention. The UAE Vision 2021 came to emphasise the importance of preserving the rich natural environment of the nation through preventive and regulatory measures of important and sensitive ecosystems.
Al Zeyoudi pointed out that the UAE's strategy for green development, announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, under the slogan “Green Economy for Sustainable Development” emphasized the importance of conservation of biodiversity and protection of ecological balance for all terrestrial and marine organisms.
He said that the world’s celebration of this occasion under the theme “Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction” reflects the importance of the services provided by the wetlands for present and future generations. They play a pivotal role in responding to climate change and regulating and mitigating natural climatic phenomena. They have a significant impact on carbon storage and regulation and control of greenhouse gas emissions levels in addition to the mitigation of natural disasters such as floods, storms, hurricanes …etc.
HE indicated that coastal wetlands, particularly mangrove forests areas, salty marshes and tidal flats in the marine and coastal environment of the UAE are considered as large stores of carbon and a natural barrier that limits the harmful effects of storms, tidal waves and sea level rise.
He noted that they also form unique environments in their value in terms of biodiversity and renewable natural resources. They are also considered one of the main water resources, as it contributes to regulating the amount and quality of water to become the main source of groundwater recharge when the water level is low. The ecological, economic and cultural value and importance of wetlands vary in accordance with its different kinds and extent of benefits for human communities. They provide an appropriate environment for native common animals and plants and considered basic environments for a large proportion of endangered species.
The Minister of Climate Change and Environment added that in spite of our knowledge of the importance and the benefits of wetlands, its degradation and loss at international level is progressing much faster than other ecosystems. This trend is accelerating because of the major changes in land use as a result of population growth and rapid development. The reports issued by the Ramsar Convention for Wetlands indicate that the world has lost 64% of wetlands since the beginning of the last century.
His Excellency pointed out that the UAE is keen to continue the wise approach and right vision supported by the wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Since its accession to the international Ramsar Convention on wetlands in 2007, the UAE included five sites of wetlands of international importance with an approximately total area of 300 sq. km.
Dr Al Zeyoudi said that the wetland environment at these locations vary between the marshes and vast tidal flats such as Ras Al Khor Wildlife reserve in Dubai, which is a huge gathering center for migratory birds, mountainous areas with aquifers of fresh water such as Wurayah Valley National Park, and moist land environment for mangrove trees such as Kalba Khor reserve which has effective role in the protection and stabilization of the coastline. Wathba wetlands in Abu Dhabi has different environmental systems. All of these wetlands reflect the rich resource diversity of the United Arab Emirates and international standards enjoyed by these sites.
The Minister indicated that the UAE is in the process of preparation to host the 13th Conference of Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands which will be held in the Emirate of Dubai in 2018. HE added that our achievements so far would not have been possible without the concerted efforts of the local authorities, which should be noted and applauded.
His Excellency Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi also extended thanks and appreciation to all the partners and stakeholders in all of the seven emirates for their effective role in maintaining the ecosystem, biodiversity and sustainable development of the country.