UAE Announces Designation Of Nine Key Biodiversity Areas Of Global Significance

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced the designation of nine globally significant key biodiversity areas (KBA) in the UAE. Approved by the 'Key Biodiversity Areas Secretariat’ these areas are of strategic biological importance globally and are home to numerous endangered plants and animals, WAM report stated.

The project identifying the nine KBAs in the UAE was reviewed by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Wednesday during a meeting on the occasion of World Environment Day. His Highness met with a group of young people, entrepreneurs and leaders in the field of environment who presented pioneering initiatives and ideas aligned with the UAE’s approach to supporting sustainability through innovation.

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 Khor Al Beidah in Umm Al Qaiwain.

This achievement highlights the UAE’s global position in identifying practical solutions to enhance biodiversity by implementing nature-based solutions, thus effectively addressing a range of environmental and climatic challenges. It is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

This milestone also underscores the active participation of competent authorities from the UAE’s government and private sectors, along with the dedicated efforts of a team comprising 75 male and female national and resident personnel. The teams attended training sessions conducted by international experts and were guided by the Ministry to execute the project effectively.

The designation of the nine KBAs was completed last year, following the global standard for identifying such areas. These sites have been officially published on the World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas.

Global and Regional Excellence

The nine KBAs have several features that have positioned them among some of the most significant biodiversity sites regionally and globally. Two of these biodiversity sites have been identified for the Arabian Gazelle, the Arabian Sand Gazelle, and the Arabian Oryx. These are the first KBAs for these mammals in the world.

The UAE is home to the largest number of Arabian oryx in the world, after being on the brink of extinction in the 1970s. The Arabian Oryx is found in both Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai and the Arabian Oryx Protected Area in Abu Dhabi.

Additionally, two globally significant KBAs have been identified for the Dugong (sea cows). These sites are the first globally significant KBAs for sea cows in the Middle East. The UAE hosts the second-largest gathering of sea cows in the world, found in both Al Yasat Marine and Marawah Marine areas.

Furthermore, three KBAs for three endemic species of Geckos (Asaccus caudivolvulus, Asaccus margaritae and Ptyodactylus Ruusaljibalicus) were identified and these are the first KBAs for Reptiles in the UAE.

Five of these key sites are fully protected, accounting for an average of 98 percent of the KBA area coverage by Protected Areas in the UAE."

The designation of KBAs contributes to raising the mean area that is protected in terrestrial sites important to biodiversity indicator from 51.55 to 98.08%, the mean area that is protected in marine sites important to biodiversity indicator from 48.61 to 98.17%, and average proportion of key biodiversity areas covered by protected areas, from 37.59 to 98.13%.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world's leading environmental organisation and the largest global institution in terms of natural information. The IUCN operates in more than 160 countries and includes over 1,400 members, including governments, governmental and non-governmental organisations, scientific bodies, and indigenous peoples' organisations.