Connecting Nature and Tourists: Umm Al Quwain Unveils First Ecotrail Set To Open in Early 2025
The Umm Al Quwain Mangrove Reserve is set to become home to the emirate's first ecotrail, scheduled to open in early 2025. This new attraction, announced on World Tourism Day by the Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) Department of Tourism and Archaeology, aims to provide UAQ's inhabitants and tourists with a direct connection to the natural world.
The project is a collaborative effort with the environmental charity, Emirates Nature-WWF and seeks to promote the conservation of the area's rich biodiversity and ecological significance.
The ecotrail is designed to offer an educational journey through the landscape's unique ecosystems, featuring informative signage that caters to visitors of all ages. It highlights the fascinating wildlife inhabiting the area, such as bioluminescent geckos, heavyweight green turtles, and uniquely shaped rays, enriching the experience with knowledge about the diverse species that reside within the coastal lagoon.
Haytham Sultan, Director General of the Department of Tourism and Archaeology in Umm Al Quwain, has expressed that the trail will be constructed using environmentally friendly materials. The trail will consist of a 250m wooden boardwalk and a 1.8km guided path through the dunes, including shaded areas and an observatory majlis. These features are designed with sustainability in mind, including the use of energy-efficient solar red lights to minimize light pollution.
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, the Director General at Emirates Nature-WWF, emphasized the importance of healthy coastal ecosystems for sustainable tourism. She highlighted that integrating conservation efforts with ecotourism initiatives could enhance ecosystem services by up to 50%, leading to increased visitor numbers and spending. This approach aligns with the goal of maximizing the benefits of conserving natural landscapes while promoting tourism.
Mohamed Al Marzooqi, the CEO of HSBC Middle East in the UAE, lauded the ecotrail as a significant outcome of the Nature-based solutions project in the UAE. He remarked on the project's contribution to the country's tourism offerings, stressing its role in sustainable coastal ecosystem management. Al Marzooqi noted the initiative's potential to unlock economic opportunities and foster a deeper appreciation for nature among the community.
The UAQ Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy 2031 outlines the region's goals for leveraging ecotourism as a means to support economic growth while ensuring the preservation and renewal of marine and coastal ecosystems. The introduction of the ecotrail is a step towards realizing these objectives, showcasing the emirate's commitment to environmental sustainability and economic development.
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