TAKING ACTION TODAY FOR A LIVING PLANET TOMORROW
WWF/EWS is a localenvironmentalagency established inFebruary 2001 underthe patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdanbin Zayed Al Nahyanto implementconservation actionsfor the protection oflocal biodiversity
VOL 8 SPRING EDITION2005
THIS ISSUEDubai’s Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is representative of the emirate’s fast disappearing natural heritage.This wetland survived when the creek was dredged in the 1970s. Can it, once again, resist developmentalpressures? WWF would like to adopt an optimistic view.WWF UAE Corporate Club members, Khaleej Times and Choithram, have environment news to give andsustainable resource - use to speak of. Also, there are many WWF project updates.
How the Ras Al Khor came about
The creek, which divides Dubai into twoparts, has played a major role in thecity’s trade development. At one time,the creek was a wide intertidal area withlarge mudflats. But dredging operationsin the 1970s and 1980s transformed itinto a well-navigated waterway. Pocketsof natural habitat, however, survived atthe landward end, attracting migratorybirds in large numbers. Following yearsof hunting disturbance, the Sanctuarywas established in 1985. However, itwas officially declared a protected areaonly in 1998 when it was brought under
the management of Dubai Municipality(Environment Department’s MarineEnvironment and Sanctuaries Unit).
Post protection
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is 6.2sq km and surrounded by a buffer zone.Its varied ecosystems support diverseflora and fauna of which the mostvisible, at the same time alluring, areavifauna. Among these, the majesticflamingos get pride of place, their pinkplumage set against dark mangrovesdrawing considerable interest fromresidents and tourists alike. Migrant
flamingos join the resident duringwinter, when a total of 2, 300 flamingoshave been counted.
BirdLife International (a global allianceworking for birds and people) identifiesthe wetland as an Important Bird Area(IBA) in the Middle East. Out of the 88wetland bird species found here, 9occur in internationally importantnumbers (over 1% of worldpopulation). Besides, Ras Al Khor isUAE’s most important site for wadersand some species of migratory duck.Also, a greater variety of raptors isfound here than anywhere else in the
SaveDubai’s Green Lung
Not many cities in the world can be credited with protecting wilderness in the midst of shimmering high rises, paved roads andswirling traffic! But Dubai is one city that has succeeded…so far. It has Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Thousands of migratorybirds flock here during winter, many traversing continents and oceans to do so. Mangroves in this wetland reserve are dense, airfresh, and the ambience rejuvenating. But developers are knocking on the Sanctuary’s door and, very soon, Dubai must choose:Protect its last patch of wild? Or surrender to the commercial blitz?
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country.Although birds are found through theyear, their numbers peak in Januarywhen migratory wildfowl are presentand numbers exceed 25,000.
Promoting nature awareness
The 28th of February 2005 marked asignificant day for conservation inDubai. Three bird hides opened in RasAl Khor. These were installed by DubaiMunicipality in partnership with theWWF UAE and National Bank of Dubai.With this, the Sanctuary opened up tovisitors – a boon to present andpotential nature lovers. In a rapidlydeveloping emirate, where commercialinterests reign supreme, the availabilityof opportunities for bird watching ismore than welcome.
“It has a high educational value,”comments Dr. Frederic Launay, Director,WWF UAE. “The Khor is a peaceful,open area where one gets a real senseof nature. Ras Al Khor offers a greatopportunity for people to see whatDubai has to offer in terms of thewilderness,” he continues.
The peril
However, threats loom over Ras AlKhor. As part of the tidal wave of realestate and commercial growth that issweeping across the emirate, abusiness district is to come up at oneend of the Sanctuary and an assortmentof constructions along the remainingperiphery. Some dredging is alsoenvisaged for extending the creek.
“We hope that the developers considerthe importance of the Sanctuary ratherthan overlook it,” says Eng. RedhaHassan Salman, Head, EnvironmentProtection and Safety Section, DubaiMunicipality.
It is feared there may be hydrologicalchanges if the creek is extended. “If thebiologically rich mudflats are damaged,
it would destroy the habitat of wadingbirds, including flamingos,” cautionsDr. Launay. “Ras Al Khor has a highprofile with the residents ofDubai…and we are sure the
Government, companies and publicwould be distressed to see this happen.WWF feels the Sanctuary is a vitalcomponent of the quality of life inDubai…and must remain unscathed.”
Above left: Ras Al Khor from the ‘Mangrove’ birdhide Right: Inside the bird hide. Photographicmurals display flora and fauna found in thesanctuary.
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National Bank of Dubai (NBD) generously sponsored visitorfacilities at Ras Al Khor. NBD has been in operation for over40 years. Founded in 1963, it is the oldest locallyincorporated bank in the Southern Gulf. Dar al Khair talks toNBD Chief Manager International, Abdulshakoor Tahlak.
What motivated NBD to support the Ras Al Khorbird watch hides project?
National Bank of Dubai has always supported communalactivities that enhance environmental protection. In sponsoring the Ras Al Khorproject, we were able to promote ecotourism as well as preserve the wildlife in anattempt to sustain the legacy of the UAE for future generations.
Which are some other projects that NBD has sponsored/is sponsoring?
Since one of our chief aims is supporting the communities we serve, oursponsorships tend to be diverse in nature. In 2005 we sponsored the FEI EnduranceRace that was held in January. We have also sponsored the Dubai Desert Classicand Jebel Ali Horse Race for many years now. In 2004, NBD actively participated inthe Arab Strategy Forum and Dubai International Film Festival. Moreover, we havekeenly supported and participated in many educational initiatives over the years.Our focus has been the funding of schools and colleges as well as centres forspecial needs. Of course, our sponsorship list is long but this is just to name a few.
Do you have an environmental message for our readers?
In an effort to sustain the legacy of the UAE for future generations, a number ofsignificant initiatives have already been undertaken throughout the country.However, it is still the responsibility of every individual to play a part in raisingenvironmental awareness and preserving the nation’s natural resources.
Abdulshakoor Tahlak,Chief ManagerInternational, NationalBank of Dubai
WWF - EWS in the UAEPROJECT NEWS
Conservation of coral habitats inthe Arabian Gulf
The project entails studying Arabian Gulfcoral reefs to clearly understand theirstatus and develop a plan for theirconservation. In the first assessment of itskind in the Gulf, WWF UAE and partnerswill record and map coral reefs during2005 - 2007. Diversity and condition ofrepresentative reefs will be investigatedand potential for recovery of degradedhabitats assessed in the area betweenAbu Dhabi and Qatar.
A key project component is increasing thecapacity to work on coral conservation bytraining national staff members of the twopartner agencies - EnvironmentalResearch and Wildlife DevelopmentAgency (ERWDA) in Abu Dhabi andSupreme Council for the Environmentand Natural Reserves (SCENR) in Qatar.
The project sponsor is Dolphin EnergyLtd., which is implementing the DolphinGas Project designed to supply naturalgas from offshore Qatar to the UAE by2006. Other energy-related developmentsundertaken by the company include the AlAin - Fujairah Gas Pipeline, operationalsince January 2004.
Ras Al Khor bird hides
Bird hides have opened in Ras Al KhorWildlife Sanctuary. This is the first suchfacility for a nature reserve in the UAEand, perhaps, the region. His Highness
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum,President of Dubai Civil Aviation andChairman of Emirates Group, inauguratedthe hides at a ceremony in Ras Al Khoron 28 February 2005. For the time being,visitors are allowed access to two of thethree hides from 9 am to 4 pm on all daysother than Friday. In a little over twoweeks of their opening, as many as 240visitors from 39 nationalities came to thehides for bird watching. Their commentsare, to say the least, highly appreciative ofthe facilities.
WWF UAE has worked with DubaiMunicipality and project sponsor - NationalBank of Dubai - to equip Ras Al Khor’s birdhides with binoculars, telescopes, picturepanels, brochures and signs.
CITES enforcement capacitybuilding
The last two years of the WWF UAEproject on CITES (Convention onInternational Trade in Endangered Speciesof Wild Fauna and Flora) have paved theway for intensive training of customsofficials that will begin this year. Thistraining will target customs officialsresponsible for recognizing, confiscatingand enforcing CITES in the UAE. It will beconducted in Arabic by CITES-trainedofficials and will include specificidentification materials produced andtranslated solely for the project. TheCITES project is sponsored by ERWDA -Abu Dhabi.
Enviro-Spellathon 2004 – 2005
Enviro-Spellathon opened on 1 March2005 for primary schools in Dubai,Sharjah and Fujairah. The launch was awell attended function hosted by Sharjah’sEnvironment and Protected AreasAuthority (EPAA) at Arabia’s WildlifeCentre, Desert Park. All project partnerswere present, including DubaiMunicipality, Fujairah Municipality,ERWDA, Sharjah Education Zone(Ministry of Education), WWF UAE andsponsor, Shell. First Gulf Bank, co-sponsor of the project was, unfortunately,unable to attend. The project is nowunderway – schools are registering theirparticipation with project partners, Enviro-Spellathon booklets are being distributedfor study and question papers have beendeveloped. The project will close for thepresent academic year on 30th June.
WWF UAE website
WWF UAE now has its own website –http://www.panda.org/uae
“Arabian Quest” for conservation
Mountain Extreme, an ecotourismcompany organized an eco-adventurerace on 18th March in the mountains ofRas Al Khaimah. Funds raised from theevent are being donated to WWF UAE /EWS as contribution towards developinga mountain protected area in the emirate.Such a nature reserve has been proposedin partnership with the EnvironmentProtection and Industrial DevelopmentCommission, Ras Al Khaimah.
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His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoumopens the hides
Bird hide in Ras Al Khor
WWF in the world
World Wetlands Week
Each year in February, people all aroundthe world celebrate the value of wetlandsand make new commitments to protect thisimportant source of water. Wetlandscontain more species per area than otherhabitats and their effective management isan investment for people and wildlife.February 2 marks World Wetlands Day. Onthis day, in 1971, the Ramsar Conventionon Wetlands signed in Ramsar (Iran) alongthe Caspian Sea.
Fight continues for Arctic Refuge
WWF is confident that plans to drill for oil inthe Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)will not take place, despite a decision insupport of drilling by the US Senate.
On 16 March, the US Senate voted by arazor-thin margin to take the first steptowards drilling for oil in the ANWR. Whiledisappointed with the result of the vote,WWF was keen to underline the narrowmargin of victory.
The ANWR is located in the US state ofAlaska. Covering 19 million acres, it is thesize of North Carolina. The ANWR is ofparticular interest to WWF as it is home to45 types of mammal, including polar bearsand caribou and 180 species of bird. The oilpotential is estimated at 16 billion barrels.
The Senate now has to vote on the budgetresolution but the final step is for approvalby Congress. WWF US has launched aconservation action alert, asking itsactivists to urge their representatives tokeep Arctic drilling out of the Housebudget resolution. It is also calling onrepresentatives and senators to co-sponsorlegislation designating the coastal plain ofthe refuge a federal wilderness.
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Water crisis looms as Himalayanglaciers retreat
A new WWF report — An Overview ofGlaciers, Glacier Retreat and SubsequentImpacts in Nepal, India and China —reveals the rate of retreat of Himalayanglaciers accelerating as global warmingincreases. The report states that glaciers inthe region are now receding at an averagerate of 10–15 metres per year.
Himalayan glaciers feed into seven of
Asia’s greatest rivers (the Ganges, Indus,Brahmaputra, Salween, Mekong, Yangtzeand Huange He), ensuring a year-roundwater supply to millions of people in theIndian subcontinent and China. As glacierwater flows dwindle, the energy potential ofhydroelectric power will decrease causingproblems for industry, while reducedirrigation means lower crop production.
The report was released on the eve of atwo-day ministerial roundtable of the 20largest energy using economies in the
world, including China and India, followedby a G8 meeting of development andenvironment ministers focusing on climatechange and on Africa. Both meetings werehosted by the UK government in Londonon 15-18 March. WWF sent a letter toparticipating ministers, stressing the needto recognize climate change as an issuethat seriously threatens security anddevelopment prospects.
Buddhist shrine at the edge of Ngozumba Glacier,Khumbu Valley, Nepal. Himalayan glaciers areretreating © WWF – Canon / Neyret & Benastar
Fishing boat in the early morning in August, offthe coast of Unalaska Island near Dutch Harbour,Alaska, USA © WWF – Canon / Kevin Schafer
Left: Sindh Wildlife Department staff take anIndus river dolphin (Platanista minor) for release,© WWF-Canon / WWF-Pakistan/Uzma Khan
CORPORATE NEWSCHOITHRAM GROUP’S ‘STAFF PROFICIENCY AWARDS’
One of the critical realisations made by the Choithram group istranslating an ecological or environmental aspiration into, not justeffective, but sustained, action in practice. In a conscious effort to avoidflag waving and, instead, to establish an ongoing awareness, they haveassigned environmental patrolmen and also developed computerprogrammes designed to measure and bring about savings in theconsumption of electricity, water, gas and materials usage.
“We have been heartened that these measures have yielded savings ofup to 5% on our previous accounting year; mindful that these representnot just monetary savings but consumption of resources. Continuousattention to this is not easily maintained and, in order to achievepositive results we have instituted, since July 2004, ‘staff proficiencyawards’ in which responsible environmental practices form importantcriteria,” says L.T. Pagarani, Chairman, Choithram Group ofCompanies.
CORPORATE INTERVIEW
Rashmi De Roy meets up with PremChandran, editor, to talk about KT andits view on the environment.
Dar al Khair: Give us abackground on Khaleej Times inthe UAE
Prem Chandran, editor, KT: KhaleejTimes was the first English languagedaily to start in the UAE, way back on16 April, 1978. Over the years, it hasgrown in size, both in terms of pagesand sections, as also in respect of newsand views. KT today boasts ofexhaustive coverage of local, regionaland international events. The daily alsohas a business section, the BusinessTimes; a sports section, the SportsTimes; and an entertainment section,the Citytimes. Added to these are:Weekend that appears with the daily on
Fridays and Young Times, a separateentity that is published every Tuesday.There are also hundreds ofsupplements, under the Supplementssection, that come out on occasionslike the national days of AGCC states,
Pakistan, India and several othercountries with which the UAE hasrelations.
Does Khaleej Times have anenvironmental policy?
Khaleej Times has always beensupportive of environment-relatedactivities. It has been backing allactivities in the UAE, particularly in thisrespect, by both governmental andvoluntary agencies. Also, the fact thatKT is the one member of the printmedia to lend its support to WWF UAEis indicative of our commitment andinterest in environmental issues. That’swhy we have been only too happy tojoin your Corporate Club right from thetime it was launched. We are pleased toboth participate in the WWF’sprogrammes and report on these,
INTERVIEW WITH PREM CHANDRAN, EDITOR, KHALEEJ TIMES
Khaleej Times has been a member of the WWF UAE Corporate Club for the last three years. The esteemed English language dailywith a large readership in the UAE and the Gulf region has promoted conservation campaigns by providing free advertisement spacefor WWF. Whether it is by way of publicity for greeting cards, the announcement of an environmental celebration, a job vacancy,news report or any other endeavour, Khaleej Times (KT) has willingly supported WWF.
Prem Chandran, editor, Khaleej Times
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ORGANIC PRODUCE
These products are being developed to add to the range ofChoithram’s own label products. The environmental andhealth advantages of organic food are well documented andthis approach to farming forms part of the Choithramcommitment to responsible business practice.
Organic vegetables, pulses and grains grown on the Choithram farm(Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India).
thereby helping spread environmentalawareness. We also welcome newsfrom you and would willingly carrystories, articles and news, apart fromwhat our own journalists do.
Of course, the free advertisements thatKT has provided, and continues toprovide, is our contribution to the WWFas their Corporate Club member andtowards the cause of a betterenvironment.
On an average, how many storiesdoes KT print on the environmentper week or per month?
I would say, roughly seven items aweek in the broadsheet. This is, on anaverage a story a day. In addition, ourassociated publications periodicallycarry features and supplements onenvironment. I am sure we do not missout on happenings relating toenvironmental safety and conservation.There have been any number of featureson conservation topics that we havedone. Write ups on issues depend onthe availability of supportinginformation supplied by responsibleconservation organizations such asyours.
Do you think environment is amajor area of interest for theUAE media?
Not yet. That’s my feeling. But isit different anywhere else?Unless there is a bigdisaster like the tsunami orBhopal gas or ExxonValdez oil spill, doesenvironment make leadnews? A reason mightbe that environmentaldegradation doesn’timpact immediatelyon our lives. Thelarger issues areto do withpolitics,business, social
issues, health…Environmental subjectsin this part of the world are usuallyabout announcements of projectlaunches, seminars, conferences,workshops, festivals, and celebrations,most of which come to us by way ofpress releases. I haven’t come acrossmany investigated pieces or researchedarticles in this respect.
The environmental topics talked of herehave to do with waste and littering,recycling, pollution (to some extent)among others.
What do you consider are theconstraints in respect ofenvironmental reporting in theUAE?
Projections are that UAE will spendmore than $64 billion in environmentalprojects by year 2015. There istremendous scope to report on theseactivities. But, one very rarely getstipped off about environmental issueshere; more so if the news is damaging.Such tip offs happen in other countries,where non-governmental organizationstake on aggressive stands, whilescientists, individuals or even officialsthemselves come forward to provideinformation to the media.
Another is the fact that the Englishmedia has a large presence ofjournalists from outside this country.They may be having some hesitation inraking up sensitive issues in a foreignland, by way of criticism. The Arabicmedia is better positioned to speak upon some of these subjects.
A third is low interest levels of thereading public. Interest in most cases isfocused on other aspects. Theexpatriates, who constitute the bulk ofthe population, are here today, gonetomorrow. I am not sure how muchinterest they have by way of gettinginvolved in ecological issues. The UAEnationals may be better positioned to bein the forefront of such initiatives.
What made KT join the WWFCorporate Club?
This is a global initiative with a nobleaim and purpose. The message is thatwe take care of our surroundings fornow and for future generations. KhaleejTimes is glad to be involved in the kindof activities that the WWF takes up. Asa media organisation, we are happy tosupport your work and be part of agood cause. Environment is a commonconcern of all humanity and we take itas our major concern too.
WWF-EWS Corporate Club Members in the UAEAME Info, Canon Middle East, T. Choithram & Sons, DHL, Dolphin Energy Ltd, Khaleej Times,
National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Sony Gulf FZE
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Various publications of Khaleej Times
OFFICE NEWS
The Europe (and Middle East) Programme Sub-Committee (EPSC) of WWF International held its annualmeeting (7 – 9 March 2005) in Dubai. About 40 WWF staff participated including conservation programmedirectors, researchers and other officers. WWF UAE was also present. Three days of intense deliberationstook place at the Hatta Fort Hotel. On the lighter side, we hosted a dinner with a true Arabian flavour for ourguests from the WWF family and our own board and corporate members. After the meeting, all went off toWadi Bih and trekked to a Bedouin village where John Falchetto and his colleague from Mountain Extreme,an ecotourism venture, played host.
We are pleased to welcome Mannar Kassem who has joined the WWF UAE team as Marketing and FundRaising Officer. She will work out of the WWF UAE office in Abu Dhabi.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
22 March World Water Day
22 – 29 March Gulf Water Week
22 April Earth Day
22 May International Day for Biological Diversity
5 June World Environment Day
17 June World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
11 July World Population Day
West Asia and North Africa, where most Arabic peoples live, are almost entirely in an arid zone. Yet the area supported civilizations since pre-historictimes, gave rise to three of five major world religions, contained (and still does) a rich variety of plants and animals. Often these are composed ofspecies uniquely adapted to life in dry, harsh conditions. The history and culture of the Arab people, and the Islamic heritage that encompasses thisregion, acknowledges the importance of all living things and the need to protect and preserve the natural environment. The early goals of protectedareas or himas can be found in the teachings of Islam.
Dear Reader, you can download Dar Al Khair from http://www.ameinfo.com/news/Arabian_Environment andhttp://www.panda.org/uae. Do write and tell us what you think of our newsletter. Do you have any suggestions on how we canimprove? We would love to hear from you. Reach us at: Dar al Khair, Editor: Rashmi De Roy P.O. Box 45977, Dubai Tel +97143537761 Fax +9714 3537752 Email [email protected]
Cover picture: Greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) in Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai, UAE (Inset) H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and NBDChief Manager International, Abdulshakoor Tahlak reading the Ras Al Khor brochure inside the ‘Lagoon’ bird hide © WWF UAE / Nick Crawley.
WE ARE:Ahmed, Shahbaz Project Officer, tel +9714 3537761
[email protected] Mubarak, Razan Sr. Prog Officer, tel +9712 6934425
[email protected] Roy, Rashmi Communications, tel +9714
3537761 [email protected], Manar Marketing & Fundraising, tel +971
2 6817171 [email protected], Dr. Frédéric Director, tel + 9712 6817171
[email protected] Perry, Lisa S. Programme Development, tel
+9714 3537761 [email protected], Nariman Executive Secretary, tel + 9712
6817171 [email protected]
Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) is one of four turtle speciesthat occurs in UAE waters but numbers have never beenassessed. Oman holds the world’s largest nesting populationof the species © WWF-Canon / Isaac VEGA
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