RAK mulls granting 18 sites ‘preserved’ status

The government of Ras Al Khaimah may turn 18 locations into natural preserved areas to protect 330 migratory and sedentary bird species along with mangrove trees. A senior official said these land and marine sites is home to hundreds of rare animals and plants which face the danger of extinction.
"Up to 330 migratory and resident bird species flock to the coastal and desert areas of the emirate for reproduction,” said Dr Saif Al Ghais, Director of the Environment Protection and Development Authority, RAK.
The authority will conduct scientific studies on the biological diversity of these select locations and start counting and categorising the marine species there on a regular basis. "Some of these sites — which are globally declared as sanctuaries, and even documented in the periodicals of international entities such as the World Wide Fund for Nature — will be categorised as per international standards,” he said.
Dr Ghais said they have formed a special committee from the government departments and foundations to look into the situation of these sites "from all aspects and on all levels”. "We will study the heritage, historical, planning, and tourist dimensions of the preserved areas to be opened soon for the public.”
To encourage the general public to share responsibility and develop their environmental awareness, the authority distributes brochures in Arabic and English on the bird, animal and plant species in these protected areas. "The northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is known for the Greater Flamingo, Cormorant and Fish Eagle, as well as Lotus, Crimean, and Mangrove trees.”
Dr Ghais said the emirate is paying attention to the Crimean trees which extend over large areas of the RAK Khor or Creek along the Qawasim Corniche, and the Ain Dhaya area, RAK city.
"These biologically diverse areas are home for rare birds and fishes, and hence are given special attention. They also add to the natural beauty of the emirate.”
Official statistics show that Crimean trees cover over 3,000 hectares of the U.A.E.. More than 2,500 of these are in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Source: Khaleej Times