Team Blitz India
THE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced nine globally significant key biodiversity areas (KBA) which are of strategic biological importance globally and are home to numerous endangered plants and animals. They have been approved by the ‘Key Biodiversity Areas Secretariat’.
This marks a significant milestone that underscores the UAE’s dedication to sustainability during the Year of Sustainability and its ongoing commitment to preserving nature and protecting endangered species.
The project, identifying the nine KBAs in the UAE, was reviewed by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at a meeting on the occasion of World Environment Day.
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 AlBih 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 naturebased 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.
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, the report said further.
