Biodiversity holds immense importance in the United Arab Emirates, serving as a cornerstone for the nation’s economy, society, and cultural identity. The UAE’s varied ecosystems offer vital services, including food provision, construction materials, climate regulation, soil health maintenance, disease control, and genetic diversity. Species such as the Arab Falcon and camels hold significant cultural value, emphasizing the intricate connection between biodiversity and heritage preservation. Protecting and conserving the UAE’s biodiversity is paramount for ensuring sustainable development and the welfare of its populace.
The UAE’s remarkable ecological variety fosters a diverse array of species, each uniquely adapted to its respective habitat, spanning from expansive deserts to rugged mountains and vibrant marine environments. Every species and ecosystem contributes distinctively to the intricate balance of nature, thereby safeguarding the overall well-being and resilience of the environment.
Four pillars elaborated:
The UAE’s protected areas showcase a diverse array of ecosystems, ranging from coastal wetlands to vast desert landscapes. These conservation zones, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves, serve multifaceted purposes in safeguarding natural habitats and promoting sustainable tourism. Among the notable protected areas is the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, renowned for its role as a haven for migratory birds such as flamingos and herons. The Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve stands out as the world’s largest fenced conservation reserve, dedicated to preserving desert ecosystems and protecting endangered species. Meanwhile, Jabal Hafit National Park offers not only refuge for the rare Arabian Tahr but also awe-inspiring mountain views, adding to the rich tapestry of biodiversity conservation efforts in the UAE.
Land Management
The protection of biodiversity faces significant challenges due to several factors, including limited arable land, the presence of invasive alien species, the impacts of climate change, occurrences of red tide, overgrazing, excessive use of marine resources, water desalination, wastewater, and tourism. Furthermore, efforts to expand agricultural land have led to the rapid depletion of underground aquifers, causing substantial declines in water tables and significant increases in soil and water salinity in certain regions. Desertification is also becoming a pressing issue, while oil spills, particularly along the coastlines, heavily pollute specific areas.
Threats to Biodiversity
The UAE’s first Biodiversity Strategy (2014-2021) aligns with key national goals such as the “Emirates Vision 2021” and strategies like the Emirates’ Green Development and Coastal and Marine Environment strategies. It also integrates with global targets like the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The strategy focuses on several key areas: integrating biodiversity into all sectors, improving knowledge sharing and capacity building, protecting habitats and genetic diversity, reducing pressure on marine and terrestrial biodiversity, and enhancing cooperation at regional and international levels. It sets 21 national targets with specific actions aimed at achieving these goals. The strategy emphasizes capacity building, communication, resource mobilization, and knowledge sharing, monitored by representatives from each Emirate.
Capacity and Governance
The UAE’s 2030 Biodiversity Plan, adopted in 2014, is a comprehensive national strategy aimed at safeguarding the country’s biodiversity. Aligned with the Aichi Biodiversity Targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the plan sets out key objectives, such as protecting endangered species, preserving natural habitats, encouraging sustainable resource utilization, and enhancing public awareness of biodiversity. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), the plan involves collaborative efforts with governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and private entities to realize its objectives.
Future Trends
Biodiversity
Encompassing 80% of the UAE’s land area, the desert ecosystem is distinguished by its extreme temperatures, minimal rainfall, and a distinctive assortment of flora and fauna specially adapted to survive these challenging conditions. Notable species inhabiting this environment include the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, and desert fox. Covering 2.6% of the UAE’s territory, the mountain ecosystem is predominantly situated within the Hajar Mountains, boasting a diverse terrain of wadis, rocky cliffs, and towering peaks. This region harbors unique plant and animal species, such as the Arabian tahr, mountain gazelle, and juniper trees.Extending over 2390 km along the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman, the coastal and marine ecosystem showcases a wealth of biodiversity, featuring coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, and an array of fish species. This ecosystem plays a pivotal role in supporting tourism, fisheries, and coastal protection efforts.
In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to UAE only):
| Species (World rank) |
Threatened | % Threatened | Endemic | % Endemic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mammals | 58 (#159) | 8 | 13.8% | ||
| Birds | 291 (#130) | 13 | 4.5% | ||
| Reptiles | 74 (#106) | 4 | 5.4% | 1 | 1.4% |
| Amphibians | 2 (#183) | ||||
| Fishes | 519 (#114) | 37 | 7.1% | ||
| Plants | 731 (#191) | 7 | 1.0% |
mammals
Arabian camel
No more true wild animals: all are domesticated or escaped from stock
Striped hyena
The only hyena species outside of Africa that can go 15km (10 miles) for a meal
Sand cat
During mating, they use bark-like vocalizations as a mating call that sounds like chihuahuas
birds
White-spectacled bulbul
Distinctive facial markings encircling its eyes, from which it derives its name.
Eurasian sparrowhawk
Better call the ambulance before the Sparrowhawk comes to devour all those who are injured
Chukar partridge
The national bird of Pakistan and Iraq is known to improve degraded ecosystems by aiding in the dispersal and germination of seeds
reptiles
Painted saw-scaled viper
A venomous and aggressive snake with the highest mortality rates in the areas of its occurrence
Sandfish skink
This skink dives and ‘swims’ under the sand
Hawksbill sea turtle
Its slender frame and narrow head bear a beak curved like a hawk’s, earning this marine marvel its name
National Animals
Arabian oryx
A desert icon, stands tall, thriving in the sand – truly born to be wild in their extreme habitat
Saker falcon
Their keen vision enables them to scan vast landscapes, identifying small movements or potential prey items even from high altitudes
UAE
Nurturing life in the desert, protecting the richness of the seas
Score:
53.83 100
