UAE keen to preserve, develop wetlands, says Minister of Climate Change and Environment

DUBAI, 2nd February, 2017 (WAM) -- Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, stressed the importance of establishing and managing the protected areas of the country in a bid to maintain and develop the ecosystems in line with the directives of the UAE’s founding father, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Speaking on the occasion of the World Wetlands Day or Ramsar, which is globally celebrated on 2nd February, Al-Zeyoudi explained that the Ministry, in co-ordination with the competent authorities in the seven emirates, has paid massive attention to the preservation and development of wetlands to ensure the sustainability of wetland ecosystems for future generations. The reports issued by the Ramsar Convention for Wetlands indicate that the world has lost 64 percent of wetlands since the beginning of the last century. Al-Zeyoudi said that with the directives and continued support of the UAE’s visionary leadership, the country has succeeded in transforming environments of biodiversity and ecologically distinctive locations into protected areas. The UAE Vision 2021 stresses the importance of preserving the rich natural environment of the country through preventive and regulatory measures. The Minister also pointed out that the UAE’s strategy for green development, announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, under the slogan "Green Economy for Sustainable Development" emphasised the conservation of biodiversity and protection of ecological balance for all terrestrial and marine organisms. He said that the world’s celebration of this occasion under the theme "Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction" reflects the pivotal role played by the wetlands in controlling climate change, and regulating and mitigating natural climatic phenomena. They have a significant impact on carbon storage and regulation and control of greenhouse gas emissions in addition to lessening risks of natural disasters such as floods, storms and hurricanes. Coastal wetlands, particularly mangrove forests areas, salty marshes and tidal flats of the UAE, are considered large stores of carbon and a natural barrier that limit the harmful effects of storms, tidal waves and rising of the sea level. These wetlands also ensure groundwater recharge and provide an appropriate environment for native animals, plants and endangered species. Al-Zeyoudi pointed out that the UAE is keen to continue the wise approach and right vision supported by the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Since its accession to the international Ramsar Convention on wetlands in 2007, the UAE has included five sites as wetlands of international importance spanning an approximate area of 300 sq. km. – Emirates News Agency, WAM - http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395306786341.html