|
Dubai: Ras Al Khor wildlife sanctuary in Dubai is likely to be accredited as an internationally recognised protected wetlands by the Ramsar Convention despite heavy construction projects planned around it. "We are convinced this site is an excellent potential Ramsar site in an arid region," Peter Bridgewater, Ramsar Convention Secretary-General, said after visiting the site twice in June. The initial assessment is one of many. However, the sanctuary which attracts a large number of flamingos amongst other birds, is a well-balanced and healthy system despite being man-made, Bridgewater said at the time. He swiftly discounted any fears that construction work and the planned extension of Dubai Creek could have a negative impact on the lagoon wildlife and habitat of the area.
"It isn't exactly peace on earth there at the moment so I don't think noise will affect the birds. It is a ready source of food. People always try to assess what birds will do. I am not worried by anything that I saw. "Plans have taken into consideration the dealing with wildlife and the construction planned is quite far away. They [the birds] don't seem fussed at all by noise. They might leave but they might come back." He said before Ras Al Khor is distinguished as an internationally important wetland the UAE has to accede to the convention. "The UAE is a signatory of many conventions so it makes sense to bring them together with Ramsar," said Bridgewater. The extension of Dubai Creek will also create a better flow and this will have positive effects. "I was really interested to see how good a system it has, the mangrove forest is vital. In ecological terms it is very healthy indeed." In his report for the convention, Bridgewater states that opening a new creek could improve the water circulation of the lagoon. However, it is not certain that stopping all treated sewage water entering the system is feasible. "With the development around the site, it is anticipated the volume of treated sewage water will be soon increased considerably. To divert all treated sewage water to other locations obviously requires time," says Bridgewater.
|
