18 March 2013
UAE Designates Mangrove and Protected Area as Third Ramsar Site
story highlights

The Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) has reported that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has designated the Mangrove and Alhafeya Protected Area in Khor Kalba, located in the emirate of Sharjah, as its third Wetland of International Importance.

15 March 2013: The Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) has reported that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has designated the Mangrove and Alhafeya Protected Area in Khor Kalba, located in the emirate of Sharjah, as its third Wetland of International Importance.

According to the Ramsar Secretariat, the site comprises coastal subtidal, intertidal, supratidal sand, salt marsh and saline flats, as well as an alluvial plain. The Avicennia marina mangrove trees found on the site provide breeding, nursery and feeding grounds for several fish and invertebrate species, and play a role in coastal protection against storm damage and erosion.

The site also supports some critically endangered and endangered species of turtles, as well as various species of birds. [Ramsar Press Release]