The number of natural reserves in the Emirates has doubled to 50 within 12 years

The total number of natural reserves in the UAE has doubled over the past 12 years to reach 50 reserves by the end of 2024, compared to 23 reserves in 2013, with a growth rate of 117%, according to the latest statistics of the Federal Center for Competitiveness and Statistics and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, which reflects the UAE’s efforts to protect biodiversity and preserve ecosystems.

The data showed a 177% increase in the area of ​​natural reserves in the country, which varied between 34 terrestrial reserves, covering an area of ​​about 13.1 thousand square kilometers, and 16 marine reserves covering an area of ​​about 6.9 thousand square kilometers, with a total area of ​​more than 20 thousand square kilometers, with a ratio of 65% for terrestrial reserves, and 35% for marine reserves.

Statistics revealed that the largest number of reserves in the country is concentrated in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, with a total of 19 reserves, constituting 91% of the total area of natural reserves in the Emirates, including 13 terrestrial reserves and 6 marine reserves, such as the “Marawah” Reserve, which was announced in 2001, and is the largest marine reserve in the Emirates for the year 2024, with an area estimated at 4.2 thousand square kilometers, and the “Arabian Oryx” Reserve, the largest terrestrial reserve, with an area estimated at 5.9 thousand square kilometers

It was followed by the Emirate of Sharjah with a total of 15 protected areas, then the Emirate of Dubai with a total of 8 protected areas, while the Emirate of Fujairah included 5 protected areas, the Emirate of Ajman had two protected areas, and Ras Al Khaimah had one protected area.

Natural reserves are defined as geographical areas that are managed through effective legal means and measures to protect wildlife and marine life, limit the deterioration of their natural habitats and the loss of biodiversity, in addition to contributing to encouraging eco-tourism in the UAE.

The country is full of natural reserves that are distinguished by their ability to achieve a unique balance between environmental protection and sustainable development, which contributes to preserving biological diversity while supporting economic development. It embraces diverse natural environments extending from vast deserts to rocky mountains and coastal areas rich in marine life, which makes it unique in the world. Thanks to them, the country has been able to create incubating environments that allow wildlife and marine life to flourish, despite the climatic and geographical challenges that characterize the region, which embodies its firm commitment to preserving its natural wealth.

According to statistics from the Federal Center for Competitiveness and Statistics, the UAE joined the International Convention for the Protection of Wetlands (Ramsar) in 2007 as part of its efforts to protect ecosystems, which are areas that are completely or partially submerged in water, and their importance is that they are important biological environments for some living organisms, and they particularly attract migratory wintering waterbirds, and they may be natural or artificial. Its area reached only 6.2 square kilometers in 2007, and rose to reach 10 reserves with an area of 391.7 square kilometers, which varied between 4 terrestrial reserves covering an area of 153.9 square kilometers, and 6 marine reserves covering an area of 237.8 square kilometers, which reflects the state’s commitment to protecting wet environments for their vital role in enhancing biodiversity and preserving water resources, to support confronting environmental challenges by providing the necessary protection for these important systems and ensuring their sustainability. In the future.

The Center’s own statistics revealed that the areas planted with mangroves will increase to 201.4 square kilometers in 2024, including 176.8 square kilometers in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, representing 88% of the total area of ​​mangroves in the country. Mangrove reserves globally are considered one of the nature-based solutions to confront the challenges of climate change and enhance efforts to absorb greenhouse gas emissions.