In a move to bolster sustainability and environmental conservation efforts, the President⁣ of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has directed an‍ expansion of protected natural areas within the Emirate ⁢of Abu Dhabi. The initiative aims ⁤to safeguard 20% of the ⁤Emirate’s total land area, demonstrating a strong commitment to biodiversity preservation.

Growing network of Protected Areas

The existing‍ Zayed Nature Protected Areas network, comprised of 13 terrestrial and six marine protected areas, is set to grow substantially. With⁤ the addition of new reserves, the total number of protected areas will increase to 26, encompassing a combined area of 22,821 square kilometers. The Abu Dhabi ‍Surroundings Agency will be responsible for overseeing the management and enforcement within these expanded zones.

New Terrestrial and Marine Reserves

The‍ expansion includes the‍ establishment of three new terrestrial protected areas: the Al watba Fossil ⁤Dunes Protected Area,the Liwa Groundwater Reservoir Protected Area,and the ‍Al Ghaf Nature Protected Area. ⁢Alongside these, several new marine protected areas will be created, including the Abu Al Abyad Marine Protected Area, Sir Bani Yas and the Desert Islands Marine Protected‍ Area, as well as the development of the Qasr al Sarab Protected Area ‍and the Ras Ghanada Marine Protected Area.

Commitment to Ecosystem Preservation

sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler of Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, emphasized that these measures are crucial ⁣for preserving biodiversity and protecting vital ⁢ecosystems ⁤within the region. This expansion reflects a proactive approach to environmental stewardship and a ⁣long-term vision for sustainable development in Abu Dhabi.