The first internationally recognized and fully protected conservation area in the Middle East is now being established in Dubai. Dubai's new Desert Conservation Reserve will be located on Al-Maha Desert Resort, the Emirates Group hotel outside the city.
The nature reserve round the present Al-Maha will be expanded almost tenfold to form the heart of a new 225 square kilometer Conservation Reserve, safeguarding nearly five percent of Dubai's land and desert habitat.
The urgent requirement for the reserve has been thrown into sharper focus by Dubai's remarkable rate of expansion. Since 1980 its population has tripled, making it one of the world's fastest-growing cities.
The new Reserve will provide a permanent refuge for Arabia's indigenous wildlife – the endangered animals, birds and plants unique to the region which it will actively manage as a national asset with guidance from a Management Board. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
