Nakheel, the UAE's premier property developer, welcomed Dr. Peter Bridgewater, one of the world's leading environmentalists and Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
Dr. Bridgewater visited with Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Nakheel Executive Chairman in the presence of Abdulrahman Kalantar, General Manager of Nakheel’s Planning, Infrastructure and Utilities Division to discuss areas of mutual interest at the national as well as Nakheel levels including the Al Warsan Lake project at International City in which Nakheel is leading efforts to gain Ramsar recognition.
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is committed to promoting national action and international co-operation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. A renowned scientist, and global conservation leader, Peter Bridgewater has produced more than 170 publications on nature conservation, vegetation science and biodiversity issues. He joined the Ramsar Secretariat in 2003, and his previous positions have included Chief Scientist, UK Nature Conservancy Council, Chief Executive, Australian Nature Conservation Agency, and Commissioner, Independent World Commission on Oceans.
In Dubai to attend the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) board meeting, Dr. Bridgewater discussed a range of issues, with Nakheel Management in particular the Al Warsan Lake project situated in Nakheel's International City development, and the possibility of Ramsar recognition for the development, and other UAE wetland sites. Sultan Bin Sulayem shared with Dr. Bridgewater Nakheels’ corporate stand that fosters environmental sustainability and invests sincerely to mitigate any adverse impacts of Nakheels’ developments. He also shared with his guest the various projects undertaken by Nakheel and that are dedicated solely as natural conservation areas to promote biodiversity. Bin Sulayem discussed with the Secretary General of RAMSAR the details of the Masterplan of the Al Warsan Lake as well as the concepts of other artificial wetlands that Nakheel intends to develop both inland and offshore. Dr. Bridgewater was then taken on a boat trip to see Nakheel's waterfront developments The Palm Jumeirah and The World by Nakheel's Manager of Research and Development, Dr Imad Haffar.
Al Warsan Lake is a unique man-made wetland in the vicinity of Al Awir region of Dubai. The initial Environmental Impact Assessment and associated baseline surveys have found that the lake supports a wide diversity of flora, fauna, wildlife, and is a valuable habitat for more than 185 species of birds, including some of the rarest in the Arabian and Asian regions. With an average depth of four metres, the lake's water quality and biological characteristics showed clean water rich in aquatic life and high biological productivity that in turn supports the survival of birds around the lake.
Driven by the Nakheel Environment and Landscaping Team and in coordination with the Management of the International City Project, leading specialists in wetlands, ornithology and freshwater ecology have been invited to form the Lake Preservation Project Consortium along with architects, planners and landscape designers. The plan focuses on creating and managing a sustainable wildlife sanctuary located in the heart of the International City residential development.
Peter Bridgewater, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, said, “The project at Al-Warsan would be a very interesting nomination as a Ramsar site, perhaps the first Ramsar site for the accession by the UAE. It is already clear that Al-Warsan has achieved populations of many different bird species, a diversity of fish and invertebrates, and has a degree of ecosystem stability. The enhancements being made through addition of new and different habitats will only increase this potential.
"We in the Ramsar secretariat look forward very much to seeing UAE seek accession to the Convention, and nominate Al-Warsan, as well as other key sites in Dubai and the other Emirates of the UAE. “
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. Executive Chairman Nakheel said, "It is vital that in building the vision of Dubai, Nakheel is committed to ensuring the highest standards of ecological and environmental sustainability. It is therefore an honor for Nakheel to be able to liaise with Peter Bridgewater - a leading world figure in the environmental field. There are currently no RAMSAR recognized and internationally registered wetlands in the UAE, and Nakheel is spearheading efforts to change this. Wetlands are among the world's most productive environments, and with Al Warsan Lake Nakheel is pursuing a policy of pro-active environmental responsibility, seeking to ensure that the wetland is both preserved and allowed to thrive."
