Marawah Becomes the First Biosphere Reserve in the UAE
November 2007: Marawah Marine Protected Area has been designated as the first Biosphere Reserve in the UAE by UNESCO.
The Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve is situated west of Abu Dhabi Island, and is home to important marine and coastal ecosystems including sea grass beds, coral reefs and mangroves. The Reserve also hosts 60% of the second largest population of dugongs in the world. Marawah is also of great cultural and archaeological significance in the UAE as more than 20 sites dating back to the Stone Age have been discovered on its various islands.
The Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve is situated west of Abu Dhabi Island, and is home to important marine and coastal ecosystems including sea grass beds, coral reefs and mangroves. The Reserve also hosts 60% of the second largest population of dugongs in the world. Marawah is also of great cultural and archaeological significance in the UAE as more than 20 sites dating back to the Stone Age have been discovered on its various islands.
Marawah was one of 22 new Biosphere reserves in 18 countries that were added to the global network bringing the total number of biosphere reserves around the world to 529 in 105 countries.
Other reserves added to the global network, include Al Reem in Qatar and Jabal Al Rihane in Lebanon. During the meeting, Mr. Thabit Zahran Al Abdessalaam, Director of Marine Environment Research Center of the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi delivered a presentation on Marawah. Ghalia Humaidan, Counselor of the UAE Delegation at UNESCO, also attended the meetings.
Other reserves added to the global network, include Al Reem in Qatar and Jabal Al Rihane in Lebanon. During the meeting, Mr. Thabit Zahran Al Abdessalaam, Director of Marine Environment Research Center of the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi delivered a presentation on Marawah. Ghalia Humaidan, Counselor of the UAE Delegation at UNESCO, also attended the meetings.
Marawah Marine Protected Area
• It is the largest Marine Protected Area in the Arabian Gulf.
• Was established in 2001 as a protected area to preserve the natural diversity and quality of its
• It is the largest Marine Protected Area in the Arabian Gulf.
• Was established in 2001 as a protected area to preserve the natural diversity and quality of its
coastal and marine environment for the economic, social, scientific and cultural benefit of the people of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
• The overall area of the Marawah MPA is 4255 km2.
• Bottlenose and Humpback dolphins are present in the surrounding waters.
• 4 species of marine turtles, especially Green and Hawksbill Turtles, can be found here. The coasts of the marine protected area are considered as prospective beaches for the nesting of marine turtles.
• More than 70 species of fish and coral reefs that are of environmental and economical importance to the country.
• The overall area of the Marawah MPA is 4255 km2.
• Bottlenose and Humpback dolphins are present in the surrounding waters.
• 4 species of marine turtles, especially Green and Hawksbill Turtles, can be found here. The coasts of the marine protected area are considered as prospective beaches for the nesting of marine turtles.
• More than 70 species of fish and coral reefs that are of environmental and economical importance to the country.
