The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) has announced that it has imported 288 wild animals from South Africa into the emirate, bringing Sharjah’s vision for what could be the largest safari park project outside Africa one step closer to reality.
The animals are being cared for by experts at the Seih Al Bardi Park (Elebriddi Wildlife Protected Area) and acclimatised in compounds, whilst trees are planted and park infrastructure is under construction.
Located in Al Dhaid in Sharjah emirate’s interior, phase one of Seih Al Bardi Park was officially opened as a conservation area in 2007, as part of Sharjah’s effort to protect natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
The landscape of Al Bardi is typified by gravel plains with a high density of Acacia trees, providing a suitable habitat for different forms of wildlife and an ideal environment for many different native and imported species.
Last year, the EPAA received approval from the Ruler of Sharjah to begin the second phase of the Seih Al Bardi Park, which will see an area of 14 square kilometres (about 3,500 acres) developed as a wildlife safari park.
The project will develop the area to create a sustainable tourism destination with a safari park that contributes to wildlife conservation efforts, accommodating up to 50,000 animals.
The plan also forms part of a comprehensive strategy to turn the Al Dhaid area into a tourism destination, while expanding Sharjah’s endangered wildlife breeding programmes.
Among the 17 different African animal species that have been imported for the Al Bardi Park project are 15 different species of antelope, 15 south african giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) and 5 rhino (species unspecified).
According to the EPAA, Sharjah’s reputation and track record in conservation and breeding of endangered species was instrumental in securing necessary international approvals and cooperation for the shipments.
African antelope species imported include: 42 springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), 36 impala (Aepyceros melampus), 26 greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), 24 blue wildebeests (Connochaetes taurinus), 16 gemsbok (Oryx gazella), 12 common eland (Taurotragus oryx), 12 waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), 12 blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi), 10 lechwe (Kobus leche), 8 black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou), 8 nyala (Tragelaphus angasii), 8 southern reedbuck (Redunca arundinum), 8 red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus caama), 6 klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) and 4 common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia).
Last year, the EPAA opened the new 12 square kilometre (3,000 acre) Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre in the Hajjar mountains to the public. Other wildlife reserves and centres open to the public include the Wasit Wetland Centre in Sharjah city, Kalba Bird of Prey Centre near the emirate’s east coast and Arabia’s Wildlife Centre on the Al Dhaid road.
An opening date for the Seih Al Bardi Park has yet to be announced.
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Showing posts with label Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre. Show all posts
Wednesday, 21 June 2017
Saturday, 8 April 2017
UAE: Kalba Eco-Tourism Project
Far from the bright lights and skyscrapers of the United Arab Emirates’ west coast, Kalba has long been reputed for its peace, tranquility and areas of natural beauty. Now the Kalba Eco-Tourism Project, the largest eco-tourism project in the United Arab Emirates, aims to create a sustainable platform for tourism development. However, the government has been careful to ensure that conservation comes first.
The Government of Sharjah’s strategic plan to develop Kalba’s tourism infrastructure, being led by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), in coordination with local authorities and Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), aims to both make the most of the region’s natural attractions and manage the impact of tourism on the environment.
In 2012, His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah established Alqurm wa Lehhfaiiah Protected Area via Emiri Decree No. 27. The decree created a protected conservation area of about 5 square kilometres to include Khor Kalba (Kalba saltwater creek), Kalba Lagoon and the surrounding wetlands, salt marshes and mangrove forest.
Recognised by The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar) in 2013, the protected area supports a vital ecosystem for a number of endangered species, including the Arabian Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris kalbaensis).
The focus of commercial and leisure infrastructure development is in the area surrounding the man-made Kalba Lagoon, constructing a lake-side corniche with gardens, retail spaces and public facilities for residents and visitors. The 11,204 square metre Kalba Waterfront Mall on the edge of the lagoon is being developed by Omran Properties, opening in the third quarter of 2019.
Other projects include more parks and landscaped areas, plus a central fountain for the lagoon and man-made islands. The construction of a new Kalba ‘ring-road’ will be completed later this year, in an effort to reduce traffic congestion in the town area.
Within Kalba’s fenced-off wetlands and mangrove forest, development plans are limited to providing ways for visitors to observe and appreciate the area’s natural biodiversity, whilst protecting the ecosystem and wildlife. The most notable of these is the new Kingfisher Lodge, which was promoted by Shurooq at this year’s ITB Berlin and is due to be completed in summer 2017.
Named after the area’s native Collared Kingfisher, with views of the Gulf of Oman and Kalba’s mangroves, the new tourist lodge will house 20 luxury tents with private swimming pools and five-star facilities.
A variety of hotel and tourism projects are planned for outside the protected area including a five-star hotel, luxury tented resorts, tourist camping sites another leisure areas. One of the first projects, Al Hafiya Picnic Park was opened to visitors in 2015.
Meanwhile, Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre and protected area, close to the Sharjah-Kalba road, has been developed by the EPAA to protect endangered animal species native to the region’s fragile mountain ecosystems and create a world-class tourist attraction.
The 12 square kilometre wildlife conservation centre borders the the Hajjar mountains and focuses on habitat preservation and restoration, education, rehabilitation, captive breeding and research. Sharjah is a long-time sponsor of wildlife breeding programmes, establishing the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW) about twenty years ago.
The mountain conservation centre has tourist facilities and employs full-time trained guides to show visitors the reserve and answer questions about Arabian wildlife.
The reserve is home to the Critically Endangered Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) and other endangered species including the Arabian wolf (Canis lupus arabs) and the Arabian tahr (Arabitragus jayakari), which are both classified by the IUCN as ‘Threatened’; and the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), which is classified as ‘Near-Threatened’. Recently, the centre has enjoyed particular success in breeding endangered Damani gazelles from breeding stock introduced in 2012.
Kalba Bird of Prey Centre was opened in 2014, on the outskirts of Kalba town, which accommodates a variety of resident and migratory raptors.
Visitors to the centre can see birds of prey such as the Barn Owl, Short Toed Snake Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, and Lappet Faced Vulture. Live demonstrations and bird of prey displays are held daily for visitors during the winter months.
Environmental experts are cautiously optimistic about the results of efforts to protect Kalba’s wetlands and mangroves. During the past two years, EPAA researchers have identified 120-150 sea turtles on the Kalba coast and in the mangrove marshes (green turtles, loggerhead turtles and hawksbill turtles), including species that haven’t been seen in the area for 30 years.
A state-of-the-art turtle rehabilitation centre is planned for the future to offer emergency care, research, monitoring, and long-term treatment, plus managed access for visitors to see the turtles.
The Government of Sharjah’s strategic plan to develop Kalba’s tourism infrastructure, being led by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), in coordination with local authorities and Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), aims to both make the most of the region’s natural attractions and manage the impact of tourism on the environment.
In 2012, His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah established Alqurm wa Lehhfaiiah Protected Area via Emiri Decree No. 27. The decree created a protected conservation area of about 5 square kilometres to include Khor Kalba (Kalba saltwater creek), Kalba Lagoon and the surrounding wetlands, salt marshes and mangrove forest.
Recognised by The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar) in 2013, the protected area supports a vital ecosystem for a number of endangered species, including the Arabian Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris kalbaensis).
The focus of commercial and leisure infrastructure development is in the area surrounding the man-made Kalba Lagoon, constructing a lake-side corniche with gardens, retail spaces and public facilities for residents and visitors. The 11,204 square metre Kalba Waterfront Mall on the edge of the lagoon is being developed by Omran Properties, opening in the third quarter of 2019.
Other projects include more parks and landscaped areas, plus a central fountain for the lagoon and man-made islands. The construction of a new Kalba ‘ring-road’ will be completed later this year, in an effort to reduce traffic congestion in the town area.
Within Kalba’s fenced-off wetlands and mangrove forest, development plans are limited to providing ways for visitors to observe and appreciate the area’s natural biodiversity, whilst protecting the ecosystem and wildlife. The most notable of these is the new Kingfisher Lodge, which was promoted by Shurooq at this year’s ITB Berlin and is due to be completed in summer 2017.
Named after the area’s native Collared Kingfisher, with views of the Gulf of Oman and Kalba’s mangroves, the new tourist lodge will house 20 luxury tents with private swimming pools and five-star facilities.
A variety of hotel and tourism projects are planned for outside the protected area including a five-star hotel, luxury tented resorts, tourist camping sites another leisure areas. One of the first projects, Al Hafiya Picnic Park was opened to visitors in 2015.
Meanwhile, Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre and protected area, close to the Sharjah-Kalba road, has been developed by the EPAA to protect endangered animal species native to the region’s fragile mountain ecosystems and create a world-class tourist attraction.
The 12 square kilometre wildlife conservation centre borders the the Hajjar mountains and focuses on habitat preservation and restoration, education, rehabilitation, captive breeding and research. Sharjah is a long-time sponsor of wildlife breeding programmes, establishing the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW) about twenty years ago.
The mountain conservation centre has tourist facilities and employs full-time trained guides to show visitors the reserve and answer questions about Arabian wildlife.
The reserve is home to the Critically Endangered Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) and other endangered species including the Arabian wolf (Canis lupus arabs) and the Arabian tahr (Arabitragus jayakari), which are both classified by the IUCN as ‘Threatened’; and the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), which is classified as ‘Near-Threatened’. Recently, the centre has enjoyed particular success in breeding endangered Damani gazelles from breeding stock introduced in 2012.
Kalba Bird of Prey Centre was opened in 2014, on the outskirts of Kalba town, which accommodates a variety of resident and migratory raptors.
Visitors to the centre can see birds of prey such as the Barn Owl, Short Toed Snake Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, and Lappet Faced Vulture. Live demonstrations and bird of prey displays are held daily for visitors during the winter months.
Environmental experts are cautiously optimistic about the results of efforts to protect Kalba’s wetlands and mangroves. During the past two years, EPAA researchers have identified 120-150 sea turtles on the Kalba coast and in the mangrove marshes (green turtles, loggerhead turtles and hawksbill turtles), including species that haven’t been seen in the area for 30 years.
A state-of-the-art turtle rehabilitation centre is planned for the future to offer emergency care, research, monitoring, and long-term treatment, plus managed access for visitors to see the turtles.
Friday, 3 February 2017
UAE: Eco-tourism Projects Help Sharjah
After many years of quietly developing its cultural tourism resources, Sharjah has now begun to launch large scale eco-tourism projects that both help provide visitors with a richer experience and help protect the emirate’s natural environment. Perhaps the largest of these, so far, is the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project, which deftly presents the archaeological site and area of natural beauty as a world-class tourist attraction, whilst managing the impact of tourism on the environment.
Developed and managed by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and opened in January of this year, the 50 kilometre Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project combines archaeology exhibits with eco-tourism and adventure pursuits to offer visitors a unique experience. Visitors can learn about the history of the ancient settlement in Mleiha, which dates by to the 3rd millennium, supported by modern tourist facilities and a multi-lingual destination management team. The surrounding desert and mountains provide plenty of opportunity for tours, camping and extreme sports.
The second phase of the Mleiha project is planned to create a 450 square kilometre Mleiha National Desert Park in collaboration with Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), which will reintroduce indigenous wildlife, such as oryx and gazelles, to the area. The second phase will also include a camping park, a motel for overnight stays and an astronomy observatory.
One of the largest new projects announced this year, is Sharjah Safari Park. The park is expected to become one of the largest safari parks outside of Africa, covering an area of about 14 square kilometres (about 3,500 acres) and accommodating up to 50,000 animals. Encompassing Al Bardi Park in Al Dhaid area, the project also aims to help to protect natural ecosystems and biodiversity by creating a sustainable tourism resort, which will include areas dedicated to previously indigenous species.
Sharjah is also investing heavily in its eastern region, which includes the areas of Dibba, Kalba and Khorfakkan on the Gulf of Oman coast. Shurooq is currently developing Kalba Eco-Tourism Project, one of the largest eco-tourism developments in the region, and Al Hisn Island, a leisure and tourist attraction located in Dibba Al Hisn. A new leisure cruise ship terminal is being built at Khorfakkan Port, in line with Sharjah’s goals to continue to develop its cruise tourism business.
Meanwhile, close to the Sharjah-Kalba road in the Hajjar mountains, Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre was officially opened to the public in March this year. The new 12 square kilometre wildlife conservation centre, managed by EPAA, was established to protect endangered animal species native to the region’s fragile mountain ecosystems. However, like Mleiha and the Wasit Wetland Centre in Sharjah city, the new centre is tourist-ready, with a visitors’ centre, modern facilities and knowledgeable guides.
Against the backdrop of Sharjah’s continuous investment in art, history and Islamic culture, these eco-tourism developments are expected to help enhance the emirate’s appeal to existing tourism market segments, such as GCC families, and new segments, such as independent travelers searching for unique experiences.
Sharjah plans to attract more than 10 million tourists to the emirate by year 2021.
Developed and managed by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and opened in January of this year, the 50 kilometre Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project combines archaeology exhibits with eco-tourism and adventure pursuits to offer visitors a unique experience. Visitors can learn about the history of the ancient settlement in Mleiha, which dates by to the 3rd millennium, supported by modern tourist facilities and a multi-lingual destination management team. The surrounding desert and mountains provide plenty of opportunity for tours, camping and extreme sports.
The second phase of the Mleiha project is planned to create a 450 square kilometre Mleiha National Desert Park in collaboration with Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), which will reintroduce indigenous wildlife, such as oryx and gazelles, to the area. The second phase will also include a camping park, a motel for overnight stays and an astronomy observatory.
One of the largest new projects announced this year, is Sharjah Safari Park. The park is expected to become one of the largest safari parks outside of Africa, covering an area of about 14 square kilometres (about 3,500 acres) and accommodating up to 50,000 animals. Encompassing Al Bardi Park in Al Dhaid area, the project also aims to help to protect natural ecosystems and biodiversity by creating a sustainable tourism resort, which will include areas dedicated to previously indigenous species.
Sharjah is also investing heavily in its eastern region, which includes the areas of Dibba, Kalba and Khorfakkan on the Gulf of Oman coast. Shurooq is currently developing Kalba Eco-Tourism Project, one of the largest eco-tourism developments in the region, and Al Hisn Island, a leisure and tourist attraction located in Dibba Al Hisn. A new leisure cruise ship terminal is being built at Khorfakkan Port, in line with Sharjah’s goals to continue to develop its cruise tourism business.
Meanwhile, close to the Sharjah-Kalba road in the Hajjar mountains, Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre was officially opened to the public in March this year. The new 12 square kilometre wildlife conservation centre, managed by EPAA, was established to protect endangered animal species native to the region’s fragile mountain ecosystems. However, like Mleiha and the Wasit Wetland Centre in Sharjah city, the new centre is tourist-ready, with a visitors’ centre, modern facilities and knowledgeable guides.
Against the backdrop of Sharjah’s continuous investment in art, history and Islamic culture, these eco-tourism developments are expected to help enhance the emirate’s appeal to existing tourism market segments, such as GCC families, and new segments, such as independent travelers searching for unique experiences.
Sharjah plans to attract more than 10 million tourists to the emirate by year 2021.
Thursday, 2 June 2016
His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi Approves Safari Park Project
The Ruler inspects the first African wild animal to arrive at Al Bardi Park
His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has given approval for what could be the largest safari park project outside Africa. The second phase of Al Bardi Kabeer Park will see the park expand to an area of 14 square kilometres (about 3,500 acres) and be prepared to accommodate up to 50,000 animals.
Located in Al Dhaid in Sharjah emirate’s interior, Al Bardi Park was officially opened as a conservation park in 2007, as part of Sharjah’s effort to protect natural ecosystems and biodiversity. The new project will develop the area to create sustainable tourism resort, safari park and allow effective management of the area. The plan forms part of a comprehensive strategy to turn the Al Dhaid area into a tourism destination.
Phase two of Al Bardi Park development will create a safari park and expand the park’s services, opening to the public as a new tourism destinaton at the end of 2017. Plans include introducing a number of indigenous species, plus a wide range of animals from Africa and Asia. Animals will be acclimatised at the park over the next 18 months, whilst trees are planted and facilities are under construction.
Sharjah recently opened the tourist-ready Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre in the Hajjar mountains near the east coast town of Kalba. The new 12 square kilometre (3,000 acre) wildlife conservation centre was established to protect endangered animal species native to the region’s mountain ecosystems and is home to the the Critically Endangered Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr). Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre is currently open to the public and offers guided tours, a visitors centre and tourist amenities.
A long-time sponsor of wildlife breeding programmes, Sharjah established the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW) some twenty years ago. The emirate has breeding programmes for endangered species such as the Arabian wolf (Canis lupus arabs), the Arabian tahr (Arabitragus jayakari) and the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena).
Located in Al Dhaid in Sharjah emirate’s interior, Al Bardi Park was officially opened as a conservation park in 2007, as part of Sharjah’s effort to protect natural ecosystems and biodiversity. The new project will develop the area to create sustainable tourism resort, safari park and allow effective management of the area. The plan forms part of a comprehensive strategy to turn the Al Dhaid area into a tourism destination.
Phase two of Al Bardi Park development will create a safari park and expand the park’s services, opening to the public as a new tourism destinaton at the end of 2017. Plans include introducing a number of indigenous species, plus a wide range of animals from Africa and Asia. Animals will be acclimatised at the park over the next 18 months, whilst trees are planted and facilities are under construction.
Sharjah recently opened the tourist-ready Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre in the Hajjar mountains near the east coast town of Kalba. The new 12 square kilometre (3,000 acre) wildlife conservation centre was established to protect endangered animal species native to the region’s mountain ecosystems and is home to the the Critically Endangered Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr). Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre is currently open to the public and offers guided tours, a visitors centre and tourist amenities.
A long-time sponsor of wildlife breeding programmes, Sharjah established the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW) some twenty years ago. The emirate has breeding programmes for endangered species such as the Arabian wolf (Canis lupus arabs), the Arabian tahr (Arabitragus jayakari) and the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena).
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