During a recently concluded workshop on Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSA) in the north-western Indian, Ocean and Gulf, five locations in the U.A.E were given recognition for unique and rich environmental biodiversity.

The criteria based on which the sites were evaluated was established during the ninth Conference of Parties to the convention on Biological Diversity.

It encompassed biological uniqueness on rarity while giving a special emphasis to the stages and phases of the life cycle of local species.

The sites are-

Marwah Marine Biosphere Reserve:

Location: Abu Dhabi

Home to second largest population of dugongs globally after Australia.

Foraging habitat for endangered green turtles and hawksbill turtles.

Provides spawning grounds and nurseries for many fish.

Important for endangered and migratory species.

2) Abu Dhabi?s southwest waters:

Location: Abu Dhabi

Home to sabkhas (Arabic world for salt flats), seagrass beds, mangroves, coral reefs and algal mats.

Support sea birds and migratory waders, many endangered hawksbill turtles and dugongs.

Jebel Ali:

Location: Dubai

Nesting grounds for endangered hawksbill turtles.

Visiting grounds for Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.

Sir Bu Na?air Island:

Location: Protected area off Sharjah

Home to more than 300 hawksbill turtles annually, largest nesting population located in the U.A.E

Breeding ground for sea birds

Khor Kalba:

Location:

Home to endemic species of crabs, molluscs, reptiles and birds.

This recognition is indeed a great honour for the U.A.E .It is not only one that will signal further efforts towards making sure endangered species can continue to thrive ,but also one help efforts towards the prevention of degradation .