Al Wathba Lake

Al Wathba Lake, a nature reserve in Abu Dhabi, is one of the most important sites for both breeding and migratory birds in the UAE. Now, a visitor centre is being planned to demonstrate how urbanisation, economic activity and nature can co-exist

That's a peek into Al Wathba Lake. This nature reserve in Abu Dhabi has emerged as one of the most important sites for breeding and migrant birds in the UAE. Some 200 bird species have been sighted here. The 5 - sq. km. wetland lies 40 km southeast of Abu Dhabi island, along the Al Ain Truck Road. It was afforded full protection in July 1998 and, last year, handed over to the ERWDA to develop and manage as a bird sanctuary.

How it began…

Earlier it was known as Al Ghar Lake or, popularly, just 'the Ghar.' The sabkha, which 'the Ghar' occupied, held rainwater from winter into early summer, contained by an embankment supporting the Al Ain Truck Road. Soon it began to benefit from human waste; albeit cleaned! When Abu Dhabi's Mafraq Sewage Treatment Plant started operating in 1982, an emergency overflow led to the discharge of millions of gallons of treated effluent. The spill created a semi-permanent water body 3 km long and 0.5 km wide, shallow in some places, several metres deep in others. Wildfowl were drawn to the site because conditions here were just right: there was food, shelter and solitude. Both fresh and saltwater shore birds congregated at the lake in large numbers, as did greater flamingoes (locally known as fanteer) that became the star attraction.

What it is today…

Greater flamingoes at Al Watba Lake... the lake is to become Abu Dhabi's new environmental awareness tool

Today Al Wathba comprises a series of shallow pools, where water ranges from fresh through brackish and saline to hyper-saline. The sources are three: rainwater, if and when it rains (fresh); treated sewage (relatively fresh); and recycled irrigation water from nearby fodder fields (saline, because it has percolated through saline soil before it runs off into the wetland). Brine shrimps Artemia salina are abundant in the waters providing sustenance to avifauna, notably greater flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus that started breeding here, even though the UAE was not considered within the species normal breeding range (it breeds in the Caspian region). When it bred at Al Wathba in 1993, it was the first breeding record of the specie on mainland Arabia in over 70 years. And it happened again in 1999, when 10 chicks were successfully fledged. The flamingoes are nesting right now and shouldn't be disturbed. For this reason, the public is not allowed free access to Al Wathba and, if at all, can only enter the reserve with a permit from ERWDA.

Apart from flamingoes, the lake is also a nationally important breeding site for other wetland birds such as avocet, black-winged stilt and Kentish plover.

What tomorrow holds…

Some natural habitats are protected to preserve pristine wilderness; and some for their scientific research value. Others may be conserved to permit sustainable resource use. Still others may be beautiful landscapes or seascapes, ideal for recreation. And some reserves are best suited for education because they offer a splendid opportunity to provide visitors a better appreciation for, and understanding of, nature; especially in heavily built up urban locales. Al Wathba provides such an opportunity.

Water from the sewage treatment plant pours into the lake

ERWDA's plans for the lake entail protecting and enhancing its value as a wildfowl and wetland reserve for which a management action plan is to be developed incorporating habitat management and monitoring of flora and fauna. The hydrological aspects are particularly important, as can be expected for any wetland system - water quality, quantity and time of supply. The right blend of salt and fresh water needs to be maintained, as does the appropriate depth to suit various species. For instance, if the water is too deep, flamingo nests at ground level would get washed away.

The most meaningful aspect of park management, however, will be the focus on nature education for the public at large. To facilitate this, a visitor centre is being planned. The theme: urbanisation, industrialisation and other aspects of economic progress need not be detrimental to wildlife conservation. They can go hand in hand. After all, here is a wildfowl refuge thriving right next to a highly developed urban area. The refuge is, in fact, based on liquid waste that the same urban area generates. Al Wathba demonstrates how management techniques can be used to the advantage of both man and the environment. These will be messages communicated to visitors.

Reed beds with the lake in the background

Another vital message: Using eco-friendly goods and natural resource conservation systems does not mean that you compromise on product quality. The visitor centre itself will manifest this. It is intended to be state-of-the-art while incorporating "green" design concepts and materials. Timber may be from sustainable or renewable sources; air conditioning systems could use non-CFC coolants; ventilation may be natural; lighting may be low-energy; floor covering non-flammable natural fibre; and so on.

The visitor centre's location will be strategic, affording the best view of the lake, as will bird hides, positioned for clear observation of avifauna. To bring one close to nature there will be trails including boardwalks through reed beds and dunes, and along extensions of lakes and freshwater channels. And that's not all. Regular education programmes for students of all ages will cover studies related to such subjects as water, wildlife and, yes…even sewage treatment! Teacher training is also on the agenda.

Al Wathba reserve is to become Abu Dhabi's new environmental awareness tool.

What have been the international and national experiences vis a vis protected areas? Have protected areas worked for the purposes they are meant? What have been the problems encountered? How have these been overcome? What are the current trends in protected area research and management? These were some key issues deliberated during the 1st International Symposium and Workshop on Arid Zone Environments (23rd - 25th January 2000, Abu Dhabi) organised by ERWDA. The aim was to draw on varied experiences and scientific opinions; and to identify areas of concern and of promise that can be used to guide the development of protected areas in Abu Dhabi.

Following extensive surveys, ERWDA proposed in 1999, that several areas in Abu Dhabi be classified as "Protected Areas" to conserve and preserve the desert environment of this arid zone in a natural state. Further, to provide a network of protected areas so that each individual area is linked to its neighbour by habitat corridors to allow continuous movement of wildlife between these areas. The primary management role in these areas would be, not to totally exclude human activity but to control it - strike a balance between peoples' use and development of these lands and the interests of maintaining these natural ecosystems as a whole.

With this in mind, ERWDA's symposium and workshops pooled in the ideas of experts (most had experience of desert habitats) from diverse regions extending from China to the United States. Among the international bodies that contributed to the debate were the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and non-governmental organisations such as Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and Wetlands International.

Workshop themes included developing a protected areas network; research priorities; preservation of cultural heritage; and legislation for protected areas. These resulted in a series of recommendations that may be taken up for consideration.

The conclusion is most succinctly communicated in the words of Prof. Dr. Abdulaziz H. Abuzinada, Secretary General, National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development "…in deciding whether protected areas are working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I would like to tender a positive reply and say 'Yes'."

WHAT ON EARTH CAN WE DO? Not disturb nesting, feeding or roosting birds. They may leave and never return. Keep off rocky outcrops. These represent scenically and geologically important examples of the natural landscape, sites of archaeological interest and a valuable habitat for wildlife. Not get taken in by the idea that the only way to enjoy the outdoors is to thrash and screech our way through wilderness in four-wheel drives or other vehicles, as some commercials show. And drive only on designated tracks; not make our own road. We must respect the sanctity of nature reserves - for we are just guests in nature's terrain. Dispose of rubbish in places earmarked for the purpose. Items such as plastic and glass are damaging to wildlife. If there are no designated spots, take the litter home.

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