Global recognition for Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

This significant achievement marks the DDCR as the first wildlife and conservation area in the UAE to be formally declared by IUCN as a Protected Area, one of the few in the GCC.

This wildlife reserve is certainly the most actively researched and carefully managed conservation area in the region, and will now be registered with the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA), managed and audited by the United Nations Environmental Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC). The DDCR now joins some of the world's greatest conservation areas and national parks, including such protected areas as Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks in the USA, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and Africa's largest national parks and wildlife reserves.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, and also the Chairman of the Dubai Conservation Board, commented on this accolade:

"In 2004 the Government of Dubai made changes in the law which ensured the permanent protection of large areas of its unique and beautiful desert landscapes, protecting its many indigenous plant and animal species. Our aims were clear - in light of the rapid growth being experienced by Dubai - we were committed to maintaining a balance between development and the conservation of our natural heritage. We are extremely proud that today the DDCR, and the efforts made across government organisations, the private sector and by many individuals, have been recognised by these international conservation organisations and the world community."

"Emirates and Al Maha have contributed greatly in time, direct financial contribution and resources to ensure the research and management of the DDCR are at the highest international standards. Dubai is extremely proud that its residents and its many international visitors can experience the beauty of this wonderful reserve, and the precious wildlife that now thrives within its borders."

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve's acceptance as a world recognised Protected Area was confirmed at this year's World Congress, recently held in Barcelona and attended by such prominent delegates such as Prince Albert of Monaco, Ted Turner, and Ministers of Environment representing countries across the world.

Membership with the IUCN cements DDCR's role as a key player in regional and global conservation.

As a member, the DDCR team will not only contribute to environmental issues worldwide, but will also receive valuable support and advice from the IUCN; and Emirates' dedicated Conservation section will be on hand to assist and guide other members through open dialogue and advice, particularly in the areas of sustainable development practice, wildlife research and conservation practice.

Achieving membership status is subject to meeting strict criteria, and in the case of the DDCR, receiving recommendations from two existing IUCN members, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature in Jordan, and the leading Dubai NGO, the Emirates Environmental Group.

An applicant organisation must also prove to be aligned with the IUCN's own objectives, by demonstrating a substantial record of scientific research, conservation management practice and active protection of natural resources over a three-year period.

The DDCR proved its eligibility as a result of its groundbreaking work in developing sustainable tourism practices, the successful re-introduction and protection of the Arabian Oryx, the Arabian and Sand Gazelles and a wide variety of other mammal species, as well as conducting extensive vegetation surveys and indigenous flora re-seeding programmes.

Ongoing research projects include a camera trap programme to monitor and record the full biodiversity of the DDCR, as well as supplying data on such locally threatened species as the Gordon's wildcat and other predator species.

Over the past three years a complete bio-grid survey has been started, and from its three complete weather- stations, detailed climatic data is recorded on an hourly basis.

In 1999 the award-winning Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa was opened, with its own embryonic conservation area, which saw the original reintroduced populations of Arabian Oryx, Sand and Arabian Gazelles.

Al Maha today remains at the heart of the DDCR, and in 2003, the boundaries of its original reserve were massively extended to create the DDCR, which makes up nearly five per cent of Dubai's land area.

Emirates and Al Maha have maintained overall responsibility and management of the DDCR's activities and operations.

Emirates, as the leading driver of tourism in the region, has already invested Dhs10m in the DDCR's conservation and wildlife management programmes.

The DDCR achievement has received support from both conservation and tourism organisations around the world. Dr Odeh Al-Jayyousi, Regional Director of the IUCN West Asia/Middle East, said:

"We are delighted to welcome the DDCR to IUCN's membership, the first UAE Protected Area, and we applaud the efforts of the Government of Dubai and the Emirates Group for their support in creating this preserve of natural desert environments in which local species of wildlife, flora and fauna can thrive. In the Gulf region and beyond, this conservation area will be regarded as an example of best practice for sustainable development and biodiversity protection, and we hope that it will encourage the governments and private sector of the other Gulf States to mainstream and support excellence in sustainability in all development sectors."

Charles Besançon, Head of Protected Areas Programme at UNEP-WCMC said: "Historically the World Database on Protected Areas has only contained National Parks, run by Government organisations. However, due to the support and interest of companies like Emirates, who make such significant investments into protecting biodiversity and habitat, our global online Protected Area Database systems are extended to highlight protected areas such as the DDCR as well.

"We are very pleased with Emirates and the managers of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve for their enthusiasm and interest in being leaders in the region for conservation."