About ecotourism

Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well being of local people is what ecotourism is really about. Low-impact. Appreciation of nature. Conservation of the resource on which tourism is based. And, benefits to local people. These are the components of real ecotourism.

Mountain Extreme, an outfit that takes groups hiking, biking and climbing in the rocky terrain of Ras Al Khaimah, is about as close as one can get to ecotourism in the UAE or, perhaps, the region.

An Arabian mountain experience

In Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of UAE, stands the Ru'us al Jibal mountain range with its varied habitats and spectacular scenery. Rare Arabian wildlife species seek refuge in this range, including the Arabian leopard (perhaps!), Arabian tahr, caracal lynx and Blanford's fox.

The activities of Mountain Extreme take place in a triangular portion of Ru'us al Jibal extending from a wadi ecosystem at the base and climbing up to a plateau, where terraced fields of barley, and stone houses of the Shihu tribe are located. Further up are craggy summits, which the eco-tourists scale.

Some years ago, John Falchetto, founder of Mountain Extreme, set up a camp here to cater to adventurers seeking a refreshing experience in a truly natural environment; or, for that matter, undertaking intense, stress-relieving physical activity. Among his guests are some who yearn to get away from cinemas, shopping malls, cars and other frills of urban life. Still others wish to get a feel of real Arabia - the land, tribes, lives and livelihoods - outside of built-up areas.

"We take small groups of no more than 10 people at a time during the season - October to May of each year" says Falchetto. "While hiking, they follow the old trails laid out by the Shihu tribe."

Low impact tourism

Stone houses in old Shihu settlements (now deserted by local inhabitants) serve as campsites for the Mountain Extreme trekkers, who must foot it to camp from the wadi at the base.

Once up there, the philosophy is LNT - leave no trace. No littering, only disposing waste in a proper manner, not wandering off the beaten track, and causing no disturbance to wildlife are the basic principles adhered to.

"We distribute leaflets to all our guests about our LNT policy, which they appreciate," says Falchetto. "Most have a respect for the natural environment."

What about utilities? Solar panels have been installed to meet lighting needs. Gas cylinders and bottled water are carried up on donkeys while, outdoors, an ancient covered pool collects natural runoff to irrigate indigenous trees planted by Mountain Extreme around their cap site.

Mud plastered on the stone house rooftops provides excellent insulation against cold and heat. And, what is more, the wooden ceiling uses FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) wood!

FSC is currently the only certification system for improved forest management worldwide. Through the FSC trademark the public has a way of identifying that the wood they are purchasing has been harvested legally and is managed according to internationally agreed social and environmental principles and criteria. The FSC timber certification is endorsed by the WWF and other respected environmental non-governmental organisations.

"I was pleased to find wood stamped with the FSC symbol with a supplier in Ras Al Khaimah. Of course, I had read about FSC from your Arabian Environment site on AME Info!" explains Falchetto.

Benefits to the local community

The local Shihu tribe have, over the years, abandoned their ancestral stone houses on the plateau and shifted to more modern accommodations in the wadi and townships below. They are, however, sentimental about their traditional homes and like to visit them occasionally.

Shihu houses in three villages are rented to Mountain Extreme. These have since been renovated for the use of tourists. Not only is the local community receiving money through this operation, some are also trained as tour guides so that they play an active role in camping activities.

Says Falchetto, "We have three members of the Shihu community working with us at present; and are trying to employ more. Those with us have undergone training in English speaking and First Aid.'

"As the number of local community members increase, they will be capable of running an entire operation, just as we are. That's our goal."

There are many advantages to Shihu involvement in the ecotourism venture; local knowledge for instance. Many tourists are curious about traditional lives and livelihoods; as also about native plants and animals.

"We get a lot of questions, about the medicinal uses of plants, for example. Our Shihu members know it all!" exclaims Falchetto.

In fact, a Mountain Extreme camp opens with, among other activities, talks by local team members providing historical and cultural insight into their lives.

Arabian Quest Eco-adventure Race

Each winter, Mountain Extreme organises an eco-adventure race in the mountains of Ru'us al Jibal to raise funds for nature conservation in Ras Al Khaimah. A portion of the funds they give to the EWS-WWF.

"It's for raising awareness about nature conservation," explains Falchetto. "As also to help people discover the area."

11th November saw the inaugural running of this season's race where contestants mountain-biked, abseiled and scrambled in the foothills of Ras Al Khaimah. More races are to follow.