Abu Dhabi announces reopening al-Wathba Wetland Reserve

The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, EAD, has announced that Al Wathba Wetland Reserve will reopen to the public from November 1st, after its closure throughout the summer months due to the breeding season of flamingos and to allow enhancement of the visitor facilities.

Over the past few months, EAD has been implementing its enhancements plan within the wetland eco-reserve project to welcome visitors to experience this important reserve in Abu Dhabi. EAD's terrestrial biodiversity team has made significant developments to ensure the interactive and friendly atmosphere of the reserve, while preserving its natural heritage.

The enhancements plan, which is scheduled to be completed within a few months, will include accessibilities for people with special needs to facilitate their visit to the reserve. It will also include the construction of more bird hide facilities near bodies of water, which offer visitors a unique experience to observe Al Wathba's birds 'up close and personal'. One of these bird hide facilities, allocated to watch fresh water birds, is already complete, while work is still underway to build another to watch other bird species.

The self-guided walking trails will also be lengthened, to enhance the experience of visitors who wish to discover nature on their own while in a protected environment. In addition, educational and introductory materials on the reserve's habitats, fauna and flora will be provided along with more signage and maps.

Al Wathba visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in the Al Wathba Photography Competition, which is being administered for the second year on EAD's Instagram account, between November 1st and the beginning of May, 2016. The competition aims to encourage professional and amateur photographers to capture creative images that reflect Al Wathba Wetland Reserve's natural beauty and rich biodiversity.

To participate in the competition, the contestants will have to follow EAD's Instagram account and upload photographs taken using two hashtags, #Alwathbacontest #inabudhabi.

Participants can upload a maximum of two photographs.

The first five wining pictures will be chosen by a jury comprising a group of Emirati journalists and photographers. Winners will be announced at a private event that will be held at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. The competition prizes, worth a total of Dh 20,000, will be given to the winners in the form of vouchers, with Dh 6,000 for first place, Dh 5,000 for second place, Dh 4,000 for third place, Dh 3,000 for fourth place and Dh 2,000 for fifth place.

Due to the ecological sensitivity of Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, EAD called on competition participants to be particularly cautious while taking pictures and to ensure that they are thoughtful about the environment, without endangering themselves or any species in the surrounding area. EAD also urges participants to become familiar with the competition's rules and terms and conditions, which can be found of the official website.

The reserve is open for visitors on Thursdays and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m..
Source: WAM