Dubai Municipality to observe World Wetlands Day on Thursday

Dubai, Feb 1, 2012 (WAM) - The Environment Department of the Dubai Municipality will join rest of the world in observing the World Wetlands Day on Thursday with a variety of activities to protect the flora and fauna and its development. The initiative is a manifestation of civic body's support to the worldwide campaign to spread awareness on the significance of wetlands' protection and conservation. The municipality has charted out various activities to mark the occasion under the title "Wetland Tourism: A Great Experience". The day is observed responding to the decisions of the Johannesburg convention. It marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Eng. Hamdan Al Shaer, Director of Environment Department said the Municipality has understood the importance of these natural spots for human beings and the natural life. "Studies and researches are going on to prepare a national strategy on protecting wetlands with the cooperation and participation of a number of ministries and government and private bodies," he added. Al Shaer noted that department has agreed to take necessary actions to protect the wetlands and as part of this detailed survey, a study is being conducted on the wetlands in the emirate in order to prepare a national strategy on protecting wetlands. - Emirates News Agency, WAM