Sharjah Ruler inaugurates phase1 of Kalba Eco-tourism Project

Sharjah, May 13, 2012 (WAM) - H. H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Sharjah on Friday released 18 gazelles of the endangered species known as "Damani" in the Al Hafiya natural reserve in Kalba. His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah released on Friday 18 gazelles of the endangered species known as "Damani" in the Al Hafiya natural reserve in Kalba. The gazelles release marks the inauguration of the first phase of the "Kalba Eco-tourism Project" undertaken by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in collaboration with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah and the International Conservation Services. . Sheikh Sultan also attended the release of a number of predatory birds in Al Ghail Fort, affiliated to the Kalba Eco-tourism Project, during which 21 falcon species were released. The falcon species included Al-Hur, Shaheen, Al Wakri, Hawk falcon, and Eagle owl, one of the largest of its kind in the world inhabiting deserts and wooded areas. The launch ceremony was attended by CEO of Shurooq Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Director General of the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, chairman of Kalba Municipal Council Abdullah Saif Al Yamahi and others. Al Sarkal praised H.H Dr. Sheikh Sultan's efforts to preserve the environment. H.H Sheikh Sultan gives this issue great deal attention in order to achieve a balance between environmental protection and the requirements of comprehensive development, which eventually aim to ensure a better life for those generations to come. He said the implementation of the Kalba Eco-tourism Project comes in line with Shurooq's social responsibility efforts and its strong belief in the preservation of environmental heritage and development of Eco-tourism Project to serve the nation and citizens, which will have great impact in the future. Al Sarkal stressed the need for establishments and individuals to be fully aware of their social responsibility to preserve environment and the natural eco-diversity as well as to reduce environmental pollution and conserve natural resources. He said that Kalba Eco-tourism project will not only contribute to protecting these areas for future generations, but also to making them sustainable and promising areas for economic growth and the creation of job opportunities. The second phase of the project will involve the development of Kalba Creek and the construction of a commercial complex featuring shops and restaurants overlooking the creek. It will include the development of recreational spaces that will enable holidaymakers to enjoy the area's natural biodiversity without causing harm or negatively affecting its wildlife. Phase 2 of the project will also comprise the development of a number of islands in the creek, as well as rehabilitation to revive their natural marine and bird life. Regarding the third phase, Al Sarkal stated, "Phase 3 has been designated for the tourism part of the project, which will see the setting up of a number of hotels and fantastically designed chalets overlooking the Gulf of Oman." He added that more than 300 rooms spanning hotels and chalets would be built in line with eco-friendly standards. He added that the Kalba project will be widely welcomed by lovers of Eco-tourism from all over the world, because it will feature many facilities and diverse amenities and activities that will make it an incomparable tourist destination in the world. The project will include a dedicated art building, a centre for diving and marine hobbies, as well as offering trips to explore Khor Kalba and the mangroves. Al Sarkal pointed out that the development of such a project stems from Shurooq's environmental awareness and commitment to preserving natural environment and wild life and biodiversity, which must by everyone's responsibility. He added that Shurooq aims through this project to preserve all the Emirate's environmental components and safeguard the achievements made under the leadership of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. The Kalba Eco-tourism Project, which is being implemented under the supervision of Shurooq is the largest of its kind in the development eco-tourism facilities in the UAE and the region, will be set up in the heart of Kalba, 15 km south of Fujairah city on the UAE-Oman borders. – Emirates News Agency, WAM