UMM AL QAIWAIN: Marking World Tourism Day, the Umm Al Qaiwain Department of Tourism and Archaeology announced plans for its first ecotrail, set to open in early 2025 within the emirate’s pristine Umm Al Qaiwain Mangrove Reserve.
This initiative provides a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to connect with nature, offering an immersive experience that raises awareness about the rich biodiversity and ecological value of the coastal lagoon. The ecotrail will be developed in partnership with Emirates Nature-WWF.
Informative signage will engage visitors of all ages, offering individuals and families an educational overview of the lagoon’s unique ecosystems, coastal dunes, and biodiversity. As people walk along the ecotrail, they will learn about fascinating species such as geckos that glow in the dark, green turtles weighing over 100kg, rays resembling guitars, and more.
Haytham Sultan Al Ali, Director-General of the Department of Tourism and Archaeology of Umm Al Qaiwain, said, ‘Inspired by the lago
on’s natural aesthetics, the ecotrail will be constructed with eco-friendly materials. The sustainably designed trail will feature a 250-metre wooden boardwalk and a 1.8-kilometre guided dune-based path. It will include a shaded area and an observatory majlis, illuminated by energy-efficient solar red lights to reduce light pollution.’
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director-General of Emirates Nature-WWF, said, ‘Healthy and diverse coastal ecosystems are essential for sustainable tourism. Our assessment of natural capital in the Umm Al Qaiwain lagoon reveals that combining conservation and ecotourism is key to maximising ecosystem services. Conservation can boost tourism and recreation benefits by up to 50 percent, including increased footfall and visitor spending.’
The Umm Al Qaiwain lagoon plays a central role in achieving environmentally sustainable economic growth and supporting the expansion of the emirate. The emirate is working to harness ecotourism to generate new sources of income that support the natu
ral renewal of the marine and coastal environment, in line with the objectives of the Umm Al Qaiwain Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy 2031.
Source: Emirates News Agency
