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The Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre was granted this prestigious membership in recognition of its vital environmental role and continuous commitment to raising awareness about the importance of wetlands. Through diverse initiatives, educational programs, and outreach activities—especially in conjunction with World Wetlands Day, observed annually on February 2—the center has played a key role in promoting wetland conservation. Additionally, the center has actively supported the identity and objectives of the WLI network in its promotional and educational materials while fostering collaboration with other member centers worldwide. This exchange of expertise has been instrumental in developing innovative educational programs that contribute to a long-term environmental awareness strategy.
Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), emphasized that this inclusion represents a strategic step in reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a global hub for environmental research, sustainable education, and biodiversity conservation. She highlighted that the EPAA continues to be a leader in developing effective educational centers dedicated to environmental awareness in alignment with the directives and vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. His Highness's commitment to sustainability and biodiversity preservation has been the driving force behind Sharjah’s extensive environmental initiatives.
Her Excellency further noted that the EPAA had previously succeeded in securing WLI membership for the Wasit Wetland Centre in February 2024. She expressed great pride in the Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre’s recent inclusion, viewing it as a testament to the effectiveness of the EPAA’s policies and its successful collaborations with international environmental organizations and committees. The new membership will play a significant role in fostering international cooperation in environmental education, developing programs that enhance awareness of wetlands as critical ecosystems that provide essential habitats for various marine and terrestrial species.
Through this membership, the center will continue offering advanced educational and awareness programs, focusing on the role of wetlands in mitigating climate change and supporting biodiversity.
Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi also highlighted a major milestone achieved in 2013, when the Khor Kalba Mangrove and Al Hefaiyah Protected Area was designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This recognition was due to its status as one of the largest and oldest mangrove forests on the UAE’s east coast, featuring nutrient-rich soils that provide a critical natural habitat for a diverse range of fish, birds, plants, and invertebrates.
The Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre encompasses a variety of marine wetland ecosystems, including sandy shores, mudflats, and saline plains, along with freshwater inflows connected to an algae-rich artificial lake. This ecosystem serves as an essential food source and oxygen supplier, making it a thriving breeding ground for numerous aquatic species.
Designed with an eco-friendly architectural concept inspired by the sea urchin shell, the Khor Kalba Mangrove Center stands out for its diverse educational offerings. One of its key sections, The Mangrove Station, provides visitors with in-depth knowledge about mangrove ecosystems and their essential role in coastal protection. Meanwhile, The Intertidal Zone highlights the rich biodiversity above the water’s surface, featuring over 100 fish species and 90 types of crustaceans. For a more immersive experience, The Subtidal Zone houses an interactive aquarium that showcases a variety of local marine species, allowing visitors to explore the underwater world up close. Beyond its educational exhibits, the center plays an active role in conservation through mangrove tree planting initiatives, implementing strategies to protect marine life, and supporting the growth of fish populations in the area.
The WLI network is a global association of over 350 wetland education centers across six continents. Recognized by the Ramsar Convention, it operates under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), serving as a key mechanism for supporting wetland education centers and Ramsar contracting parties. The network provides training, educational resources, and knowledge exchange platforms, facilitating the global dissemination of conservation practices through Communication, Education, Participation, and Awareness (CEPA) strategies for wetlands.
With this achievement, Sharjah’s environmental leadership continues to shine, reaffirming its commitment to conservation, sustainability, and environmental education on a global scale.
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