Al Aqah, Fujairah: One of the UAE’s most unique and delicate environments has officially been declared as the country’s first Mountain Protected Area.

The valleys and mountains of Wadi Wurayah, an area covering 129 square kilometres north of Fujairah, have long been considered to have tremendous environmental and scientific value due to its exceptional biodiversity.

An Emiri decree issued last month by His Highness Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, ordered the establishment of the protected area after three years of nature research projects.

At a joined press conference on Monday at Le Meridian Al Aqah Resort, officials from Fujairah Municipality, the Emirates Wildlife Society in association with World Wide Fund for Nature (EWS-WWF) and HSBC Middle East Ltd, officially declared the area as a protected area.

Officials say the new status of the area will mean taking short and long-term steps to preserve the environment and nature through improved security and raising environmental awareness.

Plans are also afoot to develop further research into the area and establish visitor information centres complete with guides.

Mohammed Saif Al Afkham, Director of Fujairah Municipality said the declaration of the wadi as a protected area is an achievement for generations to come.

"This is a distinctive effort to preserve something that is so unique and valuable and we must thank our wise leadership for their vision and also all the other institutions which has made this possible," he said.

Razan Al Mubarak, Managing Director of EWS-WWF said: "This achievement is a wonderful example of collaboration and we’re here to celebrate that. But the implementation of this achievement is just as important to preserve what is a great asset to us all."

Three years of research projects into the nature and environment of Wadi Wurayha preceded this declaration and environmentalist were rewarded for their efforts.

Al Mubarak said: "The last three years revealed the presence of 12 species of mammals, 73 species of birds, 17 species of reptiles and amphibians. 1 species of fish and 74 invertebrate families, of which 11 new species for science. More than 300 species of plants have been recorded in the area, including species that are found only in wetlands such as Typha dominginsis and the unique orchid species of UAE: Epipactis veratrifolia."

Officials say plans to preserve the area will include rangers and fines for disregarding environmental laws. Educational and awareness will also take a front seat in introducing the beauty of the area to visitors the younger generations, officials added.