Conservation

Several anthropogenic factors have adverse environmental impacts on the UAE ecosystems, flora and vegetation (Aspinall and B?er 1994, B?er 1998). The most widespread impacts are uncontrolled livestock grazing (B?er and Norton 1995) throughout the country, including camels, goats, sheep, cattle and feral donkeys, which are probably by far in excess of the carrying capacity in many areas. The current livestock practises, together with the rapid development of settlements and afforestations in the terrestrial and coastal areas (B?er and Norton 1996, B?er 1998), are altering the environments enourmously. The major impacts in the coastal and marine ecosystems are oil pollution (B?er and Griggs 1994) and coastal land-filling and dredging. These statements are based on a nation-wide survey (B?er 1998), several impact assessments, general field observations and field experience. DEWG (in press., ab) provided the first two comprehensive documents on nature conservation requirements in Abu Dhabi Emirate, and suggested several areas as large protected areas, based on science. Fisher et al. (1998) gives an account on existing nature reserves within the UAE. However, currently research and management plans towards the sustainable utilization of the UAE's biological resources are being developed.