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Watch towers draw hundreds of bird lovers

DUBAI — The watch towers erected at the Ras Al Khawr Wildlife Sanctuary have been attracting a good number of bird lovers, and their timing from 9am to 4pm has never been an issue, Reda Hassan Salman, told Khaleej Times yesterday.

He was responding to a query about a possible change in the opening and closing time of the towers, which some bird lovers feel would have offered more if opened early in the morning.

“These timings, 9am to 4pm from Saturday to Thursday, are meant for the general public only. The towers, however, can be utilised by people whose purpose of visit is more than general,” Salman said.

According to him, researchers, students and those who are academically connected to the study of specific species of birds can apply for a special permit which allows them to visit the towers before or after the regular open hours as well as on Fridays when the towers are closed.

Salman clarified that the initial plan of the civic body which required individuals and groups to acquire a special permit for visiting the bird hides was dropped. “The common people who wish to visit the bird towers can do so without applying for a permit. But for a specific category of visitors, who are allowed visits to the bird hides even after normal open hours, the rule applies,” he said.

“People belonging to this special category can download an application form for their permit from Dubai Municipality's portal www.dm.gov.ae, and send it along with their credentials (documents) by facsimile to the Environment Protection and Safety Section,” he said.

Built by the municipality, the three watchtowers are much popular among regular tourists to the emirate, researchers and scientists, nature lovers, and students. The civic body has plans for as many as 10 more towers in different location at the sanctuary, and the execution of the proposal will depend on the success of the existing towers and their impact on the sensitive environment of the area.

The sanctuary is home to 25,000 birds, mainly in January, and there are 32 types of of birds. Over 88 species of birds have recorded at the sanctuary, which also has over 300 species of wild fauna and flora. Located at the end of Dubai Creek, the sanctuary's total area of 6.2 square kilometres is internationally recognised by IUCN, the World Conservation Union, as an important wetlands area.

The towers are provided with a number of facilities to allow tourists, photographers, nature artists, and researchers to observe nature without disturbance. Each tower is provided with binoculars, informative literature on birds spotted during different seasons at the sanctuary, and seating arrangements for a maximum seven people. Keeping in mind the age range of visitors to the sanctuary, the municipality has made seating arrangements to suit the elderly, children and people with special needs.

The covered walkway leading to the tower is provided shadow with palm fronds that conceal human presence, which in itself is a disturbance to wildlife. The watch towers are not provided with power, and smoking and consumption of food and beverages is also not allowed.

The special permit required to visit the sanctuary is currently given free of charge by the civic body, but there are plans to introduce at least nominal charges for an entry ticket. The proposal is under study and a decision in this regard is likely in the near future.

Future plans of the project at Ras Al Khawr also include a control gate, a full fledged visitor's centre with auditorium, and an extensive walkway to pass through the various eco-systems of the sanctuary.

A HOT SPOT

THE watchtowers were officially opened to the public on the occasion of the Eighth National Environment Day on February 28. They have attracted over 2,380 visitors belonging to as many as 68 nationalities between March and June this year.