Sultan sets up Al Munthar, Al Hamriyah Mangroves reserves
According to a decree, it is prohibited, in general, carrying out any activities that would damage or deteriorate the ecosystem or harm wildlife or marine life
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has issued an Emiri Decree concerning the establishment of Al Munthar Reserve in the Emirate of Sharjah.
Taking into account the provisions of Articles (64) (65) (66) (67) of Federal Law No. 24 of 1999, it is prohibited, in general, carrying out any activities that would damage or deteriorate the ecosystem or harm wildlife or marine life.
Emiri Decree No.54 of 2022 stipulated that in accordance with the provisions of Federal Law No. 24, all living creatures in the reserve, including birds and other creatures, should be protected.
According to the Emiri decree, it is prohibited to conduct any activities that affect the environment of the reserve, without taking permits from the Environment and Protected Areas Authority.
According to the Decree, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, shall be responsible for managing the reserve and taking the necessary administrative measures on coordinating the mechanism of cooperation with the municipal council and the competent municipality to organise the management of the reserve in cooperation with Sharjah Police to tackle legal violations.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Sultan has issued an Emiri Decree concerning the establishment of the Al Hamriyah Mangroves Reserve in the Emirate of Sharjah.
Emiri Decree No. 53 of 2022 authorises the emirate to establish a natural reserve known as “Al Hamriyah Mangroves Reserve.”
Taking into account the provisions of Articles (64) (65) (66) (67) of Federal Law No. (24) of 1999, it is prohibited, in general, to take actions, engage in activities, or display behaviours that would damage or deteriorate the ecosystem, harm wildlife (marine or otherwise), or infringe on its aesthetic value in the reserve, with the following prohibited in particular:
1- Hunting, transporting, killing, or harming wild creatures or performing acts that would eliminate them unless this is done in accordance with the rules specified by the environmental regulations and decisions issued by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority.
2- Hunting, transporting, or taking any organisms or organic materials such as rocks and soil for any purpose. 3-Introducingalienspeciestotheprotectedarea. 4- Damaging or destroying geological or geographical formations or areas that are home to animal or plant species or their reproduction.
5- Polluting the soil, water, or air of the protected area.
6- Having military manoeuvres and target practice
7- Chopping down or causing harm to trees or plants, or eroding the soil
8- Having recreational activities or sports that have the potential to kill, harm, or negatively impact wildlife
9- Puting up buildings or facilities, building roads, using vehicles or other means of transportation, or doing agricultural, industrial, or commercial work in the protected area without a permit from the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in the Emirate, in accordance with the conditions, rules, and procedures that will be set by a decision from its chairman.
10- Anything that would disturb the reserve’s natural equilibrium.
The Decree further declared that, in line with the terms of Federal Law No. 24 of 1999, all species of organisms in the reserve, including birds and other animals that use the reserve as a resting, nesting, or setlement site, are protected.
According to the Decree, no activities, behaviours, or construction works are permited in the regions around the protected area if they might have an impact on the environment of the reserve without authorisation from the Authority.
In accordance with the Decree, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority shall manage the reserve and take the necessary administrative steps to coordinate the cooperative arrangement with the municipal council and the competent municipality in order to organise the management of the reserve.
They shall also work with the general command of the Sharjah Police to record any violations that happen within the boundaries of the reserve.