Hotel helps preserve natural heritage
Posted: 19 April 2006
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 With the boom in tourism and development, Arabia must protect its environment and native wildlife, according to Ali Salih(Picture), manager of Mirfa Hotel, who has overseen the hotel’s development in its landscape and nature preservation.
Fortunately, the emirate of Abu Dhabi, through the policies of the late President His Highness Sheikh Zayed, has long had an ecological lean towards implementing various reforestation and environmental tactics. Specific nature reserves, such as the Sir Bani Yas Island, were developed over the years to encourage local species of plants, animals, birds and butterflies.
While Abu Dhabi’s key speciality for the eco-tourist is geological in nature rather than biological – the ‘Desert Rose’ consists of crystalline clusters of gypsum and other salts formed from the evaporation of the inland sabkha flats – there exists the occasional oasis of flora and fauna for the lucky visitor to observe thanks to the careful conservation efforts of government departments, agricultural groups and tourism agencies.
“The past few decades have seen an extensive programme of agricultural extension which has ultimately benefited native flora and fauna to the region,” said Salih. “These areas are free from the pressures of hunting or overgrazing and several of the country’s endangered species have been released back into these environments to much success.”
Abu Dhabi’s west coast is a mostly undiscovered haven with only a few roads, settlements and farms. Despite the expectation of endless dunes, visitors are pleasantly surprised by the rolling hills of fodder and afforestation found along the road to Mirfa and Liwa.
The Arabian gazelle thrive on controlled reserves and plantations. Other native mammals, such as the Arabian red fox, jerboas, the common Cape hare and the timid sand cat can also be seen. Bird-watching groups have sprung up across the emirate and avid birders report back on regular sightings of local and unusual breeds.
Mirfa Hotel is another example of a safe haven for local bird and plant life. Set on an island, the hotel’s lush grounds are a natural haven for many indigenous species, and Salih has carefully documented the details of the seldom-seen varieties in a set of books for guests to enjoy during their visit to the property.
“We are committed to preserving the local environment and educating guests who visit, and have recently started an awareness programme with local schools to help young children understand the benefit of conservation,” said Salih.
“Many of the UAE’s plants and animals are already lost from the region and unfortunately numerous species became extinct as little as only 20 or 30 years ago. We are doing our best to create a safe environment for the wildlife we have left.”
Mirfa Hotel is managed by Danat Hotels & Resorts, a division of the National Corporation of Tourism & Hotels based in Abu Dhabi.
Posted by Editor Offshore Arabia Magazine
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