'The Lagoons' is a freehold, mixed-use project being developed by Sama Dubai in an area adjacent to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, where bird watching is world class. Protection of the environment is a key component of the development, which will have a plethora of parks and green belts and will feature reduced density housing and reduced building heights in the ecologically sensitive buffer zone. 'It is in a collaborative spirit that Sama Dubai supports the UAE's efforts to become a signatory to Ramsar. We are actively backing the enlistment of 'The Lagoon's' close neighbor, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, as the UAE's first site on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, and will continue to ensure that both sites remain mutually beneficial neighbors,' added Faraidooni. 'The Lagoons' is one of the first projects in Dubai to undertake a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which is integrated with Dubai Health Care City Phase II, the creek extension, as well as the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary (RAKWS). Consultation with different authorities and stakeholders has been ongoing including the Ministry of Environment and Water, the Federal Environmental Agency, Wildlife Protection Office (WPO) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Environmental management plans are being developed to ensure that during the construction and operational phases, impacts to the environment are mitigated. Dr. Peter Bridgewater, Secretary General of Ramsar Convention Secretariat, said: 'We appreciate and recognize all efforts being given to ensure that the biodiversity of Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is managed and conserved for the benefit of future generations. The Ramsar Secretariat applauds efforts by organizations, government bodies, as well as private companies and institutions that are supporting this effort as we collectively explore ways to protect and enhance the UAE's wildlife sanctuaries. We hope that following our mission the UAE will move to accede to the Ramsar Convention, to place the UAE and Dubai alongside global efforts to conserve and wisely use wetlands.'
