Al Zorah Nature Reserve, a premium waterfront destination in Ajman, has been officially declared as a 'Wetland of International Importance' under the Ramsar Convention, making it the seventh site in the UAE on the Ramsar List, said a report.

The Ramsar Convention, also known as the Convention on Wetlands, aims to protect wetlands, restore their basic ecological functions, and develop their economic, cultural and scientific role as well as recreational value, according to state news agency Wam.

The declaration recognises the achievements of the UAE in the field of nature conservation and protection of endangered land and marine species, it stated.

Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Nuaimi, the director-general of Ajman’s Municipality and Planning Department, said, said: "The designation of Al Zorah Nature Reserve as Ramsar Site No. 2309 places the protected area on the global map and highlights its immense environmental value."

Known for its rich and diverse ecosystem that includes mangroves, sandy beaches, salt flats and lagoons, the reserve offers a safe haven for 108 animal species from corals and molluscs to fish and birds, said the Wam report.

Providing an ideal environment for certain marine species as well as native and migratory birds, especially during nesting season, the wetland site is also a highly sought-after destination for scientists and researchers to conduct field studies, it stated.

Al Nuaimi pointed out that the addition of Al Zorah Nature Reserve to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance is a testament to the success of the Ajman Government in preserving the emirate’s natural heritage.

"Previously listed areas include the Abu Dhabi Waterfront Reserve and Al Wathba Wetland Reserve in Abu Dhabi, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai, the Sir Bu Nair Island Protected Area in Sharjah, the Mangrove and Alhafeya Protected Area in Khor Kalba, and the Wadi Wurayah National Park in Fujairah," he noted.

Mariam Mohammed Saeed Hareb, the assistant under-secretary for Environmental Affairs and Nature Conservation Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said: "The recognition of Al Zorah Nature Reserve under the Ramsar Convention is a result of the relentless efforts of Ajman’s Municipality and Planning Department to drive sustainability, protect the environment, preserve natural resources and instill a culture of social responsibility across the emirate."

Al Zorah Nature Reserve is a protected area spanning 195 hectares around the mouth of the one-kilometre-long Ajman Creek in the Arabian Gulf, she added.