Etihad Rail, Emirates Nature-WWF, Fujairah Municipality, the Fujairah Environment Authority and Fujairah Adventures Centre, supported by Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority, inaugurated the historic Al Bithnah Nature and Heritage Trail in the Emirate of Fujairah, in celebration of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee.
The emirate’s 50th nature trail, which marks the UAE’s 50th anniversary, is the country’s very first community-built tourism trail and represents a pioneering model of 'inclusive development'.
The nature path, located in Wadi Ham, has been created as part of a wider Al Bithnah Conservation Project. The trail is set to be completed by the first quarter of 2022 and will open as an eco-tourism destination for tourists.
The development of the trail marks an important milestone as part of the landmark agreement between Etihad Rail, Emirates Nature-WWF, the Fujairah Environment Authority and Fujairah Adventures Centre signed in March 2021. The agreement supports sustainable development within the local community, provides valuable opportunities for eco-tourism, protects the environment and biodiversity and preserves the UAE’s natural heritage.
The project is part of Etihad Rail’s sustainability vision and commitment to being a 'Good Neighbour' to the local communities through which the UAE’s National Rail network passes. Etihad Rail continues to take a lead on projects which minimise the environmental impacts of rail construction and enhance sustainable development by opening up new opportunities for economic growth and increased ecotourism.
The joint environmental conservation and habitat rehabilitation project is part of a series of projects Etihad Rail is undertaking in collaboration with government, private stakeholders and NGOs. Following the completion of the nature trail, a comprehensive biodiversity study of the wider Al Bithnah region will be conducted to determine water quality, identify environmentally significant habitats, alongside seeking to enable preservation of local biodiversity. This will be accompanied by a socio-economic survey to identify areas, which can further empower the local community and foster sustainable economic growth.
The Al Bithnah Conservation Project aims to assist the community in adapting to rapid changes in the socio-economic world. The agreement signed between the project partners involves three key pillars, which are: supporting the growth of the local community, protecting the environment and biodiversity and preserving the UAE’s natural heritage. (WAM)