Annual Report Water Research and Learning Programme Wadi Wurayah National Park Fielding Season 2016–2017 PROJECT PARTNERS HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd

Annual Report Water Research and Learning Programme Wadi Wurayah National Park Fielding Season 2016–2017 PROJECT PARTNERS HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd. One of the largest international banks in the Middle East and a key financial partner and supporter of Wadi Wurayah National Park since 2006, HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd. established the Water Research and Learning Programme as part of its Global Water Programme. Fujairah Municipality The mission of Fujairah Municipality, a strategic partner and driver of Wadi Wurayah National Park development, is to provide advanced infrastructure, a sustainable environment, and excellence in services to the people of Fujairah. Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF is a UAE environmental non-governmental organisation established under the patronage of H. H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ruler’s representative in the western region and chairman of Environmental Agency Abu Dhabi. Since its establishment, Emirates Wildlife Society has been working in association with WWF, one of the largest and most respected independent global conservation organisations, to initiate and Lead Author: implement environmental conservation and education projects in the region. Alexander Cloke, Environmental Education Officer, WRLP EWS-WWF has been active in the UAE since 2001, and its mission is to work with people and institutions within the UAE and the region to conserve biodiversity and tackle climate change through education, awareness, policy, and science-based Reviewer: conservation initiatives. Alison Flaherty, Research and Learning Programme Manager, EWS-WWF

EWS-WWF Head Office Earthwatch Institute P.O. Box 45553 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates T: +971 2 634 7117 F: +971 2 634 1220 Earthwatch Institute is a leading global non-governmental organisation operating from offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Hong Kong, EWS-WWF Dubai Office Japan, Australia, and Brazil. The Earthwatch Institute engages communities in P.O. Box 454891 Dubai, United Arab Emirates T: +971 4 354 9776 F: +971 4 354 9774 environmental projects in more than 40 countries worldwide. Scientists, educators, students, corporations, and the general public are engaged in it’s initiatives to The Water Research & Learning Programme promote the understanding of and actions necessary for a sustainable environment. P.O. Box 9777 Wadi Wurayah National Park, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

For information about the programme, please contact [email protected]. www.ewswwf.ae

@ews_wwf /ews.wwf wwfuae @ews_wwf /company/ews-wwf

Front Cover: © EWS-WWF

ANNUAL REPORT WATER RESEARCH AND LEARNING PROGRAMME Wadi Wurayah National Park Fielding Season 2016–2017

Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary 6 2. Wadi Wurayah National Park 8 3. The Water Research Centre (WRC) 9 3.1 Research at the Water Research Centre 10 4. The Water Research and Learning Programme (WRLP) 11 4.1 Goals and Objectives 12 4.2 Structure 13 4.3 Indoor Learning Activities 13 4.4 Research Activities 14 4.5 Main Outcomes 14 5. The Water Research and Learning Programme Fielding Season (October 2016–February 2017) 15 5.1 Overview of Fielding Season 15 5.2 Additional Programmes Hosted During Season 4 18 5.3 Participant Profiles 19 5.4 Programme Evaluation and Participant Feedback 20 5.5 Snapshots From the Feedback Surveys 22 5.6 Meet the Teams of Fielding Season 4 23 6. Acknowledgements 29

Image 1: View in the Wadi. 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY © EWS-WWF

This annual report summarises the activities of the 4th fielding season (October FIELDING 2016–February 2017) of the Water Research and Learning Programme in Wadi SEASON 4 Wurayah National Park, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. The Water Research and Learning Programme (WRLP), implemented in Wadi HOSTED Wurayah National Park, is a 4-year programme designed by Earthwatch Institute UK and implemented by EWS-WWF. The programme is funded by HSBC Bank 15 TEAMS Middle East as part of its Global Water Programme. This programme is facilitated through the strategic partnership and support of Fujairah Municipality. The WRLP TOTALLING is hosted by the Water Research Centre (WRC), located at the entrance of Wadi Wurayah National Park in Fujairah, which offers comfortable and convenient 154 HSBC facilities for participants during their 5-day experience. PARTICIPANTS. The WRLP’s goal is to educate and raise awareness on freshwater issues and resources among residents and citizens of the Middle East region, as well as to encourage the wise use of water resources, provide practical ways for individuals Image 2: The majlis tent. to reduce their water footprint, conduct freshwater ecological research, and develop policies and regulations for the national park based on relevant scientific knowledge. THE WRLP The WRLP conducts field research and educational activities that support the ongoing conservation activities within Wadi Wurayah National Park and CONDUCTS FIELD offers participants an opportunity to contribute to important freshwater and RESEARCH AND conservation research.

During Fielding Season 4 (October 2016–February 2017), the programme hosted Kingma / EWS-WWF © Wouter EDUCATIONAL 15 teams totalling 154 HSBC participants and 13 of their family members from 9 ACTIVITIES different countries across the Middle East and North Africa. In addition, 7 students and 2 teachers from schools in the UAE joined to form the programme’s THAT SUPPORT 3rd student team. The students are winners of the TAQADDAM programme by HSBC, British Council and educational bodies. An additional programme THE ONGOING developed by Earthwatch, the Sustainability Leadership Programme (SLP), was CONSERVATION also hosted during the fielding season. Participants not only learned about freshwater resources, flora, and fauna of Wadi ACTIVITIES Wurayah National Park but also conducted research and contributed significant data that will be used in future conservation work for the Wadi. Participants WITHIN WADI surveyed 45 sample plots of vegetation, tagged 84 dragonflies, performed over 1404 WURAYAH water quality tests on 18 different water variables, performed over 85 freshwater watch tests, and measured 583 toads. These significant efforts have provided NATIONAL PARK. invaluable data that our scientists would not otherwise have had the capacity to collect, leading to the creation of a unique database of great scientific value.

Image 3: View of the Wadi.

Wadi Wurayah is located in the Al Hajar Mountains in the Emirate of Fujairah. The Water Research Centre (WRC) opened in 2013 and is home to the Water IN 2009 This exceptional location—known for its rich flora and fauna and its rate yet Research and Learning Programme, as well as additional programmes developed permanent freshwater resources—was identified as a significant ecosystem for by Earthwatch. Its objective is to provide a venue for training and research WADI WURAYAH preservation. In 2006, the Fujairah Municipality, the Government of Fujairah, and activities that aim to advance awareness and scientific knowledge of freshwater EWS-WWF joined forces to assess the biodiversity of the Wadi and its merit for resources in Wadi Wurayah National Park. This centre was launched at Wadi WAS DECLARED conservation. This important step was funded by HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd. and Wurayah National Park in the Emirate of Fujairah under a partnership among supported by other partners. EWS-WWF, HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd., Earthwatch, and Fujairah Municipality, THE UAE’S FIRST with funding from HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd. The centre consists of a village The fragile ecosystem was found to be extremely important for conservation, and of portable cabins located at the entrance of Wadi Wurayah National Park. This MOUNTAIN in March 2009, Wadi Wurayah was declared the UAE’s first Mountain Protected village includes staff and volunteer accommodations, a learning room, an outdoor Area by Decree No. 2, signed by H. H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, classroom, an environmental lab, offices and common living areas, such as a dining PROTECTED supreme council member and ruler of Fujairah. The Mountain Protected Area room, a kitchen, and a mosque. An onsite majlis (an Arabic term meaning “a place covers a 219 km2 area between the towns of Khor Fakkan, Bidiyah, and Masafi. AREA. to sit or gather”) offers participants a place to relax while sharing stories, playing Sheltering a rich diversity of rare, endangered mountain and freshwater habitats games, and discussing the day’s events. and species, as well as providing opportunities for the sustenance and revival of Surrounding this village is a large expanse of land, protected by a fence and local livelihoods, Wadi Wurayah is a critical area for environmental and cultural offering an unobstructed view of the mountains. In their free time, participants can preservation. In 2010, Wadi Wurayah National Park officially joined the list of over explore this area and observe local species, including the indigenous trees Ziziphus 2,000 wetlands around the world declared to be of international importance by the spina-christi (Sidr tree) and Acacia tortilis (Samar), which surround the area and Ramsar Secretariat. It is the 2nd Ramsar site in the UAE (site number 1,932) after provide shelter for various species of insects, reptiles, and amphibians, among IN 2010 Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. other organisms. WADI WURAYAH This successful partnership, featuring entities from the public, private, and non- The WRC aspires to be the premier water research and learning centre in the profit sectors, continued working together in Wadi Wurayah on research, and in Middle East; it hopes to inspire local and regional communities to preserve BECAME A 2013, the government of Fujairah appointed EWS-WWF to help develop a strategic freshwater resources and ecosystems for current and future use. RAMSAR plan to establish Wadi Wurayah as the first national park in the UAE. Since then, Fujairah Municipality solely manages the national park. SITE OF Currently, Wadi Wurayah National Park is closed to visitors to preserve its fragile INTERNATIONAL natural ecosystems. However, it is home to the Water Research Centre and hosts IMPORTANCE. the Water Research and Learning Programme. © EWS-WWF

Image 4: A view of the cabins.

8 Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2016–2017 Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2016–2017 9 3.1 RESEARCH AT THE WATER RESEARCH CENTRE 4. THE WATER RESEARCH Research at the WRC is coordinated by EWS-WWF for Wadi Wurayah park management and contributes to helping the park establish an effective conservation strategy for local habitats. The WRC invites researchers from around AND LEARNING the world. Each week, volunteers join the research staff and assist in conducting field research aimed at further comprehending anthropogenic effects on habitats; moreover, this weekly gathering aims to preserve and secure water pools and streams that are vital lifelines to an entire ecosystem of plants, insects, PROGRAMME (WRLP) and animals. The WRLP was launched in 2013 concurrently with the WRC. This 4-year The main objectives of the scientific research conducted at the WRC are as follows: OVER 900 programme, unprecedented in the Middle East and North Africa, is unique for the • Monitor the population of key species region in the field of environmental education and citizen science. This programme By being aware of population trends of plant and animal species, the park INDIVIDUALS inspires local and regional communities to preserve freshwater resources and management can adopt appropriate conservation and management measures ecosystems and to develop an appreciation for nature. to safeguard the protected area. HAVE BEEN This programme, which is funded by HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd., hosts • Conduct ecological studies ENGAGED participants who serve as invaluable resources by supplying time and energy Some of the basic information on important species—such as breeding for scientific data collection. Such data gathering is a crucial contribution to the season, activity rhythms, habitat and food preferences, temperature range, TO SPREAD development of conservation strategies aimed at preserving the biodiversity and productivity, and survival rate—is still unknown. Such information is needed freshwater resources of the Wadi, thus contributing to the long-term conservation for future conservation plans. AWARENESS OF of the national park. • Conduct hydrological surveys and monitoring of surface water to FRESHWATER Data collected at the WRC through the WRLP contribute to the overall scientific determine the best habitat for water-dependent organisms research in Wadi Wurayah National Park. Furthermore, they contribute to the Undertaking this activity over several years will identify water flow and the ISSUES Earthwatch Freshwater Watch Programme, which aims to assess water quality at locations of springs and pools that hold water for long periods. It will help more than 35,000 locations around the world and involve over 100,000 people in create a picture of the dynamics of watercourses, a key area to understand TO WIDER a programme to learn about and safeguard the quality and supply of freshwater in given that many fauna are largely dependent on surface water for survival. AUDIENCES. the future. • Identify threats and take actions Over the programme’s 4 years, more than 900 individuals have been engaged to The national park is now closed to the public. However, before closing, the spread awareness of freshwater issues to a wider audience. Wadi saw a large volume of visitors every year. This placed the park under severe strain, as the protected area was subject to a variety of threats posed by visitors, such as littering and graffiti. In addition, the park’s biodiversity faces many other threats, such as overgrazing, disease, invasive species, climate change, poaching, and harvesting of vegetation. Assessing these threats and understanding how they impact the Wadi’s natural systems are the ultimate objectives of research conducted at the WRC. © EWS-WWF © EWS-WWF CITIZEN SCIENCE CONTRIBUTES TO WATER QUALITY DATA COLLECTED FROM OVER 35,000 Image 5: Catching dragonflies for tagging. Image 6: Weighing a toad. LOCATIONS WORLDWIDE.

10 Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2016–2017 Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2016–2017 11 4.1 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 4.2 STRUCTURE • Sustaining fresh water is a critical issue. This programme aims to bring into Each fielding session comprises a 5-day module consisting of both field research the spotlight this important resource upon which all species depend. The and in-class theoretical lectures. Each fielding season comprises weekly fielding programme provides an understanding of the unique challenges faced in this sessions that are delivered over the cooler months of September through April. region of the world and provides perspective on how fresh water does and will The indoor learning component is designed by Earthwatch and delivered by EWS- affect our lives, the lives of others, and businesses. Participants also connect to WWF. These sessions aim to educate and raise awareness on freshwater issues broader environmental issues that relate to water through the fieldwork they in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the outdoor field research, led by EWS-WWF, support. This research is vital for the development of policies and regulations directly relates to freshwater and conservation research necessary for the long-term based on relevant scientific knowledge. management of Wadi Wurayah National Park. The programme’s key objectives are as follows: Participants who successfully complete the programme become certified as Citizen • Provide a broad education, both globally and regionally, on key environmental Science Leaders (CSLs) as part of the wider HSBC Water Programme. Each CSL is issues connected to fresh water. required to continue his or her work after leaving the WRC by engaging a minimum of 50 people around water and environmental issues. In addition, CSLs leave with • Deliver important research data for a global freshwater programme (the HSBC a feeling of accomplishment, knowing that their contributions to the research Water Programme) and contribute to water and ecosystems research inside have played a vital role in helping scientists reach their objectives. They also leave Wadi Wurayah National Park. trained and equipped to continue their own field research as part of Earthwatch’s • Explore water-related risks and opportunities for businesses in the Middle Freshwater Watch Programme, which aims to provide data on freshwater from East and their connection to HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd. around the world. • Motivate and enable participants to inspire others around water issues as Citizen Science Leaders. 4.3 INDOOR LEARNING ACTIVITIES Indoor learning sessions supplement the field research by informing participants of critical global and regional freshwater issues. While field research focuses on species within the Wadi, indoor sessions focus on human use of freshwater resources. Water scarcity, excessive withdrawal from aquifers, desalination, and © EWS-WWF other issues are identified and discussed. Once an overall picture of water resources is painted, participants focus on critical freshwater issues in the Middle East. Participants are given the opportunity to reflect on their roles in water conservation by calculating their own water footprint and coming up with solutions, especially those that can be supported by the participants’ business. Throughout the learning journey, they develop an understanding of how these issues can affect their business and the global economy. By the end of the journey, the combination of theoretical learning and time in nature leaves them with a personal purpose and vision for changing habits and raising awareness. One of the requirements for CSLs is to spread awareness about water issues to 50 people in their respective communities, which means that, as a result of this fielding season, over 7,000 people will be exposed to the pressing issues surrounding freshwater in the Middle East and beyond.

Water and the world Water and the Middle East Water and your business Water and you Image 7: Volunteers performing Freshwater Watch.

12 Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2016–2017 Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2016–2017 13 4.4 RESEARCH ACTIVITIES 5. THE WRLP FIELDING During each fielding session, participants are trained to conduct field research that contributes to the Wadi’s overall conservation. These activities include participating in Freshwater Watch (a global citizen science programme), SEASON 4 (OCTOBER 2016– monitoring water-quality parameters, performing point-counts, and tagging dragonflies and toads. Participants are also engaged in environmental lab activities, such as water- FEBRUARY 2017) quality testing, aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate identification, and zooplankton counting and identification. All data collected during the fielding sessions contribute to painting a fuller picture of the Wadi’s natural system, the state of its 5.1 OVERVIEW OF FIELDING SEASON 4 health, and the health of its wild inhabitants. The Water Research and Learning Programme boasted another successful fielding season in its 4th and final year. Fifteen teams participated in Fielding Season 4 (October 2016–February 2017), completing the Water Research and Learning PARTICIPANTS Programme and becoming CSLs. HSBC employees and their families, as well as © EWS-WWF PERFORMED some students, participated this year. The feedback from these participants was exceptionally positive and inspiring. OVER Participants spent a significant number of hours collecting data within the Wadi for research. They surveyed 45 sample plots of vegetation, performed over 1,404 tests 1,404 on 18 different water variables, helped tag 77 dragonflies and 17 toads, performed 85 freshwater watch tests, and measured 617 toads. TESTS ON 18 The details of this research can be found in the Water Research and Learning DIFFERENT Programme Scientific Report for Fielding Season 4. This report is available WATER on demand. The enthusiasm of the CSLs continued after they left the programme. VARIABLES AND Participants arranged school presentations, environmental clean-ups, and water footprint– reduction campaigns and initiatives, as well as other activities. Fielding HELPED TAG 77 Season 4 was truly successful in reaching the objectives of the programme. DRAGONFLIES.

Image 8: Water quality tests in the laboratory. 4.5 MAIN OUTCOMES At the end of each fielding session, the programme does the following: • Encourage a deeper sense of connection to water issues in Wadi Wurayah National Park. • Increase scientific understanding of Wadi Wurayah National Park. • Offers a first-hand experience of field research and science. • Increase the understanding of the importance of water in the Middle East and how the issues relate to various business activities and the supply chain. PARTICIPANTS PERFORMED • Build a network of CSLs interested in sustainability and water issues. • Increase confidence to inspire others to conserve water. 85 FRESHWATER WATCH TESTS, MEASURED 617 • Impart a sense of purpose and commitment to water issues. TOADS, AND TAGGED 17 TOADS.

Dragonflies are captured with butterfly nets and then pinned down to a magnetic

© EWS-WWF board without harming them. Once a dragonfly is pinned, a number is written on 77 were tagged, the upper right wing. Tagged dragonfly sightings are also recorded to understand dragonfly movement and life expectancy. 16 recaptured

TOAD CAPTURING AND TAGGING

Toads are usually found within a 10-meter radius of streams. After capturing a toad, researchers measure the rear leg length and full body length, and the toad’s weight 617 were is also recorded. Toads bigger than 40 mm are tagged using PIT (passive integrated measured, transponder) tags before being released. This research helps build morphometric data for future analysis and helps us to further comprehend the ecology of the species. 17 tagged, and Monitoring toad populations can also provide good indications of water quality. 12 recaptured

Image 9: Slender skimmer (Orthetrum sabina). ODONATA POINT COUNTS

During an Odonata point count, the presence and behaviour of all Odonata species 20 species within an area are recorded. were recorded

FRESHWATER WATCH

Nitrate and phosphate levels and turbidity in water bodies are tested by standard methods. © Alexander Cloke / EWS-WWF © 85 freshwater Tests were repeated at regular intervals to monitor trends. These data contribute to watch tests were establishing a water- quality database for park records. conducted

VEGETATION SURVEY

A vegetation survey was carried out to estimate the density of the most abundant plots were species. The species assessed during the season was Tephrosia apollinea. Also, 45 Image 10: Sinai agama (Pseudotrapelus sinaitus). a biomass measurement for the same species was carried out. The biomass surveyed, and 32 measurement is carried out to understand the carrying capacity of the national samples were collected park, which is to be used in future programmes to reintroduce ungulates. for biomass assessment

WATER QUALITY TESTING

The following water parameters were measured: biological oxygen demand (BOD) and the redox potential (ORP). Along with salinity, ammonia, pH, tests on 18 dissolved oxygen (DO), and other parameters. This will help us to further 1,404 understand the water chemistry within the Wadi. parameters were conducted © Alexander Cloke / EWS-WWF ©

STUDY OF FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY COMPONENTS

Freshwater invertebrates are collected, identified, and released, providing important information about the health of the water bodies 363 freshwater 64 zooplankton in Wadi Wurayah. They are commonly used as indicators of changes in invertebrates were specimens, and water quality. collected and identified, 81 exuviae Image 11: Jayakar’s Oman lizard (Omanosaura jayakari).

16 Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2016–2017 Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2016–2017 17 5.2 ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMES HOSTED 5.3 PARTICIPANT PROFILES WRLP hosts participants that represent most countries across the MENA region. DURING SEASON 4 Fielding Season 4 enjoyed a great variety of age groups and nationalities. As in The Water Research Centre had the privilege of hosting an additional Earthwatch Fielding Season 3, the majority of participants came from the UAE, with a high programme during the 4th fielding season. After much success during the 2nd and number of participants from Egypt. Fielding Season 4 also enjoyed the largest 3rd fielding seasons, the Sustainability Leadership Programme (SLP) returned once number of participants from Bahrain in all 4 years. As in the previous fielding more to the WRC. season, the majority of participants were men aged 26 to 35. Like the WRLP, this programme aims to understand and advance our knowledge on climate change and its linkages with freshwater sources, ecosystems, and the eder species dependent on them in Wadi Wurayah National Park. Earthwatch staff visited from abroad to deliver these programmes to HSBC employees from around the MENA region. The SLP took place in late February and comprised facilitated sessions focusing 66 Female on climate change and the environment, as well as HSBC policy and commitments to sustainability. The programme was designed to empower executives with 110 sustainability issues in their workplaces. Male A few special teams participated in the WRLP during season 4. Team 72 was a COO team, team 76 was a departmental team, 2 family teams also attended the WRLP in December and February, where HSBC staff were able to bring along a family outr Attedae member, and team 80 was the 3rd student team to spend a week at the WRC taking part in the WRLP. urkey uait

Image 12: COO team. ˂ ˃

18 Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2016–2017 Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2016–2017 19 Participants also felt that the programme had successfully increased their 5.4 PROGRAMME EVALUATION AND PARTICIPANT understanding of freshwater issues globally and locally. Moreover, participants found the programme to have been useful in increasing their understanding of FEEDBACK ecological research, its relevance to freshwater conservation, and the importance of The WRLP aims for continuous improvement to deliver a unique and memorable ecological data collection. experience to its participants. This requires close monitoring and continuous The feedback received on different modules and learning sessions remained highly evaluation of the programme and its components. At the end of each fielding positive. All modules and sessions were rated between 4.5 and 5 on a scale from 1 session, participants submit an evaluation form through an online system to to 5, with 1 being poor and 5 being excellent. describe their level of satisfaction with the programme. This form asks a variety of questions aimed at assessing the efficacy of the programme’s design and delivery. The form asks a variety of questions aimed at evaluating the programme’s success in reaching its objectives. Rating of modules by programme participants Feedback from Fielding Season 4 remained extremely positive after the first 3 fielding seasons. The continual changes and improvements applied to the learning sessions and research activities were very well received. Over 97% of Prograe Weloe ession participants believed that the programme was beneficial to them both personally and professionally, while 100% of participants would highly recommend this Researh ntrodution programme to others.

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20 Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2016–2017 Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2016–2017 21 5.5 SNAPSHOTS FROM THE FEEDBACK SURVEYS 5.6 MEET THE TEAMS OF FIELDING SEASON 4

“I am taking back this knowledge into To what extent did the my day-to-day life and now know how programme provide little changes can lead to big differences. an opportunity for you © EWS-WWF I can feel proud that I am giving back to to make a meaningful society and to nature by trying to reduce contribution to improving my carbon footprint as much as possible.” the state of the planet? Mohamed Nifraz Azhar, Team 73 er Signiﬁcantly Moderately signiﬁcantly

“The experience that I gained as an individual being at one with nature was To what extent did the truly enriching. Even a small ecosystem programme increase such as Wadi Wurayah is very important your sense of personal to a sustained environment. I was truly connection to the natural surprised to see that this arid landscape world? Team 72 is a reserve for fresh surface water.” “Very enriching and eye opening. The programme allowed us to cover all the key Padmashree Ramachandran, Team79 areas of the subject giving us insight into the problems facing freshwater resources.” er Signiﬁcantly Moderately signiﬁcantly Richa Sehgal

To what extent did the programme increase “The programme is like a wakeup call for © EWS-WWF increase your confidence all the countries to work together towards in your ability to make changing the world to a better world :)” a difference towards a Walaa Abdelaziz, Team 82 sustainable environment?

er Signiﬁcantly Moderately signiﬁcantly

“This is a really interesting and amazing

To what extent did the learning programme I should recommend programme increase your to my friends and family to be more aware commitment to inspiring in their daily actions. We’re learning too and engaging others many things in an easy way. Great thanks Team 73 around water issues? to the learning team.” “This is a great programme. We learned a lot about ecosystem lifecycles and the Lyes Guiz, Team 85 limited fresh water sources in the GCC.” Hussein Moghnieh er Signiﬁcantly Moderately signiﬁcantly

Team 74 “This is the best programme I have ever attended with very nice and professional team members. Well organised.” Mostafa Sabet

Team 75 Team 77 “I enjoyed being in this “I think it’s a fantastic programme to raise awareness on what can be done to programme as I gained conserve water.” Charley Joy a lot of knowledge about water issues in general as well as freshwater in the MENA region. © EWS-WWF The programme is very interesting and has many different approaches

to ensure that water © EWS-WWF awareness is understood. The field testing and the room sessions were very important to further explain the issues surrounding fresh water, effects on ecosystems and how to build the correct measurement and action to sustain fresh water on earth.” Elham Albaghdady

Team 78 © EWS-WWF “I would highly recommend this programme to all my colleagues at HSBC. It is Team 76 alarming how little we really know about water, how entitled we have collectively “Powerful messages that become and how unaware we are of our own personal footprint. The programme is were not known before truly informative, very intriguing and quite a lot of fun!” Noof Al Mutawa about water consumption and messages that won’t be forgotten.” Andy West

24 Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2016–2017 Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2016–2017 25 Team 79 “My belief in humanity is reinforced once again. The Earthwatch organisation and the © EWS-WWF EWS-WWF organisation © EWS-WWF have some truly inspired and dedicated staff running the WRLP. I wish them great success in achieving the goals that they have set for themselves and reach greater success in their endeavours to save not just water but all that is sustained by this precious resource.” Padmashree Ramachandran Team 82 “The programme really opened my eyes to something that I had never thought of before. We generally believe that water is free and available. It made me realise how little freshwater is left and how it is imperative for every human being to do whatever little they can, so that this can be conserved for the future of not only mankind but Team 80 © EWS-WWF planet earth. This programme should be opened to a wider audience so that more “The programme was people can learn and become aware of the issues and how everyone can contribute to an experience I will a better planet.” Leetha Perincheri never forget and I can’t help but say I would love to come back another day. A brilliant programme, with brilliant sessions and brilliant © EWS-WWF accommodations.” Eyad Hamid

Team 81 © EWS-WWF “It’s the perfect programme for increasing awareness Team 83 about water. I have “I cannot express how much this trip meant to me. We spent our days in the field already started to and the awareness that I gained, I will take forward in life and hopefully generate implement changes from change.” Yousef Al Rayes the information that I took away from my time at the Wadi.” Ibrahim Al Abed

“It is an unforgettable © EWS-WWF experience. Through We largely owe the success of the Water Research and Learning Programme to interesting sessions with HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd., a long-time partner of EWS-WWF that generously messages that were financed the development and operation of this project. simple and clear as well as a really good team that We are also grateful to the Fujairah Municipality and to the Fujairah Government were always available to for providing all necessary support to make the programme happen. explain and share their A special thanks to our partner, Earthwatch Institute UK, for creating a curriculum valuable knowledge, we learnedj a lot in a really that enabled participants to start a learning journey about freshwater resources engaging way.” and to start conversations; what’s more, our partner contributed much know-how Sarah Kahel that helped us develop our environmental and educational programme. We would also like to express sincere thanks to all HSBC volunteers and CSLs, all of whom devoted their time to obtain valuable data about the national park, which will contribute in shaping future conservation strategies. Finally, we would like to express gratitude to all EWS-WWF staff members who devoted their time and contributed their knowledge to make the WRLP one of the highest-ranking programmes in the HSBC Global Water Programme.

Team 85 © EWS-WWF “An amazing programme that offers so much to learn about protecting the natural environment. We thought that we knew much about water but with this programme we know more.” Fatima Ali © EWS-WWF

SLP 3 “Amazing, full of information and knowledge. Well organised.” Ali Dawood Al Maimani

Image 12: A species from the genus Truxalis (a Slant-faced Grasshopper) using mimicry as an anti-predation technique. Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2016–2017 31 Annual Report | WaterAnnual Report Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2016–2017

Established in 2001 under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, EWS-WWF’s mission is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the environment by working with people and institutions in the UAE and the region to implement conservation solutions through science, research, policy, education, and awareness. EWS-WWF For more information about EWS-WWF, please visit uae.panda.org