Welcometo this third edition of Arabian Wildlife magazine. I am particularly pleased
to bring you the main feature of this issue which reports upon the results
of a joint NCWCD/European Commission study of the Arabian Gulf’s status
two years after the Gulf War oil spill. It does not seem so long ago that
we were so terribly saddened by the ecological impact of the world’s largest
oil-slick. Few scientists would have predicted that the long term effects
for underwater life would be so minimal, or that the recovery rate in parts
of the intertidal would be so encouraging. Whilst the upper shores, mangroves
and salt marshes were devastated by the oil’s killing tides, efforts to
save key habitats were remarkably successful and we have to be grateful
for all the wonderful support that we received to combat the worst effects
of the oil-slick. Indeed, rather than dwelling upon the downside of this
ecological nightmare, I prefer now to view its positive aspects. Among
these I shall never forget the great atmosphere of national and international
cooperation which brought together so many people and organisations.
One of the enduring lessons to be drawn from the
whole affair is that successful conservation efforts depend upon effective
local, regional, national and international cooperation. Many of the articles
in this issue allude to such cooperative efforts. Thus, for example we
can read of the great strides that are being made in bird conservation,
throughout Arabia and the Middle East, highlighted by publication of BirdLife
International’s fascinating publication on Important Bird Areas. One of
the participants of a UNESCO mission to Socotra, aimed at assessing its
suitability as a Biosphere Reserve, brings us a unique account of that
island’s wildlife. We can also read how modern technology and international
cooperation is enabling houbara bustards in Arabia to be tracked by satellites
whose operational bases are in France and the United States. These are
all fine examples of the type of cooperation that can spell the future
for saving Arabia’s unique and varied natural heritage.
Also in this issue we bring further news of Arabia’s
first Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition, together with a small
preview of some of the entered pictures. The competition is an important
reminder that wildlife studies and conservation must involve all our efforts.
We hope that the competition will become an annual event and that it will
help to foster a greater awareness of wildlife throughout Arabia and beyond.
Please do write and tell us your own views about
the magazine and about subjects that you would like to see covered. Meanwhile,
good reading and thank you for your interest in Arabian Wildlife.
Professor Abdulaziz H. Abuzinada