annual report water research and learning...

Annual ReportWater Research and Learning ProgrammeWadi Wurayah National ParkFielding Season 2014–2015

1 Marine Turtle Conservation Project Final Scientifc Report Marine Turtle Conservation Project Final Scientifc Report 21 Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2014–2015

Cover Photo Credit © EWS-WWF

For information about the program, please contact: [email protected]

Address:The Water Research & Learning Programme P.O BOX 9777Wadi Wurayah National Park, Fujairah, UAE

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 MunicipalityStrategic partner and driver of Wadi Wurayah National Park development. The mission of Fujairah Municipality is to provide advanced infrastructure, a sustainable environment, and excellence in services to the people of Fujairah.

Emirates Wildlife Society-WWFEmirates Wildlife Society-WWF is a UAE environmental nongovernmental 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 implement environmental conservation and education projects in the region. 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 conservation initiatives.

Earthwatch InstituteEarthwatch Institute is a leading global nongovernmental organisation operating from offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, and Brazil. The Earthwatch Institute engages communities in environmental projects in more than 40 countries worldwide. Scientists, educators, students, corporations, and the general public are engaged in initiatives to promote the understanding of and actions necessary for a sustainable environment.

Project partners

3 Marine Turtle Conservation Project Final Scientifc Report Marine Turtle Conservation Project Final Scientifc Report 4

Table of Contents1. Executive Summary 5

2. Wadi Wurayah National Park 7

3. The Water Research Centre (WRC) 8

3.1 Research at the Water Research Centre 9

4. The Water Research and Learning Programme (WRLP) 10

4.1 Goals and Objectives 11

4.2 Structure 12

4.3 Indoor learning activities 12

4.4 Research Activities 13

4.5 Main outcomes 13

5. The Water Research and Learning Programme Fielding Season 2 (October 2014–April 2015) 14

5.1 Overview of Fielding Season 2 14

5.2 Additional Programmes hosted during Season 2 17

5.3 Timeline of Events 18

5.4 Programme Evaluation and Participant Feedback 19

5.5 Snapshots from the feedback surveys 20

5.6 Participant profiles 21

5.7 Meet the teams of Fielding Season 2 22

5.8 H20 and SLP team photographs 34

6. What’s in the Pipeline for Season 3? 35

7. Media Coverage 36

8. Acknowledgements 37

Figure 1: View in the wadi

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ANNUAL REPORT WATER RESEARCH AND

LEARNING PROGRAMMEWadi Wurayah National Park Fielding Season 2014–2015

5 Marine Turtle Conservation Project Final Scientifc Report Marine Turtle Conservation Project Final Scientifc Report 6Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2014–2015 65 Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2014–2015

This annual report summarises the activities of Fielding Season 2 (October 2014–April 2015) of the Water Research and Learning Programme in Wadi Wurayah National Park, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.

The Water Research and Learning Programme (WRLP), implemented in Wadi Wurayah National Park, is a five-year programme designed by Earthwatch Institute UK and implemented by EWS-WWF. The programme is funded by HSBC Bank Middle East as part of its Global Water Programme. This programme is facilitated through the strategic partnership and support of Fujairah Municipality. The Water Research and Learning Programme is hosted by the Water Research Centre, located at the entrance of Wadi Wurayah National Park in Fujairah, which offers comfortable and convenient facilities for participants during their five-day module.

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 to reduce their water footprints, conduct freshwater ecological research, and develop policies and regulations based on relevant scientific knowledge.

The WRLP conducts field research as well as educational activities that support the ongoing conservation activities within Wadi Wurayah National Park and offers participants an opportunity to contribute to important freshwater and conservation research.

During Fielding Season 2 (October 2014–April 2015), the programme hosted 23 teams totalling 263 HSBC participants from 12 different countries across the Middle East and North Africa, including a team of students and teachers from the two winning schools of the Eco-Schools UAE World Day of Action competition. Two additional programmes developed by Earthwatch, the Sustainability Leadership Programme (SLP) and the H2O Programme, were also hosted during the fielding season.

Participants not only learned about the freshwater resources, flora, and fauna of Wadi Wurayah National Park but also conducted research and contributed significant data that will be used in future conservation work for the Wadi. Participants added 16 specimens to the herbarium, sampled over 30 quadrants (each covering an area of 1 m2 of vegetation), performed 2,496 tests on 16 different water variables, helped tag 318 dragonflies, performed 232 Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) point counts at six different locations, performed about 245 freshwater watch tests, and measured 517 toads. These significant efforts have provided invaluable data that our scientists would not otherwise have had the capacity to collect and have led to the creation of a unique database of great scientific value.

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

FIELDING SEASON 2

HOSTED 23 TEAMS

TOTALLING 263 HSBC PARTICIPANTS

Figure 2: The majlis tent

Figure 3: View of the wadi

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Wadi Wurayah is located in the Al Hajar Mountains in the Emirate of Fujairah. It is known for its rich flora and fauna and its rare permanent freshwater resources. This special location was identified by WWF as an ecoregion and an area important for conservation. In 2006, the Fujairah Municipality, the Government of Fujairah, and EWS-WWF joined forces to assess the biodiversity of the Wadi and its merit for conservation. This important step was funded by HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd. and supported by other partners. In March 2009, Wadi Wurayah was declared the UAE’s first Mountain Protected Area by decree No. 2, signed by H. H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, supreme council member and ruler of Fujairah. The Mountain Protected Area covers a 129 km2 area between Khor Fakhan and Bidiyah.

This successful collective, featuring entities from the public, private, and non-profit sectors, continued working together in Wadi Wurayah on research, and in 2013 the Government of Fujairah appointed EWS-WWF to help develop and establish Wadi Wurayah as the first national park in the UAE. EWS-WWF is developing a management plan in partnership with Fujairah Municipality and is also implementing key research activities in the Wadi.

Sheltering a rich diversity of rare, endangered mountain and freshwater habitats and species, as well as providing opportunities for the sustenance and revival of local livelihoods, Wadi Wurayah is a critical area for environmental and cultural preservation. In 2010, Wadi Wurayah National Park officially joined the list of 2,143 wetlands around the world declared to be of international importance by the Ramsar Secretariat. It is the second Ramsar site in the UAE (site number 1,932) after Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty signed by the UAE in 2007 that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

Currently, Wadi Wurayah National Park is closed to visitors to preserve its fragile natural ecosystems. However, it is home to the Water Research Centre and hosts the Water Research and Learning Programme.

2. WADI WURAYAH NATIONAL PARK

IN 2009 WADI WURAYAH WAS DECLARED THE

UAE’S FIRST MOUNTAIN

PROTECTED AREA

THE MOUNTAIN PROTECTED

AREA COVERS 129 KM2

The Water Research Centre (WRC), which opened in September 2013, is designed as a village of portable cabins located at the entrance of Wadi Wurayah National Park. The village consists of staff and volunteer accommodations, a learning room, an environmental lab, and offices, as well as common living areas such as a dining room, a kitchen, and a mosque. An onsite majlis (a traditional Emirati social space for meeting) offers participants a place to relax while sharing stories and discussing the day’s events. Participants may also explore the areas surrounding the centre to view local species of plants, including the indigenous trees Ziziphus spina-christi (Sidr tree) and Acacia tortilis (Samar), which surround the area and provide shelter for various species of insects, reptiles, and amphibians, among other organisms.

The WRC aspires to be the premier water research and learning centre in the Middle East, inspiring local and regional communities to preserve freshwater resources and ecosystems for current and future use. It is home to the Water Research and Learning Programme and other additional programmes developed by Earthwatch. It also hosts research activities that aim to advance scientific knowledge of freshwater resources in Wadi Wurayah National Park.

3. THE WATER RESEARCH CENTRE (WRC)

Figure 4: A views of the cabins

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3.1 RESEARCH AT THE WATER RESEARCH CENTREThrough advancing knowledge of the most important habitats and natural systems in the Wadi, the WRC contributes to preserving and securing water pools and streams that operate as a vital lifeline to an entire ecosystem of plants, insects, and animals dependent on them. The research at the WRC is coordinated by the Wadi Wurayah park management and contributes to helping the park establish an effective conservation strategy for local habitats.

The main objectives of the scientific research conducted at the WRC are as follows:

• Monitor the population of key species and invasive species By being aware of population trends of plant and animal species, the park management can adopt appropriate conservation and management measures to safeguard the protected area.

• Conduct ecological studies, including those on exotic species Some of the basic information on important species, such as breeding season, activity rhythms, habitat and food preferences, temperature range, productivity, and survival rate, are still unknown and are key for future conservation plans.

• Conduct hydrological surveys and monitoring on both ground and surface water to determine the best habitat for water-dependent organisms Undertaking this activity over several years will identify water flow and the locations of springs and pools that hold water for long periods. It will help create a picture of the dynamics of watercourses, a key area to understand given that many fauna are largely dependent on surface water for survival.

• Identify threats and take actions The national park is now closed off to the public. However, prior to this, the 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 the 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.

Figure 5: Attiya Mohsin from team 33 testing some water parameters. Figure 6: Participants from team 37 weighing toads

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This five-year programme, unprecedented in the Middle East and North Africa, was launched at Wadi Wurayah National Park in the Emirate of Fujairah in September 2013 under a partnership between EWS-WWF, HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd., Earthwatch, and Fujairah Municipality, with funding from HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd. Wadi Wurayah National Park is the only officially protected mountain area in the UAE, marking it as unique for the region in the field of environmental education and citizen science.

This programme inspires local and regional communities to preserve freshwater resources and ecosystems and to develop an appreciation for nature and its surroundings. The participants act as an invaluable resource by supplying time and energy for scientific data collection. Such data is necessary for contributing to the development of conservation strategies aimed at preserving the biodiversity and freshwater resources of the Wadi, thus contributing to the long-term conservation of the national park. Data collected at the WRC through the WRLP contributes to the overall scientific research in Wadi Wurayah National Park. Furthermore, it contributes to the Earthwatch Freshwater Watch Programme, which aims to assess water quality at more than 35,000 locations around the world and involve over 100,000 people in a programme to learn about and safeguard the quality and supply of freshwater in the future.

The first two years of the programme have hosted primarily HSBC employees, but subsequent years will host an increasing number of volunteers from other corporate sponsors. Over the span of five years, over 1,000 individuals will be engaged to spread awareness of freshwater issues to wider audiences.

4. THE WATER RESEARCH AND LEARNING

PROGRAMME (WRLP)OVER 1,000

INDIVIDUALS WILL BE

ENGAGED TO SPREAD

AWARENESS OF FRESHWATER

ISSUES TO WIDER

AUDIENCES


4.1 GOALS AND OBJECTIVESThe programme aims to “educate and raise awareness on issues regarding freshwater resources by encouraging the wise use of water and providing practical ways for citizens in the Middle East region to reduce their water footprints, as well as to conduct relevant freshwater ecology research and to develop policies and regulations based on relevant scientific knowledge.”

The programme’s key objectives are as follows:• Provide a broad education on key environmental issues connected to fresh water

both globally and regionally.• Deliver important research data for a global freshwater programme (the HSBC

Water Programme) and contribute to water and ecosystems research inside Wadi Wurayah National Park.

• Explore water-related risks and opportunities for business in the Middle East and their connection to HSBC Bank Middle East Ltd.

• Motivate and enable participants to inspire others around water issues as citizen science leaders.

Figure 7: Two couples from the family team (team 36) are performing Freshwater Watch.

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4.2 STRUCTUREThe programme is structured over a five-day module (a fielding session) that balances field research with in-class theoretical lectures. The modules are delivered during the cooler months of the year on a weekly basis, and each year of activity (September to April) is called a fielding season.

The indoor learning component is designed by Earthwatch and delivered by EWS-WWF and aims to educate and raise awareness on freshwater issues in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the outdoor field research, led by EWS-WWF, directly relates to freshwater and conservation research necessary for the long-term management of Wadi Wurayah National Park.

Each fielding session ends by engaging the participants in spreading water conservation awareness and challenging them to engage a minimum of 50 people in their networks post completion to continue amplifying the awareness reach of the programme. In addition to that, the participants leave with a feeling of accomplishment, knowing that their contribution towards the research has played a vital role in helping scientists reach their objectives. Additionally, after completion of the fielding session, participants become citizen science leaders as part of the wider HSBC Water Programme.

4.3 INDOOR LEARNING ACTIVITIESIndoor learning sessions supplement the field research by informing participants of critical global and regional freshwater issues. Water scarcity, excessive withdrawal from aquifers, desalination, and other issues are identified and discussed. Potential solutions, especially those that can be supported by the participants’ business, are also explored.

Once an overall picture of water resources is painted, participants focus on critical freshwater issues in the Middle East and on the importance of water conservation from a business perspective. Participants then calculate their own water consumption footprints and explore ways to reduce their consumption.

Water and the world

Water and the Middle East

Water and your business

Water and you


4.4 RESEARCH ACTIVITIESDuring the 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, as well as monitoring water quality parameters, performing point counts and tagging of dragonflies, and setting camera traps to monitor ungulates and carnivores. Participants are also engaged in environmental lab activities, such as water quality testing, aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate identification, and zooplankton counting and identification. All data collected during the fielding session contribute in painting a fuller picture of the wadi’s natural system, the state of its health, and the health of its wild inhabitants.

Figure 8: Adrian Fernando from team 33 performing water tests in the lab.

4.5 MAIN OUTCOMESAt the end of each fielding session, the programme• Encourages a deeper sense of connection to water issues in Wadi Wurayah

National Park• Increases scientific understanding of Wadi Wurayah National Park• Offers a first-hand experience of field research and science• Increases understanding of the importance of water in the Middle East and how

this relates to various business activities and the supply chain• Builds a network of citizen science leaders interested in sustainability and water

issues• Increases confidence to inspire others to conserve water• Instils a sense of purpose and commitment to water issues

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5.1 OVERVIEW OF FIELDING SEASON 2The Water Research and Learning Programme boasted another successful fielding season in its second year. Twenty-three teams participated in Fielding Season 2 (October 2014–April 2015), completing the Water Research and Learning Programme and becoming citizen science leaders. HSBC employees and their families, as well as some students, participated this year. They hailed from 10 different countries and ranged from ages 16 to 61. The feedback from these participants was exceptionally positive and inspiring.

Participants spent a significant number of hours collecting data for research within the wadi. They contributed 16 specimens to the herbarium, sampled over 60 m2 of vegetation, performed over 2,496 tests on 16 different water variables, helped tag around 318 dragonflies, performed over 245 freshwater watch tests, and measured 517 toads.

The details of this research can be found in the Water Research and Learning Programme Scientific Report for Fielding Season 2. This report is available on demand.

One of the requirements of the citizen science leaders is to spread awareness about water issues to 50 people in their communities, which means that as a result of this fielding season, over 13,000 people will be exposed to the pressing issues surrounding fresh water in the Middle East and beyond.

Aside from learning and research activities, the second year of the Water Research and Learning Programme provided participants with a unique view into an ecosystem slowly recovering from the effects of a flash flood and benefiting from a lower human footprint at the park.

5. THE WRLP FIELDING SEASON 2 (OCTOBER

2014–APRIL 2015)

PARTICIPANTS CONTRIBUTED 16

SPECIMENS TO THE HERBARIUM. AND

SAMPLED OVER 60 M2 OF VEGETATION.

PARTICIPANTS PERFORMED OVER 2,496 TESTS ON

16 DIFFERENT WATER VARIABLES AND HELPED

TAG AROUND 318 DRAGONFLIES.

PARTICIPANTS PERFORMED OVER 245 FRESHWATER

WATCH TESTS AND MEASURED 517 TOADS


Figure 9: Third, mating pair of Ischnura evansi damselflies

Figure 10: Pair of male Crocothemis sanguinolenta dragonflies

Figure 11: Male Arabineura khalidi damselfly standing on a toad

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Exuviae (layers of skin or cuticle shed periodically by insects and other arthropods) of various dragonflies are collected in the field. Some aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates are also collected in the field and then identified in the research lab. Zooplankton are also monitored through collection, quantification, and identification.

STUDY OF BIODIVERSITY COMPONENTS

234 Exuviae collected

420 Specimens of 2 species of zooplankton collected and identified

Dragonflies are captured with butterfly nets and then pinned down to a magnetic board without harming them. Once the dragonfly is pinned, a number is written on its upper right wing, and measurements of full body length, abdomen length, and wing width are taken before the dragonfly is released. Tagged dragonfly sightings are also recorded to understand their movement and life expectancy.

DRAGONFLY TAGGING

About 318 dragonflies tagged and measured

Toads are usually found within a 10-meter radius of streams. After capturing the toad, researchers measure the rear leg length and full body length, and the toad’s weight is recorded, as well. The toads are then released. This research helps build morphometric data for future analysis. Monitoring toad populations can also provide good indications of water quality.

TOAD CAPTURING

517 Toads caught, measured, and released

During an Odonata point count, an area of about eight meters in diameter is marked. Then, at 15-minute intervals, the presence and behaviour of all Odonata species that appear within the marked area are recorded.

ODONATA POINT

COUNTS

232 Point counts conducted at 6 different locations

A number of small animals, like rodents and hedgehogs, are captured in safe, harmless traps for vital measurements and information such as weight and gender to better understand the wadi’s ecosystem. These mammals are then released.

SMALL MAMMAL TRAPPING

3 Male egyptian spiny mice captured

Nitrate and phosphate levels and turbidity in water bodies are tested by standard methods. Tests were repeated at regular intervals to monitor trends. This data contributes to establishing a water quality database for park records.

FRESHWATERWATCH

245 FreshwaterWatch testsConducted

Different plant species of the wadi are observed and collected to form herbarium records for the Wadi. These flora samples are identified, pressed, and preserved for future reference. Vegetation monitoring is also carried out to estimate flora diversity (richness and abundance) and phenology (life cycle in relation to climate), and biomass measuring to understand the carrying capacity of the national park is to be used in future reintroduction programmes of ungulates.

HERBARIUM DEVELOPMENT 16 Specimens

collected and preserved

Freshwater Watch is a global research project developed by Earthwatch that enables those trained in performing the tests to do so on their own time. Water quality testing is important to determine the health of an ecosystem. Sixteen different parameters of water quality were selected and tested in the lab. In addition to helping Freshwater Watch, this data also contributes to establishing a water quality database for park records.

WATER QUALITY TESTING

2,496 Tests on 16 parametersConducted


5.2 ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMES HOSTED DURING SEASON 2The Water Research Centre had the privilege of hosting two additional Earthwatch programmes during the second fielding season. These include the Sustainability Leadership Programme (SLP) and the H2O Programme.

Similar to the Water Research and Learning Programme, both programmes aim to understand and advance our knowledge of freshwater sources, ecosystems, and the 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 Sustainability Leadership Programme took place in early February, comprising facilitated sessions focusing on climate change and the environment as well as HSBC policy and commitments to sustainability. The programme was designed to empower executives on sustainability issues in their workplaces.

The H2O Programme hosted two teams in March. These sessions focused on issues related to freshwater as well as leadership. Participants were given the opportunity to link their experience in the wadi with leadership skills that could be translated in their workplaces.

In addition to the SLP and H2O Programme, two winners of the Eco-Schools UAE World Day of Action competition were given the opportunity to participate in the Water Research and Learning Programme in November 2014 at Wadi Wurayah National Park. The winning schools were Al Ittihad Private School, Mamzar, from Dubai, and Delhi Private School, Sharjah. Five students and two teachers from each school camped in Wadi Wurayah for five days.

Figure 12: SLP team

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5.3 TIMELINE OF EVENTS

Oct.11–15 October

The arrival of Team 27, the first team of Fielding Season 2.

Nov.1 November

The second flash flood of 2014 was witnessed by Team 30.

Dec.

Jan.11 January

A team of 28 high- ‐ranking HSBC executives from around the MENA region joined the group.

Feb.01 February

The first Sustainability Leadership Programme Team (SLP Team 73) arrived at the centre.

Mar.15 March

The first H2O team, Team 15, arrived at the centre.

Apr.31 April

The last Water Research and Learning Programme team of Fielding Season 2, Team 49, left the centre.


5.4 PROGRAMME EVALUATION AND PARTICIPANT FEEDBACKThe Water Research and Learning Programme aims for continuous improvement to deliver a unique and memorable experience to its participants. This requires close monitoring and continuous evaluation of the programme and its components.

At the end of each fielding season, participants are asked to fill out an evaluation form to assess their level of satisfaction with the programme. This form asks questions about how much the participants learned from the programme as well as about the delivery of the programme and the design of its various elements.

Feedback from Fielding Season 2 remained very positive after the first fielding season. Some of the changes made to the learning sessions and research activities proved to be very well received.

All participants agreed that they had benefited on a personal level from the programme, and an overwhelming 97% of participants believed that the programme would benefit them in their professional work environments. All participants also said that they would recommend the programme to a colleague.

Participant responses on personal and professional benefits from the programme

• yes • no

0 50 100 150 200 250

Professionally

Personally

Participants also felt that the programme had successfully increased their understanding of freshwater issues globally and locally. Moreover, participants found the programme to have been useful in increasing their understanding of ecological research, its relevance to freshwater conservation, and the importance of ecological data collection.

The feedback received on different modules and learning sessions remained highly positive. All modules and sessions were rated between 4 and 5 on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being poor and 5 being excellent.

0 1 2 3 4 5Inspirational Communication and Action

Water and Business Water in Our World

Water and the Middle EastThe Global Water Challenge

Fieldwork Tasks Demonstration and Training Research Introduction and Training

Walk and TalkProgramme Introduction and Opening

Rating of modules by programme participants

97% OF PARTICIPANTS

BELIEVED THAT THE

PROGRAMME WOULD

BENEFIT THEM PROFESSIONALLY

ALL MODULES AND SESSIONS

WERE RATED

BETWEEN 4 AND 5 ON A SCALE

FROM 1 TO 5

5.5 SNAPSHOTS FROM THE FEEDBACK SURVEYS

To what extent did the programme increase

your understanding of freshwater issues globally

and locally? 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

• Moderately• Significantly

• Very significantly

“It is amazing to learn how much water we are using and how scarce fresh water actually is. I also learned that we are not the only creatures that depend on fresh water, but we should take the initiative to assure it is present.”—Hasan Al Issa, Team 27


your understanding of how research relates to

freshwater issues?0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%



“Well thought and logically structured programme. Reinforces theory with field research programme/activities. Allows participants to be creative and think of new ways to help contribute.”—George Rajah, Team 27


your sense of personal connection to the natural

world?0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%



“The adventure in the desert was amazing with dragonflies and frogs. I used to be afraid of them but not anymore. I realized that water feeds everything.”—Karim Moneer, Team 28

To what extent did the programme motivate

you to think about water and the environment in

your day-to-day decision-making? 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%



“I learned to appreciate water much more than before. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that saving one drop of water and keeping it pure and clean can save at least one life or species.”—Lubna Abdelsalem, Team 34


5.6 PARTICIPANT PROFILESFielding Season 2 enjoyed a varied mix of participants and age groups. Unlike in Fielding Season 1, the majority of participants came from the UAE, with Egyptian participants coming in second (they were first in the first season). The majority were male, ages 26 to 35.

96 168Figure 13: Gender breakdown among participants in the Water Research and Learning Programme

0 20 40 60 80 100

IndiaJordan

UKPalestine

KuwaitQatarOman

LebanonAlgeria

BahrainEgypt

UAE

Figure 14: Country breakdown among participants

0 20 40 60 0 20 40 6080

>45 years

41-45 years

36-40 years

31-35 years

26-30 years

21-25 years

<21 years

Figure 15: Age breakdown among participants

5.7 MEET THE TEAMS OF FIELDING SEASON 2“The entire experience was amazing, but it’s the people who were part of the programme that made it exceptional. From EWS-WWF staff to all the HSBC volunteers, each one’s contribution made it an amazing experience.”Merissca Lye, Team 27

Team 27: 11 October–15 October, 2014Hasan Al Issa - Rania Awwad - Kailash Gurbaxani - Dhruba Sakti - George Rajah Zeina Mansour - Mona Toama - Ayesha Ebrahim - Merissca Lye - Zaina Hijazi

“I think it is a great opportunity for anyone to join the programme, as it gives you adventure and curiosity about water and nature.”Mahmoud Ezzeldin, Team 28

Team 28: 18 October–23 October, 2014Ahmed Refaei - Saleh Hashim - Mohammed Al Ansari - Ayoob Al Hashimi Khaled Al Qadeeri - Lachemot Nahil - Trudi Tucker - Mahmoud Ezzeldin Mahmoud Ramdan - Gavier Carpio - Ahd Assem - Karimeldin Moneer

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“Honestly, I’ve never ever went to a course like this where everything was comfortable and perfect. This is one of the best programmes I’ve been to. I would like to come back again to help with fieldwork.”Sabrina Al Sulaimani, Team 29

Team 29: 25 October–29 October, 2014Felicia Fernandes - Dihia Khodja - Carmen Sabella - Christine Najjar Kettouche Kamelia - Yassamine Titri - Dina Al Anwar - Dalia Saad Nour Ammar - Sabrina Al Sulaimani

“Would have loved to see more of the wadi, more hiking/walking. I realize and appreciate that the programme needs to cater to different people, but maybe one or two weeks could feature more physical activity.”Eline Wolfaardt, Team 30

Team 30: 01 November—05 November, 2014Eline Wolfaardt - Ryan Bell - Michael Smith - Vipin Vaidyanathan - Iain Russell Mushtaq Zainudeen - John Maton - Faris Fayrouz - Kamel Taleb

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“This trip was exceptionally educating, enriching, and fun filled. I took away the spirit of learning in a group as a citizen science leader.”Maryam Siddiqi, Team 31

Team 31, the winners of the Eco-Schools UAE World Day of Action competition: 08 November–12 November, 2014Sultan Ayoub Alzarouni - Khalifa AlSheikh - Ahmed Almarri - Saeed Obaid Al Hathboor - Abdulla Abdulrahim Wali - Arushi Mada - Maryum Siddiqi Vysakh Satheesh - Sanket Khanwani - Manu Rajesh - Sabitha Mohyadeen Anjum Hasan - Munir Ahmad

“The programme settings on the field and research trips were excellent. The schedule of the programme is perfectly planned. I acquired lots of information and feel I should contribute in reducing water consumption in my community.” Imad Ansari, Team 32

Team 32: 22 November–26 November, 2014Imad Al Ansari - Hany Refaat - Subramanian Seshadri - Mohammad Al Alami Mohammed Khawaja - Ajit Sankhe - Sicily Soman - Raad Bader - Imran Jindani Abdul Yahya - Abderrahmane Abroun

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“Amazing, interesting, effective, very fun. The programme improves the level of awareness people have and shows us why people should care about water consumption. Perfect programme with perfect management and staff. Thank you to all the staff who helped us and took good care of us.”Attiya Mohsin, Team 33

Team 33: 29 November–3 December, 2014Rana Rashidi - Adrian Fernando - Sabarinathan Radhakrishnan Sulekha Sarkar - Hasan Barni - Attiya Mohsin - Alistair Howarth - Emile Ima’ed Hamid Sahnouni - Siham Ouzaich - Nadjib Rabahi - Farah Kaci

“The overall set-up is engaging. It is well planned from the time of arrival to the time we depart. The learning sessions are designed to help us absorb and retain information.”Ibrahim Abdulrahim, Team 34

Team 34: 06 December–10 December, 2014Hasan Alalawi - Alya Jaber - Maya Mounayer - Iveta Beirakdarova Reem El Fatayri - Kaci Sadat - Simon Burdett - Ibrahim Rahim Lubna Abdelsalam - Amira El-Shaikh - Ahmed Hegab - Joseph Proctor

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“This programme has given me the chance to live the most wonderful days of my life. It was a great experience, and whoever has the chance should participate. It gives you a lot to learn and inspires you to save water around the world.”Anonymous, Team 35

Team 35: 13 December–17 December, 2014Naresh Hiranandani - Rajagopal Narassimmalou - Soundosse Dahmani Asma Hijazi - Marwa ELZini - Karima Bouchama - Ravi Lundhani Jharna Bhushan Vaid - Murad Mansour - Nabil Chergui - Jayashree Chandnani

“It is just amazing, and makes you think of what’s going to impact humans 100 years ahead. Every individual should use this opportunity for the betterment of our society and making optimum use of available resources.”Mahesh S. Mhatre, Team 36

Team 36: 20 December–24 December, 2014Khaled Hamada - Rabaa Al Khalaf - Ahmed Badawi - Noran Moniem Mahesh Mhatre - Reshma Mhatre - Afrah Ahmed - Abdulredha Alaradi Lalarukh Ummair Khan - Ummair Khan Raja

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“Highly recommend for others to attend to learn the value of saving water.”Ahmed Othman, Team 37

Team 37: 03 January–07 January, 2015Ahmad Sawwan - Ribal Ghaziri - Ahmed Othman - Osama Anis - Salem Arab Sindhu Nanjaiah - Mona Hendy - Hebatullah Moneim - Mahmoud Elkharrat Saif Al Rawahy - Ali Abdulhusain

“The programme is an excellent opportunity for people to become aware of the fragile ecosystems around us and how we can strengthen the important role we play in preserving the environment.”Imtiyaz Desai, Team 38

Team 38: 11 January–13 January, 2015Bassant Khalil - Nicholas Leow - Caroline Tose - Nick Reed - David Kotheimer Paul Featherstone - Ed Knox - Pierre Obez - Gastao Balaban - Richard Determeyer Hania Sadek - Saad Alkhalb - Imtiyaz Desai - Sameer Dmello - John Lee Samir Rabadi - Louise Mcadam - Tim Liverton - Mark Sibson - Sam Savory Nabil Belgroune - Robin Jones - Naim Kaidbey - Yogesh Kapur

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“Amazing, really enjoyed it here and I’ll recommend the programme to my other colleagues who didn’t apply yet.”Madeleine Chalfoun, Team 39

Team 39: 17 January–21 January, 2015Yousif Sultan - Basit Nasir Palawkar - Ghiath Mostafa - Hana Chawaf Hany Edward - Hashim Ali (Hassan) - Madeleine Chalfoun - Mohamed Abbas Mohamed Zaazaa - Ramez Samir - Husam Al-Shabibi

“The spirit of the organisers, scientists, and Ammar Shams were wonderful. The scientists never criticised any answer or contribution in class; they were very accepting and helpful.”Eman Aly, Team 40

Team 40: 24 January–28 January, 2015Hassan Hassan - Ahmed Anany - Alvia Almeida - Dina Mansour Fahida Al Bulushi - Fatima Saad Bait Suwailam - Ghadeer Al Anzi Mohamed Nasser - Mohammed Jaboob - Wael Abbas - Heba Mustafa - Eman Aly

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“Was definitely an eye opener and highlighted key issues and facts we were not aware of. Helped understand the real value of wadis and how to protect biodiversity even in areas that look deserted. It met and exceeded my expectations, very memorable!”Ribal Aoun, Team 41

Team 41: 07 February–11 February, 2015Khaled Heshmat - Mohammad Dar - Nourhan Rady - Ahmed Naguib Amir Abdel Kader - Alaa Mohamed - Hatem Al Nasralla - Ribal Aoun Sharon Fulton - Alex Harman

“The programme reconnected me with nature and highlighted the importance of many things happening to the planet that we often forget about while we’re busy with our daily jobs and tasks. It increased my sense of responsibility towards the environment and society. It was a nice program where people met and shared ideas and cultures. Big thanks to the working group.”Hadi Saab, Team 42

Team 42: 14 February–18 February, 2015Abdelrahman Okasha - Hadi Saab - Alexandra Hariri - Ayman Mukhtar Pramod Rajusth - Muhammad Sharif - Ajay Joseph Valiyaveettil Azzedine Mamou - Ghada Hussein - Soufiane Toutaoui - Moutaz Assaad Ahmed Al Balushi

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“It’s an excellent programme that needs to continue so that all future generations can understand the importance of water.”Sabrina Al Yahyai, Team 43

Team 43: 21 February–25 February, 2015Ehab Taha - Sally Abdul Samad - Adnan Waqar - Leon Arendtsz - Ayida Al Zadjali Faisal Al Bulushi - Sabrina Al Yahyai - Ahmed Al Zakwani - Sarhan Al Hinai Youssra Eldaly - Ehab Tantawy

“The team and the information were amazing. I wish to spread what I learned to my friends and colleagues. I hope this programme can reach children at UAE schools one day.”Magued Iskander, Team 44

Team 44: 28 February–04 March, 2015Mahmoud Elab - Toby Kassanis - Shruti Sharma - Gamal El Dean Coretti Saddia Charles - Magued Iskander - Zafar Mir - Amit Chanana - Khalid Labdi Faisal Siddiqui

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“It is a brilliant initiative where we take the time to experience nature and realize that it is a gift we take for granted most times.”Lorraine Mendes, Team 45

Team 45: 28 March–01 April, 2015Tracy (Kin Fun) Soo - Fuad Hosein - Rehan Maqsood - Abdul Samad Imene Kadri - Lorraine Mendes - Pradeep Puthan - Saima Saleem Sarah Messaoudi - Vesile Uzunkavak - Luciano Romano

“I loved everything about the programme. I learned a lot and got inspired to make changes in my everyday life. It showed me little things that we can do to contribute to a better future that make a big difference. In addition, I had fun while learning, and every single person I met was helpful, energetic, and inspiring, so thank you!”Rana Omar, Team 46

Team 46: 04 April–08 April, 2015Bahiddine Boudjema - Burair Al Lawati - Mahdi Mirza Mohd Poovathukaran Prince - Rana Omar - Roldao Fernandes - Saad Khurram Taane Salah - Varughese Idiculla

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“This program has highly increased my awareness regarding many things about our consumption of water and about the environment in general.”Eman Abdelwahab, Team 47

Team 47: 11 April–15 April, 2015Akli Abdi - Eman Abdelwahab - Hamza Rashdan - Mariam Mashaal Masroor Lodhi - Michael Habib - Mohamed Alaa Eldin - Mostafa Samir Omar Elmalawany - Riham Haytham

“It was really a good opportunity for us to get involved in environmental activities and increase our awareness about such topics. We need to have more of these kind of programmes, as they give us the chance to learn things that we don’t usually get to during our daily routine.”Sherif Rashad, Team 48

Team 48: 18 April–22 April, 2015Heba Bahig - Sherif Rashad - Afshan Standish - Fares Ouafi - Ahmed R Al Balushi Hilda Ayoub - Laura Philpott - Wassila Hammache - Yasmine Abdullah Nazran Fassi

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“Excellent programme. It is beneficial to understand freshwater issues and take preventive measures on conserving it”Neeta Ishi, Team 49

Team 49: 25 April–29 April, 2015Diana Issa - Grace Nafeh - Sabu George - Mai Salem - Iad Kloub - Ali Othman Wissam Akiki - Susan Rajeev - Meriem Guadji - Guadji Zakaria - Neeta Ishi Ishi Abhimannue

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Team SLP73: 01 February– 05 February, 2015Alex George - Ali Abu Yousif Suhail - Ayman Kolthoum - Diala Sobh - Dina Hussein - Ingy Agha - Jacek Nowacki - Patrice Favre - Prakash Leon - Rohit Prabhu - Sadjia Lassami - Sameer Panakkat - Sameh Abouzeid

H2O Team 15: 15 March– 18 March, 2015Larbi Ferdjani - Nasir Maqsood - Ross Wakenshaw - Rami Zaki - Rashedul Islam - Imran Anwer - Mina Ansari - Claire Reeson - Dhinesh Palanisamy - Chanaka Palihakkara - Chandrani Patil - Shailesh Joshi - Maniksha Parsekar

H2O Team 16: 22 March– 25 March, 2015Heba Hassan - Khaled Essam - Wassim Fawaz - Rana Haddad - Syed Naqi - Fay Abdulhadi - Raghav Nair - Rakesh Sreedharan - Mourad Oussadi - Ali Al Najjar - Pamela Rizhallah - Shady Salah El Din - Rene Saadi

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After the successful completion of Fielding Season 2, the team is very excited, and the planning for Fielding Season 3 has already started. Some of the key highlights for the next fielding season are as follows:• Revision and update of the learning material and curriculum in consultation

with Earthwatch learning staff• Refresher first aid training to all staff members to follow safety protocols• Preparation of marketing and business development plans for the long-term

sustainability of the programme• Adjustments to the fielding calendar to accommodate more fielding teams• Review and update of existing research activities and introduction of new

research activities including but not limited to• Animal tagging with pit tags (particularly for toads)• Investigation of diatoms in wadi water• Investigation of more water quality parameters, particularly

microbiological parameters such as biological oxygen demand (BOD), coliforms, E. coli, etc.

• Tree measurements and tagging

6. WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE FOR

SEASON 3?The second fielding season also enjoyed continued media coverage. There was comprehensive coverage in local media, including a feature article on the executive team’s visit to Wadi Wurayah in Al Fujairah Magazine, which is published every two months.

Below is a list of publications that featured the Water Research and Learning Programme over Fielding Season 2.

Publication Medium Country DateZawya Online

http://www.zawya.com/story/Conservation_win_for_freshwater_in_Wadi_Wurayah_National_Park_in_Fujairah-ZAWYA20140716064326/

UAE 16/07/2014

The National Print UAE 29/07/2014

The National Print UAE 05/02/2015

Tunza Eco-generation Onlinehttp://tunza.eco-generation.org/worldReportView.jsp?viewID=8946

UAE 06/02/2014

Al Ittihad Print UAE 05/02/2015

Al Bayan Print UAE 05/02/2015

Trade Arabia Print UAE 05/02/205

CNE Egypt Print Egypt 05/02/2015

WWNP Project Update Print UAE March 2015

Al Fujairah Magazine Print UAE April 2015

7. MEDIA COVERAGE


We largely owe the success of the Water Research and Learning Programme to HSBC Bank Middle East, a long-time partner of EWS-WWF, which generously financed the development and operation of this project. We would like to particularly thank Mr. Ammar Shams for his vision, dedication, and regular contributions to the programme.

We are also grateful to Fujairah Municipality and to the Government of Fujairah for providing all necessary support to make the programme happen.

Special thanks go to our partner, Earthwatch Institute UK, for creating a curriculum that enabled participants to start a learning journey about freshwater resources and conservation and contributed to their know-how in developing environmental education programmes.

We would also like to express sincere thanks towards all HSBC volunteers and citizen science leaders who devoted their time and knowledge 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 Water Research and Learning Programme one of the highest-ranking programmes in the HSBC Global Water Programme.

8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Annual Report | Water Research and Learning Programme | Wadi Wurayah National Park | Fielding Season 2014–2015 EWS-WWF

annual report water research and learning...

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