HAWAR-ISLANDS.com
| Back |
Nomination file
The Hawar Archipelago
for inclusion on the WHS list of natural properties
Submitted to UNESCO 11 June 2002
The Hawar Archipelago
1. Identification of
the Property
a) Country
Kingdom of Bahrain
b) Region
Southern Region
c) Name of Property
Hawar Islands
An archipelago comprising of six major and over thirty smaller islands of various sizes with a total land area of over fifty sq. kms, the Islands are approximately 26 kms southeast of mainland Bahrain lying close to the Qatar Peninsular. Once the subject of an international boundary dispute between Qatar and Bahrain the Islands were awarded officially by the International courts of Justice (ICJ) to Bahrain in March 2001.
Although only the largest island is named Hawar, the name Hawar or Hawar Islands is locally used collectively, to describe the entire archipelago or group of Islands.
Named major Islands
Jazirat Hawar (main island)
Rubud Al Gharbiyah
Rubud Ash Sharqiyah
Suwad Ash Shamaliyah
Suwad Al Janubiyah
Umm Hazwarah
Umm Jinni
Ajirah
Mashtan
Mu’tarid
Named Island groups
Jazur Al Hajiyat
Jazur Al Wakur
Jazur Bu Sa’adad
Jazur Bu Tammur
d) Exact Location
The area to be designated is that as defined lying south and east of and enclosed by boundary lines from a point, as defined at the Northwest corner of the site by the intersection of line of Lat 25° 50’ 30” North with line of Long 50° 39’ 30” East, extended due east and south respectively to intersect at the International Boundary at the line of delineation with the State of Qatar and enclosing an area of approximately 581 sq kms +/-.
e) Maps and/or plans showing boundary of area proposed for inscription and of any buffer zone
a) Country
Kingdom of Bahrain
b) Region
Southern Region
c) Name of Property
Hawar Islands
An archipelago comprising of six major and over thirty smaller islands of various sizes with a total land area of over fifty sq. kms, the Islands are approximately 26 kms southeast of mainland Bahrain lying close to the Qatar Peninsular. Once the subject of an international boundary dispute between Qatar and Bahrain the Islands were awarded officially by the International courts of Justice (ICJ) to Bahrain in March 2001.
Although only the largest island is named Hawar, the name Hawar or Hawar Islands is locally used collectively, to describe the entire archipelago or group of Islands.
Named major Islands
Jazirat Hawar (main island)
Rubud Al Gharbiyah
Rubud Ash Sharqiyah
Suwad Ash Shamaliyah
Suwad Al Janubiyah
Umm Hazwarah
Umm Jinni
Ajirah
Mashtan
Mu’tarid
Named Island groups
Jazur Al Hajiyat
Jazur Al Wakur
Jazur Bu Sa’adad
Jazur Bu Tammur
d) Exact Location
The area to be designated is that as defined lying south and east of and enclosed by boundary lines from a point, as defined at the Northwest corner of the site by the intersection of line of Lat 25° 50’ 30” North with line of Long 50° 39’ 30” East, extended due east and south respectively to intersect at the International Boundary at the line of delineation with the State of Qatar and enclosing an area of approximately 581 sq kms +/-.
e) Maps and/or plans showing boundary of area proposed for inscription and of any buffer zone
| Figure 1 Hydrographical chart
of The Kingdom of Bahrain  |
Figure 2 Hawar Natural World
Heritage Site Location Map with indicatory coordinates  |
2. Justification for
Inscription
a) Statement of significance
Abundance of globally significant, rare threatened and endangered species
The Hawar Islands are an archipelago of 36 desert islands of surprising scenic variety, diversity and environmental purity. An archipelago of great beauty and regional importance, the Islands have an abundance of globally significant and threatened bird and endangered marine species both resident and migratory.
Listed as a Ramsar site February 1997, the undisturbed state of the outer islands provides an unrivalled sanctuary for numerous species of breeding sea birds.
The marine environments about the Islands embody a myriad of habitats and seascapes that are home to a remarkable array of marine fauna such as soft corals, fish, sponges, shells and endangered Green Turtle, the highly endangered Dugong (many nursing females), flora that includes extensive seagrass meadows, diverse and abundant algal communities and extensive halophytic vegetated coastal zones. The loss of the potential of these virtually untouched and pristine marine ecosystems, of their unknown biodiversity and of possible untold benefits to humankind are also factors worthy of consideration in defining the significance of the Islands
Physically the Hawar Archipelago and the marine environment about them are unique within the Arabian Gulf. Few other islands within the Gulf offer the variety of tropical marine systems as found on Hawar or for that matter satisfy the express aim of the February 2002 expert workshop organised in Vietnam, within the framework of the UN Foundation project “Filling critical gaps and promoting multi sites approach to new nominations in tropical coastal, marine and small islands systems” which included Hawar as one such potential NWHS for consideration.
The islands represent an unspoilt marine wetland comprising a multiplicity of exceptional and unique, inter-tidal and coastal zones, of habitats and marine eco-systems, all of accepted international importance. Their very survival within a state that is one of the most densely populated places in the world is due to their relative isolation in political, geographic and anthropomorphic terms.
The marine environments of the Hawar Islands represent prime examples of undisturbed indicator habitats that are areas of high productivity with food webs based on extensive areas of macroalgae, sea grasses and blue green algae. They are an outstanding example in representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes, of the evolution of terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems in an arid environment of extremes in temperature and salinity.
Geographically isolated in a distinct biogeographical area for 7000 years
For many of Hawar’s rare, threatened and endangered species Dugong, Turtle, Reem Gazelle, Sundevall’s Jurd, Socotra Cormorant, Reef Herons and Sooty Falcons, the islands do represent and provide real protection. In part the result of the islands relative geographic, anthropological and political isolation.
The topography of the Islands and surrounding marine environment are the result of the interplay between several key factors besides geography and climate. The physical isolation of Hawar and its’ flora and fauna from the Arabian Peninsular and the main island of Bahrain occurred around 7,000 - 6,500 BP, when sea levels are thought to have obtained their present levels. The Geology of Hawar also reflects innumerable other changes in sea level from –120m to +5m as experienced throughout the quaternary era, the result of global climatic changes with a final submergence of a desert landscape in the late Holocene followed by its’ subsequent emergence.
The Gulf of Salwa, of which Hawar is a part, has been described and classified by the UNDP as a distinct biogeographical province in the Arabian Gulf. Globally significant the Islands therefore reflect this classification, however they must be regarded as a distinct and unique entity within this Gulf. Only the coastal zones of the Qatari Peninsular, abutting the archipelago and then only in part, mirror the marine habitats and eco-systems of the Hawar Island archipelago.
In an area where coastal zones are seen as prime real estate, the Islands are a survivor in a sea of development, however they are neither relics nor remnants of a larger unit, they are and remain complete within themselves.
In Bahrain human activities over the last 5,000 years have led to the destruction of much of the Main Island’s original and natural coastline. The islands of Hawar have escaped such interferences and development due to a complete lack of surface or aquifer water ensuring that human influences despite widespread evidence of anthropological activities across the Islands remained at a minimal subsistence level. The isolation of the islands became final with the total abandonment of the tribal subsistence settlements to nature in the late nineteen sixties.
The islands are littered with the physical and extensive remains of many surprisingly sophisticated surface water collecting systems, the age and origins of which have yet to be determined. The need for such systems contrasting completely the ancient excess of sweet water available on the main Island of Bahrain, were numerous aquifer fed natural wells which gave rise to the great civilization of Ancient Dilmon 4000 BP+/_. Physical archaeological evidence on the Islands would suggest that human activities on Hawar changed little with time and the drainage system reflects a completely unknown cultural aspect of Bahrain’s distinctive archaeological history. Given that man is currently the most potent modelling force on mainland Bahrain and much archaeology is being lost, the undisturbed, despite recent military activities, and distinctive nature of Hawar’s historical sites from pre-Dilmen to late Islamic give it a previously underrated importance and significance.
A more complete isolation for all but the main Island occurred in the modern era as political circumstances further contrived to isolate, preserve and protect the Islands. At the time of rapid urbanization and industrialisation throughout the rest of Bahrain and the Gulf in general, the recently concluded international boundary dispute between Qatar and Bahrain ensured that an element of forced protection on behalf of the States providing nature with an ideal opportunity to reclaim and augment the natural abundance of the Islands. The archipelago was a virtual closed military area during that period of dispute.
Accessibility for the International scientific community
Often portrayed as Bahrain’s last frontier and characterised by some as a hostile barren wasteland, the Islands’ represent an International asset of unequivocal and irreplaceable value. In requesting inclusion as a World Heritage Site (WHS) the Kingdom of Bahrain will be providing the International scientific community with an unrivalled level of access to a large unstudied and undocumented primeval habitat of the Arabian Gulf, an area of the world were political and social restrictions have both past and present, minimised opportunities for scientific, cultural and social studies at an International level. Access to The Hawar WHS will provide the international community with unlimited new research opportunities, in studying unspoilt and unique, marine wetlands, habitats, and eco-systems plus the rare, threatened or endangered species that inhabit them.
The promotion and encouragement of appropriate international research will stimulate locally and regionally the perception of the environmental, historic and social value of the Islands. The beneficial effects of the transfer of expertise and knowledge as a consequence to the resident scientific community by coordinating the efforts of organisations and individuals involved in research and ensuring the results are prepared in a manner that is comprehensible and usable to all audiences will act as a catalyst throughout the local educational system. International participation will assist the development of policies and instruments that support the objective of the protection through management and provide for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and management of the Islands and the seas that surround them, including all resources and biological diversity. Provide for, a coordinated and integrated management and administrative framework that is ecologically and economically sustainable and, will encourage the enhancement of knowledge of the natural resources and the effect of human activities on the area.
b) Possible comparative analysis (including state of conservation of similar sites)
Within the area of interest, the Arabian Gulf, Red and Arabian Sea, no “World Heritage” site of a marine nature currently exists.None of the adjacent states maintain any sites on the WHS tentative list.
c) Authenticity / Integrity
The relatively rapid and recent developments on Hawar even though minor in nature have not been accompanied by a corresponding growth in any management capacity for the Islands. The agencies charged with the management and administration of Bahrain’s obligations under International Conventions did not provide any meaningful “Codes of Conduct” for the Islands management. The successful outcome of the ICJ hearings has now brought social and economic issues into sharp focus. The protected status of the Islands and a lack of resolve to establish management tools could heighten conflict over access, use and control of the Hawar protected area. In initiating the process of inclusion on the World Heritage list it has been possible to focus attention at the highest level of management of Hawar the needs and current shortcoming in these areas so that they might be addressed.
Bahrain is currently undergoing tremendous political changes initiated by the government. Part of this process, one of democratisation, is the realization that past shortcomings in enforcement and application in protecting the environment have had a negative and often detrimental effect. The implementation of regulations requiring that Environmental Impact Assessment surveys (EIA) be undertaken for all development is now one obvious facet of officialdoms changing attitudes.
Public attitudes and expectations are also changing with an individual personal realization of a certain level of self-empowerment and that government action alone is not enough to protect the few remaining unspoiled areas, in particular the Islands of Hawar. There is a new general consensus emerging through NGO’s and individual stakeholders alike, one that demands that the pristine nature and fundamental ecological value of the Islands be respected.
During the process of defending Bahrain’s’ historical claim to the Islands at the ICJ hearings, local officially sanctioned publicity campaigns highlighted the unspoiled nature of the Islands leading to a growing public realization that the Islands constitute an ever-increasing national resource of scientific, natural, cultural and recreational value. Hawar as a consequence has become an icon and rallying point for local environmental and conservational groups who now often use comparatively the shortcomings of the past and the purity of the Hawar Islands to raise public awareness on many national environmental issues.
This environmental campaign contrasted a succession of unofficial proposals that surfaced during the same period. Proposed by a variety of agencies and organisations they were placed directly in to the public domain normally through the local media, even the Internet. However they do not represent official Government policy. The Bahrain government has publicly on numerous occasions reiterated the Islands protected status. The official Hawar Master plan, reflecting and integrated with Hawar’s special status has yet to be finalised.
Bahrain’s commitment to the preservation of the Hawar Islands was formalized in 1995 when Royal Decree, No. 2 1995, to instigate the creation of a Wildlife Sanctuary around the Hawar Islands was issued. The legislation to protect the Islands was completed with Edict No. 16 1996 issued by the Council of Ministers establishing the Islands as a Protected Area. This Edict has since been further reinforced by the nomination of the Islands of Hawar as a Ramsar Site and by Ministerial Orders (MOHME) for the protection of Wildlife. The Islands of Hawar were nominated on ratification of the Ramsar agreement on 26 February 1997 (Royal decree No. 3 1997).
The government has used the following mechanisms and protocols for the protection of Wildlife in Bahrain
National.
Royal Decrees and Council of Ministers edicts were enacted to protect areas of special importance - the Hawar Islands, Ras Sanad Mangrove and Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve
The Establishment of Bahrain Wild Life Committee now The National Commission for the Protection of Wildlife (NCWP)
Formation of a National Biodiversity Committee, with the main objective to formulate a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
The establishment of Marine Protected Areas, Mashtan Island was adopted in April 2002
Regional.
Kuwait Action Plan for the Protection of Marine Environment from pollution
International.
The Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD
The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance as Waterfowl Habitats (Ramsar)
Hawar and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
The “Hawar Islands” were one of two nationally protected sites nominated by Bahrain under the “Ramsar Convention on Wetlands” on ratification of the Ramsar Agreement on 26 February 1997 (Royal decree No. 3 1997).
The Hawar Islands are the only island archipelago Ramsar site listed within the Arabian Gulf. Under the criteria for identifying “Wetlands of International Importance” as a Ramsar Site, as adopted by the 4th, 6th, and 7th Meetings of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971). The islands were nominated under Specific criteria based on waterbirds however the Islands meet the qualifying standards on more than one of the criterion as specified under the Ramsar Agreement.
Ramsar criteria applicable to the Islands
Hawar archipelago is an unique example of a natural wetland type with extensive algal banks, seagrass beds, shallow reefs and extensive mud/algal flats (Criterion 1)
The seas about Hawar are an important winter-feeding area for endangered Dugong (Dugong Dugon) (Criterion 4)
Daily totals of waterfowl present through the year always exceeds 20,000 (Criterion 5)
Hawar has two breeding species of bird (one endemic to the Gulf) that exceeds 10% or more of the World or Regional Biogeographical Breeding Population. Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis schistacea and Socotra Cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularis, six other species of waterbird that exceed 1% of Regional their Biogeographical Breeding Population (Criterion 6)
It has been suggested by some that the actual percentage of the World population of the endemic Socotra Cormorant given the loss of other breeding colonies around the Gulf could well exceed 20%.
International Obligations
In respect to Bahrain obligations under these agreements and protocols and as representatives of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain it is the stated aim of the NCWP
To structure a multiple-use conservation system for protected areas such as the Islands of Hawar, so as to preserve representative as well as special ecosystems in the environment
To establish a formal management framework to ensure the various uses of the reserve are managed in an equitable, integrated and sustainable manner
To develop a strategy so that the management of biological and recreational resources takes into account the essential and sometimes competitive activities of tourism, recreation, scientific study and mineral and petroleum exploration and production
To ensure there is an equitable balance among the various uses of the areas and that these do not have a detrimental impact on the environment.
Integrity and Intrusions
Scant attention to problems arising from the introduction of exotic species of both flora and fauna has been paid in the past. Up to the point of the abandonment of settlements on the island domesticated animals were most certainly kept. Including most probably donkeys, goats, doves, pigeons and poultry. All except pigeons have long since disappeared from the Islands. Cats now the subjects of a vigorous removal campaign are thought to have originated from this period. Otherwise a small but nevertheless significant population of feral Pigeons and doves are all that remain on the Island. Feral Pigeons have colonised the Jebel areas close to the BDF camps but elsewhere away from human influences, they are few in number.
It is felt that problems, as the islands are inevitably developed, of domesticated animals and birds kept largely as pets, will always remain, irrespective of the strength of any legislation to prevent their placement on Hawar. Several pairs of escaped Common Mynah birds Acridotheres tristis have already colonised the area around the Hawar Hotel, there are plans to remove them.
The influence or impact on the native breeding Larks and Kentish Plover, the only documented important native terrestrial breeding species, in development areas will probably be from the development itself with the subsequent loss of breeding habitat.
The motivation for the release and placement of small breeding herds of Arabian Oryx, Addax and Nubian Ibex on Hawar over the last few decades was not documented and its is not known if this was part of a specific strategy. The animals all initially from Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve were released onto Hawar over a period of years before Al Areen was placed under the authority of NCWP. The animals are now however managed by the NCWP and provided daily, with fodder, food supplements and water at five or six locations around the Islands. The impact of these animals on Hawar is difficult to quantify. There is some evidence of overgrazing of certain plant species around the islands. The most seriously affected plant species seem to be the rushes sages and seasonal grasses.
The most serious introduction to the main Island of Hawar in recent years has been the release of a number of Desert Hares Lepus capensis. Brought from Saudi Arabia they were introduced to supplement the locally declining population that had been decimated by feral cats. The NCWP have initiated a management programs to ensure that the releases of the past will not be repeated to threaten in the future the integrity of Hawar.
The so-called beautification, greening around existing and proposed developments is one aspect of the opening up of the islands that is a matter of some concern. Developers feel that greening activities are essential and native species do not satisfy a need to create a simulated Island paradise. Currently however the introduced trees on Hawar, small in extent and number, are all of species that are dependent on irrigation for survival. Controlling the use of exotic alien desert species not so dependant could prove problematic in the future and therefore will require careful monitoring. Visual evidence at abandoned settlement and water collection sites indicate that some palms and native (locally occurring) fruit trees were present on Hawar during recent times.
The increase in human recreation and tourism development even though small scale envisaged on the islands and about the marine reserve given the large numbers of breeding seabirds and endangered marine mammals present, is however of more concern, requiring therefore management action. Unstructured liberalisation of access could affect the Islands integrity. The potential dangers in increasing visitation to offshore islands are numerous. For managing the nominated area and its resources so as to achieve the necessary balance, zoning in accordance with IUCN statagies are considered therefore essential. Partial or total restrictions on destructive or extractive activities in some zones will become a key strategy, as will the creation of scientific and sanctuary areas with controlled and contained human impact.
The entire fishery of Bahrain in most traditional fishing grounds, due largely to over exploitation, is in decline. Half of the people employed in Bahrain’s fishery are Asian expatriate workers, employed as cheap labour by Bahrain’s middle classes, paid on the basis of caught weight. As a consequence Illegal fishing and fishery practices are the norm not the exception. Poor fisheries management, lack of monitoring and controls, plus an open fishery policy have all aided the fisherman to contribute to this decline. The encroachment into the current fishing exclusion zones about Hawar as fisherman exhaust tradition stocks has become a regular occurrence. Left unattended such activities could impact on the integrity of the nominated area particularly if gill netting is used.
The exploitation of both gas and oil reserves thought to underlay the entire area is a major factor that could also compromise the integrity of the present purity of the proposed park area. Two Oil companies have recently been granted licenses to prospect for oil and gas in all sea areas off southern Bahrain, including all sea areas in the nominated site. The reluctance of the authorities to commit publicly to strict environmental safeguards in view of the potential and nationally important financial state return was to be expected. However, both Oil companies on the surface seem very keen to promote an environmentally friendly face and are prepared to provide both financial and moral support for conservation projects in the area. They have stated that local operations will due to the sensitivity of the area, observe and exceed all accepted international standards.
d) Criteria under which inscription is proposed (and justification for inscription under these criteria)
In accordance with Article 2 of the Convention,
The Islands of Hawar should be considered for inscription on the World Heritage List of Natural Properties since they constitute
Natural features consisting of physical and biological formations, which are of outstanding universal value from the aesthetic and scientific point of view, are a precisely delineated area which constitute the habitat of threatened species of animals and plants of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science and conservation
The Kingdom of Bahrain therefore nominates as a natural heritage site (as defined above) for inclusion on the World
Heritage List under sections 44(a)(ii) and 44(a)(iv)” the Islands of Hawar” in consideration of the fact that:
They are an outstanding example representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals (44(a)(ii))
They contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation (44(a)(iv))
Inclusion under Criterion 44(a)(ii)
The ecological and biological processes that are responsible for the creation of the variety of inter-tidal and coastal zones, habitats and marine eco-systems on Hawar have yet to be fully described scientifically, but they are an outstanding example of significant on-going ecological and biological processes.
Much of the dynamics of the marine environment about Hawar are dependent on the relative strength of coastal currents, tidal movements and seasonally high extreme temperatures.
Often wrongly documented as having no significant coastal or tidal movements with a very small annual tidal range of 0.4m, the islands are subject to the same meteorological oscillations that affect he entire gulf and experience similar seasonal highs and lows as recorded elsewhere in Bahrain. Experience would indicate that between the extreme low tides of March and the high tides of August tidal ranges are closer to 1.5m, an important factor in the marine ecology of Hawar’s extensive low algal covered inter-tidal flats.
Sea currents and coastal movements are much in evidence in the topography of the islands. Evidence of considerable storm surges on some Islands also would indicate such events are far more common than thought and have a major impact on the ecology and biodiversity of the more exposed low lying islands. Visual observations also indicate that the tidal regime to the east of Hawar is different in frequency and period to that experienced to the west and that most tidal movements in the east appear to be largely southwards irrespective of the state of the tide, rising or falling.
Extending northwards from what is now the Peninsular of Qatar, tidal flows and water movements generated around the Hawar archipelago differ from the dominant northwesterly wind direction. It is fairly obvious about Hawar that the most influential tidal streams or currents are from the northeast following largely the deeper waters east of Fasht Adhm and Ghumais shoals along the Qatari coast with an almost unimpeded flow towards Hawar. On approaching Hawar this body of water, less saline than those to the west, is split by the Islands into a variety of tidal flows about, around and through the island chain. In many places accelerated through narrow gaps and in the shadow of Hawar’s numerous eastern protruding headlands, to form areas of slack water and eddies of various salinity and turbidity, ideal conditions for the formation of extensive mudflats and the growth of algal mats.
Tidal flows originating to the north and west of Hawar appear to be much weaker moving on a much broader front channelled by the alignment of such reefs as Mu’tarid and Fasht Bu Thur along the western shore of Hawar. At a point close to the location of the existing Hawar Resort Hotel this coastal drift is increasingly influenced more by wind generated water movements generated by unimpeded exposure to the more open waters to the northwest in The Gulf of Salwa.
Around Hawar most of the inter-tidal and sub-littoral areas are underlain by hard flat lying or gently dipping rock, only thinly veneered by sediments, naturally providing few opportunities for extensive algal growth to develop. However, the filling with sediments over time, of the original now submerged drainage pattern and pits in the now submerged wind-eroded landscape of previous eras are thought to have provided macroalgae with the necessary habitat and promoted their substantial colonization around Hawar. This ongoing and creative process is thought to have given rise to the extensive algal covered mud banks found in the lagoons of eastern Hawar that now form a major and significant series of micro-ecosystem. Through a regenerative process of growing on their own decaying biomass the macroalgae have raised the level of the banks above the surrounding substrate. Usually these banks are covered by at least 0.5 m of water however they are occasionally exposed during periods of lowest tides. Broad tidal movements generally pass unimpeded over the banks but through the banks at Khawr Lutaid along the fringes of some and strong tidal steams have undercut the macroalgae bank to expose the underlying mud.
The strength of the various currents east of Hawar is also reflected in the shape, form and length of the numerous sandspits trailing southwards from many islands. In itself an indicator of the lack of the relative strength in the return tidal flow northwards. As this eastern tidal stream reassembles south of Ras Laleh and Bu’sadad east of Hawar it flows out into the small gulf between Qatar and Hawar. As it weakens material carried in suspension is deposited to create what appears to be on aerial images, an underwater alluvial fan now colonized by again by dense macroalgae growth.
The sweeping bays of the eastern shore and in the lee of Ras Suwad and Suwad Al Janubiyah are all areas of accretion and in places extremes of high salinity. These low energy areas vary considerably in character; parts of some are only swept by the sea at time of extreme high tide, with the depth of sediments over the underlying bedrock varying with position relative to major tidal flows and submergence times. In the many bays of the eastern shore of Hawar excepting Dawhat Al Naklah and south of Suwad Al Janubiyah extensive mats of blue green algae exist in front of the fringing heavily vegetated shore.
Between Hawar and the Islands of the Rubuds the Mudbanks are different in character and biodiversity of species colonization with seagrasses more in ascendancy. Broad tidal flows cross this channel carrying large quantities of floating detritus from other areas, the result of the seasonal die backs of sea grasses and sponges which is deposited along the coastal margins of the low lying Islands. These accumulations have with time created extensive coastal marginal marine peat beds of considerable depth in places.
To reiterate in summary, the marine environments of the Hawar Islands represent prime examples of undisturbed reference habitats that are areas of high productivity with food webs based on extensive areas of macroalgae, sea grasses and blue green algae. The are an outstanding and varied example representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes particularly the mudbanks and of the evolution of terrestrial, coastal and Island marine ecosystems, in an arid environment of extremes in temperature and salinity.
Inclusion under Criterion 44(a)(iv)
In defining the extent of the area to be nominated for inclusion within the World Heritage List, particular attention was given as a high priority to the sea area north and west, of Hawar, it’s offshore reefs and extensive sea grass meadows. Continuing field observations and past studies have indicated that it is this area that is most frequented by large numbers of the globally threatened Dugong, Dugong Dugon.
The existing Hawar protected area descriptively, constitutes “the Islands of Hawar and the seas about them” thus offers no real guarantees for the protection of the sea grass meadows on which the Dugong depend, a situation that the Kingdom of Bahrain, irrespective of the success of this application intends to rectify. As a first step in protecting this area Mashtan Island, halfway between Bahrain and Hawar, was declared a protected area in April 2002. It is hoped to protect further areas in the near future.
The shallow water of Gulf of Bahrain appears superficially to be an extremely harsh environment in which to find large herds of Dugong. Salinity averages around 50%o reaching 60%o at extremes, water temperatures follows air temperatures with maximums in excess of 38°c the norm in summer. Nevertheless throughout the year numerous observations of large herds of Dugong from 40 to over two hundred or more individuals are made in the Gulf of Bahrain north west of Hawar. Such sightings are a normal occurrence within the area being nominated particularly during cooler months when there is an increase in boating activity to note Dugong activity. Analysis of the sightings would indicate that the observations relate to three possibly four identifiable herds and represent possibly a seasonal population of around 400 to 500 individuals, including many mothers and calves. Based on the size of the some of the calves observed it has been inferred that Dugong congregate in these waters to breed, however this has yet to be scientifically proved.
Previous to 1986 the population of Dugong in the entire Gulf was estimated at only 50+/-. During the 1986 MEPA (A. Preen 1989) survey of the Western Arabia Gulf, that figure was revised dramatically upwards to arrive at an estimate of 7,307 for the entire Gulf. It is felt that this is a gross misrepresentation of actual figures and the real numbers are but a fraction of those stated. Since one, the methods used to obtain the density data did not give sufficient weight to known behavioural preference for this species in Gulf waters. That is the species’ natural instinct to herd, a feature of all observations of local Dugong sightings both winter and summer alike or the status of the solitary individuals. Two, did not restrict the propagation of the density figures derived to just the area of preferred habitat, the seagrass meadows. If this conclusion is correct the species is far more endangered than currently thought. However one significant feature of the 1986 MEPA survey was the sighting of 674 Dugong in two herds less than a kilometre apart, east of Mu’tarid. As a consequence of this single sighting Dugong were instantly declared a protected species in Bahrain waters. The 2000 MOHA Turtle and Dugong survey (I. Bell 2001) located over 200+/- Dugong again in the same general area.
The marine areas enclosed within the nominated area of the proposed World Heritage Site contain the most important significant and extensive seagrass meadows at the right depth, composition and seasonal stratification that if judged from the weight of field observations of Dugong are perfect for the in-situ conservation of this highly endangered and rare Mammal.
The cause of conservation of Green turtles, fish and shrimp stocks will also be served by the protection of the sea grass meadows
Ornithological importance
Justification for the inclusion of Hawar on the world heritage list must include and take into consideration the wealth and abundance of the Islands Birdlife. The protected status of the Islands was initiated originally on the strength of the numerical size of the Socotra
Cormorant, Phalacrocorax nigrogularis colony, the Socotra colony on Suwad Al Janubiyah is thought to represent in excess of 10% of the world population for the species and remains the largest documented for the species worldwide. Dr. Friedhelm Krupp from the EU (Senckenberg Research Institute Frankfurt) in 1995 estimated the percentage to be as high as 50 to 60%.
Slightly less obvious and well known but from an ornithological viewpoint just as important, are the colonies of Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis schistacea on the Islands of Rubud Al Gharbiyah and Rubud Ash Sharqiyah having potentially in excess of 10% of the regional geographical population.
The substantial tern colonies including Arabia’s only documented colony of breeding Caspian Terns Sterna caspia. The Sooty Falcons Falcon concolor, the Osprey Pandion haliaetus, the tens of thousands of migrant wader gulls and Flamingos, all add to the importance of the Islands from an ornithological viewpoint. The loss of a single element of coastal feeding or breeding habitat for these species would be a disaster.
The Hawar Archipelago as a whole is an ornithological Elysium, a site of outstanding and immense International value. Much however of it’s ornithological vitality and variety is dependant on the wealth and abundance of the ongoing physical and biological processes that have created the multiplicity of exceptional pristine and unique, inter-tidal and coastal zones, of habitats and marine eco-systems and the food chains they support.
2. Description
a) Description of Property
The Land surface area of the Islands of Hawar encompasses over 50.00 Sq kms, 8.5% of the 581+/_Sq kms nominated. To describe the property, it’s physical and biological formations; it is first necessary to understand in part the Geological processes that gave rise to the area.
Bahrain and the Islands of Hawar are set in an area that is regarded as one of the most stable areas geologically, worldwide. Dramatic tectonic movements have had therefore little impact on the creation of the islands. The current visible physical topography on and offshore is but a small window on a landscape that has evolved during recent geological times reflecting periods of innumerable changes in sea level, of submergence and subsequent re-emergence.
During periods of glaciation the entire archipelago was dry land, a part of a drainage system or catchment area that linked the Arabian peninsular with the Tigris and Euphrates river basin, draining through a dry Arabian gulf. These were periods dominated by Aeolian activity, of extreme shammals (wind storms), of the deposition of large quantities of sand from the Arabian Desert and the creation of the wide variety of wind-sculptured and sand blasted landforms, processes still visible on Hawar. It is probable that the now sub-tidal drowned wadi drainage pattern of the islands developed during these dry periods.
Periods of submergences of the landscape exposed to marine influences the islands limestone core, earlier coastal deposits and the underlying strata resulting as sea levels stabilized, in the formation of Hawar’s cliff formations and the ongoing processes of sedimentation and accretion.
The underwater profile of the nominated area ranges from 20m in depth in the southwest to the extensive inter-tidal rocky and algal covered beach flats around Hawar. Habitats separated by extensive terraces of subtidal seagrass beds broken only by the reefs of Mashtan, Mu’tarid and Fasht Bu Thur. These reefs, possibly originally Aeolian structures similar to that of the central Jebel on Hawar have long since been modified on submergence by the ongoing marine processes of sedimentation and accretion and represent the southwards limit of substantial coral growth into the Gulf of Salwa of corals. The small reef of Fasht Bu Thur (approximately 100m) long has 65% coverage of Porites nodifera with examples of Cyphastrea microphthalma and Siderastrea savignyana. These species are thought to be the most saline resistant coral species recorded to date existing around Hawar at the very edge of their tolerance.
Three species of seagrass dominate the terraces, Halodule uninervis, Halophilia stipulacea and Halophila ovalis. The most common and possibly most tolerant to the wider range of environmental parameters of salinity and temperature extremes is Halodule uninervis which attains a coverage of over 70%. Directly associated with the seagrass beds are the epiphytes and epifauna, many living permanently on the grass blades (e.g. tunicates, sponges, hydroids and many of the smaller algae), while others use the grass as a temporary habitat (e.g. pearl oysters spats).
On the west coast of Hawar the subtidal area slopes gently away from the island for over a kilometre to a depth 8 10 metres. This is an area of hard rock substrate with a thin veneer of sand supporting a mixed flora and fauna, each taking advantage of the separate components of the habitat. Detritivores exploit the sand/sediment layer over the rock, as do errant polychaetes. Blue green or diatomaceous algae grow over the surface of the sediment. The occasional exposed rock surfaces support macroalgae such as Sargassum Sp and Hormophysa triqueter with epiphytic sponges as well as variety of hydroids. Where the sand veneer is absent, such as west of the island of Rubud Al Gharbiyah, green algae colonise the rock. Around many of the outer islands are examples of unique rocky intertidal habitat that run into equally unusual rocky subtidal areas of small cliffs and overhangs. Exposed rocks support a large cover of the red algae Laurencia sp, with large clumps of Sargassum beneath the overhangs and occasional coralline algae. Largely undocumented these habitats are not represented elsewhere in Bahrains marine environments.
Blooms of blue-green algae in the summer cause as a consequent an increase in smaller herbivorous and detrital feeding fish in the area which in turn, leads to a related increase in predatory fish, which possibly time their breeding season to coincide with this abundant food supply. Phytoplankton levels increase during early summer and the transition period into winter with as a consequent an increase in shoals of plankton feeding fish and a similar increase of larger pelagic predatory species. It is apparent that both the habitats and their associated flora and fauna are closely adapted to seasonal variations, with transition periods between the extremes of summer and winter, of great importance as spawning, breeding and blooming periods
Much of the breeding and feeding activity of Hawar’s seabird populations can be directly related to these natural seasonal variations in fish stocks within the area under nomination. The presence of large shoals of Sardinella sp in late summer about, around and under both natural floating detritus and man-made shade areas is of major significance to many Tern species in particular.
The physiology of the marine environment around the main island of Hawar changes dramatically from west to east The Islands of the Rubuds act as the dividing point between, in the west the higher more saline open sea of the Gulf of Salwa and to the east of the main island of Jazirat Hawar the dynamic shallow coastal habitats around the smaller Islands. In a similar fashion the topographical of the islands east to west is also just as different.
The gently sloping strata of the islands when viewed from the west masks the contrasting appearance of the cliff fringed eastern shore and the eastwards protruding headlands (maximum height 14m). The line of cliffs extends along and fringes much of the southern perspective of all the headlands which now stand back from the shore, fronted by subqa or mudflats fringed at the shore by dense halophytic plant growth. Between many of the headlands are further enclosed sweeping shallow bays.
Relic areas of carbonate formations have also been eroded and cliffed to create the cliff lined Islands of Umm Hazwarah, Ajirah, Al Hajiyat and the sea stacks of Wakur. In all areas of coastal cliff, the intertidal zone is also different being a relic of the receding cliff face interrupted by steep beaches of shingle and scree. Umm Hazwarah is a unique island in itself in that it has a central wadi system complete with an inner rim rock formation of enclosing escarpments.
Substantial differences can also be found between the topography of the larger Islands of North and South Suwad. The interiors however are overall similar in many ways to areas found on the main Island of Hawar in that both islands have extensive areas of weathered surface pavements similar to those found on Hawar but at much lower elevations. On North or Suwad Al Shamaliyah numerous small but well vegetated depressions cover the pavement areas and are home to flora not found elsewhere on Hawar. On South or Suwad Al Janubiyah a variety of aeolian features stand out in the general landscape. Circular structures constructed from horizontal bedded aeolian sandstones have been identified as prehistoric burial mounds.
Many of the smaller islands are little more than sand or shingle accumulations on areas of exposed bedrock moulded by the ongoing processes of sedimentation and accretion. The intertidal zone about these islands varies according to expose to tidal or weather induced influences however the coastal fringes irrespective of perspective are all generally heavily vegetated by dense growth of halophytic plants dominated by Arthrocnemon macrostachyum. In many places these plants act as stabilisers to fix low coastal dunes. The centres of most low lying Islands including the Rubuds are often devoid of vegetation and are of blistered and salt encrusted subkha surfaces and cerithid rich sand.
The main Island of Hawar is to a certain degree an amalgam of many of the elements of the outer islands topographically speaking. The Island has been improperly used in some areas by defensive military activities however; a program of restoration by the BDF is currently in progress. Fortunately minimal damage has been done to its’ prime topographical features.
Along the entire west coast a beach ridge complex forms a continuous fringe of loose shelly sand, formed mainly of cerithid gastropods. Coastal drift continues to add to this complex structure. At its southern extreme the beach ridge complex extends southward to join with Hawar with its long tail. The Tail or Hadd is an exposed ridge of calcified conglomerate, made up largely of circular pebbles strongly cemented together to form an almost continuous narrow ridge that extends the Island many kilometers into the sea southwards towards the Qatari peninsular. The origins of feature have never been properly described. A similar formation links across the intertidal zone the three Islands of Hajiyat.
Another feature enclosed by the beach ridge complex is the extensive nebkha vegetation dunes north of the Hadd. Formed behind the fringing beach ridge complex the dunes have been fixed by halophytic vegetation that now forms scattered thickets over the continually developing dunes.
In the north of the main Island the growth of the beach ridge complex formed a protective barrier joining what would have originally been two distinct Islands. In the shelter of which extensive accretion flats developed creating a large intertidal inlet that is progressively enclosed eastwards by a line of protective escarpments at its extremities north and south, The escarpment ridges narrow down to almost join at the point where the inlet joins the eastern lagoons forming its’ narrow mouth. The mouth of the inlet was dammed in 1986 by the building of a military road turning the intertidal bay into the salt encrusted supra-tidal flats found today. Plans exist to restore tidal regime to the inlet.
The western slope of the island is rather passive in nature. The coastal vegetation is fairly uniform and dominated by only a few halophytic species, however as it rises with the gentle tilt of the Island it is punctuated by shallow sand or silt filled depressions that offer a more diverse vegetation including thickets of thorn bush. The extensive historic manmade surface water collection system on Hawar also made use of these depressions with the construction of small tanks or cisterns at their lowest points of drainage.
The vegetation of the western slopes finally gives way in the east to the sparse moisture dependant flora of the higher elevations of extensive surface pavements and exposed bedrocks. However eastward draining wadis that punctuated this area can add a flash of green after seasonal rains. Many of these wadi systems drain directly out over or cut through the eastern rim of cliffs exposing the underlying strata. Adding to the stark contrast of the eastern side of the Island dominated as it is by heavily weathered overhanging cliffs, escapements and isolated mesa and in the lee of the protruding headlands separated from the sea by extensive coastal subkhas and algal covered mudflats. The coastal fringe of these areas are once again dominated by halophytic vegetation which in some areas have successfully colonized the subkha and created small areas of nebkha dunes.
On Ras Laleh the most striking and southerly of all Hawar’s headlands, the exposed escarpments on its southern aspect have taken the form of an open amphitheatre. Here wind and time have formed an almost surreal landscape of outstanding natural beauty. Open to southeast the normally jagged landscape of the escarpment has been smoothed and rounded, molded by the wind funneling through an opening on the northwestern side. The floor of the arena comprises of fine wind blown particles taking their colour from a mix of the yellows and whites of the surrounding escapement it is totally devoid of vegetation. The arena is enclosed on the seaward side by a substantial aeolian projection at its northeast corner the catalyst for the trailing coastal deposits that enclose the balance of the feature.
b) History and Development
Little documentation now remains of the once vibrant subsistence economy that once peopled Hawar even though the settlements were abandoned within living memory. The most obvious signs of this recent chapter of Hawar history is found on the islands themselves by way of the ruins of the old villages, the graveyards and the surface water collection systems.
From this evidence one can assume that the population occupied three village sites. The best preserved and possible last abandoned is that found on the shore of the northern circular bay of Dawat Hawar. Several complete building known to have been refurbished in recent times including the ancient Mosque still survive. Associated with this village is a small hunting lodge built in the 1930-40’s for Bahrains’ Ruling Family.
The Island of Hawar were apparently first surveyed by the British East India Company (Honourable Company Marine) in the 1820’s, at that time they were called the Warden’s Islands with the largest island named Al Howakh (Hawar). That survey indicated two fishing villages on the islands.
One Kilometre south of the Hawar resort Hotel are the ruins of another village. One building has been renovated for use as a shelter for the free ranging herds of Addax.
On the eastern shore, the only evidence of a permanent settlement is that found close to the shore under the escarpment face north of Dawhat Al Naklah. Associated with this small village or extended family unit are a number of water cisterns, a millstone, a wadi dam and several cemeteries. Facing eastwards it is most probable that this community in particular, made full use of the all the natural resources that Hawar had to offer, including the collecting of birds and their eggs and full exploitation of shellfish and fish stocks. The size of the buildings at this site would indicate that a higher level of affluence was also attained than at other settlements, the pieces of Chinese salt glazed pottery that can still be found at this site are indicative of that affluence. It is has been documented that both Dugong and turtles were hunted sustainably and eaten by the village communities on Hawar as were the eggs of Socotra Cormorants.A small number of prehistoric sites are present in the landscape of Hawar. However it is most probable that continuous historic use of the same natural resources until recent times has resulted in more such remains being obscured by recent human activity.
The date and origins of the surface drainage system on Hawar are unknown. Comparison with any local Bahraini or Qatari feature is impossible. In Bahrain the ancient Dilmon Civilisation developed around a plentiful supply of Water, whereas Qatari culture is based on a nomadic herding economy. The only known similarities that can be made are with the Island communities offshore from Abu Dhabi. Interestingly some pottery shards collected on Hawar were tentatively identified as originating in what is now the UAE.
Besides existing on a traditional subsistence economy the islanders were also actively engaged in the pearling industry, although to what extent it is not known. The mining of gypsum has also been accredited to Hawar and appears apparently in references to the Islands during the period of British protection. Evidence of such mining activity have yet to be found physically on the islands but many of the traditional homes of families associated with Hawar in Bahrain are said to contain elaborate ceiling designs made from Hawar gypsum.
The building by the British of the existing small police fort on Hawar in 1937 and the building of the prominent Cairns still visible on all islands are the only visible evidence of British evolvement with the Islands.
The physical isolation of the islands became more and more acute for it’s people in the late 60’s; modern facilities such as healthcare and education were nonexistent. As motorised fishing boats became more readily available the people of Hawar abandoned their settlements and moved to the fishing villages of southern and western Bahrain, so that by the time of Independence for Bahrain in 1971 no people remained on the Islands.
The garrisoning of Hawar by the Bahrain Defence Forces resulted in a permanent head quarters being established 1984 in the north complete with Hospital, power station, water desalination plant and deep-water jetty. The Hospital now provides medical services for both military and all visitors to the Island. The power station powered by diesel generators has sufficient capacity currently for all the islands needs. The deep-water jetty is used by Hawar Ferries. Potable water however remains at a premium as the flash plant produces insufficient for all current needs. Additional supplies are barged in on a regular basis. Deep exploratory water wells have recently been bored only to find extremely saline aquifer water.
Between 1986 and 1988 around 100 re-cycled prefabricated chalets were move to two sites on Hawar. In the north to sit around Dawat Hawar Bay and to a central site at what is also now the site of the Hawar Resort Hotel. Rented out mainly to Bahraini families and fisherman, the two developments were originally run by staff from the Central Municipality.
Despite the current round of oil exploration being undertaken in the area, the Islands of Hawar have in fact been the subject of oil exploration before. Between 1939 and 1960 a series of exploratory surveys and drillings were apparently undertaken around Hawar culminating on February 25th 1961 with the drilling to a depth of 8,200 ft of a well named Hawar No. 1 on Suwad Al Shamaliyah. It turned out to be a dry hole with only trace amounts of oil being found. A dilapidated jetty, a graded tack across the Island and a small dirt mound are virtually all that remain.
The site occupied by the southern Chalets was further developed in 1996 with the addition of the small 40 roomed Hawar Resort Hotel and four two storey self-catering apartment blocks. On completion of building works the Hotel and apartments were leased out to a local Hotel chain. The owners of the site, a consortium of various government Ministries known as the Southern Area Development Company SADC retained the chalets.
Visitors to both the Hotel and the Northern Chalets are currently restricted in their movements and other than bus trips along the single tarmac road joining the two sites are generally not allowed to leave the fenced enclosures.
In 1998 40 or so MOHA housing units were built as part of a development plan. Conceived to be the nucleus of a new community on Hawar; the completed units currently remain unoccupied.
In 2001 a 4-meter deep-water channel was completed, dredged through the rocky substrate on the western shore of Hawar. A substantial rock armoured jetty was constructed to service the new channel. Material cut from the channel was used to create the jetty and two artificial Islands, stated at the time to be temporary. The future environmental consequences of the design of the jetty and it’s total disregard of known natural ongoing coastal processes i.e. that responsible for creating and maintaining the existing beach ridge complex of the western shore, will be predictably negative.
Recently development offshore from the Hawar Hotel by the owners of the site SADC have been initiated in the form of personalised manmade Islands. Undertaken in the very public arena of the Hotel coastal water this development has from been the subject of much open public criticism and debate. The development is currently under review as a full environmental impact assessment survey in being carried out.
c) Form and date of most recent records of site
As a site that was and is still to a much lesser degree under military rule, the restriction placed on access have limited the ammount of open scientific research that has been carried out into the Island biological diversity.
° The Wild Flowering Plants of Bahrain; Cornes and Cornes (1989)
° A botanical survey of the Islands was undertaken in March 2001 by staff from Arabian Gulf University, the results are currently being prepared for publication by the University Press.
° Surveys of the aviflora of the Islands was initiated in 1998; Results in the form of a book - The Breeding Birds of Hawar. H M King (1999)
° The Bahrain Marine Habitat Survey Ministry of State for Municipal affairs and Environmental Affairs and ROPME (1984).
° Bahrain Natural History Annual Report 1977 – 1984; Reports and Publications contain reference material pertinent to Hawar
° The Protected Area of Hawar;. Prof. Dr. I Al Madany and Z. Khunji, NCWP (2002)
° Comprehensive and complete aerial photography, at a variety of scales taken on average at ten year interval from 1951 to present are held by the Ministry of Housing and Agriculture
The Islands have been recently mapped by the Survey Directorate, MOHA to compliement the exisiting small scale mapping coverage. Full digital mapping should be completed by the end of 2002
d) Present state of conservation
In general the outer Islands can only be regarded as being in pristine condition. Impacts of human activities on these islands both past and present can only be regarded as negligible.
There is no doubt that the military have had an impact on the main island however the military presence on Hawar has to be viewed positively. Without the associated restrictions placed on the Islands since 1986 it is highly likely that the integrity of Islands would most certainly by now have been compromised, as is the case elsewhere in Bahrain. Settlement of the boundary dispute came at a time when environmental issues and the maturity of State were equal and appreciative of the unspoilt nature of the Islands.
The military restriction on public access to the Islands has been extremely effective in protecting the Islands and in keeping illegal activities to a minimum. BDF and Coastguard personnel are responsible for the successful prosecutions of eggs thieves in 1998 and illegal fishing more recently. Their positive actions have acted as a strong deterrent to all.
The personal litter of military personal and superficial debris however does remains a minor problem at many cleared locations;
Impacts
° Military tracks and defensive structure at their peak disturbed approx. 20% of the surface area of Jazirat Hawar.
° Since the successful conclusion of the ICJ hearings, the military usage of 75% of established tracks has ceased totally.
° Over 50% of all military structures have been removed.
° The open rubbish tip on the north flank of Ras Suwad initiated by the BDF in view of the sensitivity of Hawar has not been properly managed.
Environmental pressure on the municipal authority now the current responsible agency to undertake a waste disposal management plan has seen no improvement on site.
The total removal and restoration of this site is proposed under the new Hawar Master Plan.
° At the BDF HQ camp, solid waste material is currently partially processed before being disposed of through the use of open ponds using native grasses as filters before being allowed to drain into the open desert. Grey water is processed for recycling.
The quantities involved are very small but overall the process appears to be environmentally sustainable, with the site attracting numerous passing migrant birds mostly passerines and small waders.
Rubbish floating in from the north of Hawar is constantly polluting the north facing coasts on exposed Islands.
The isolated wheel marks of vehicles that accessed the outer islands during the 1997 seismic survey have already started to disappear particularly on many salt encrusted surface areas. Time will be required over other substrates types.
Gazelles
The origin of the Gazelle on Hawar is not known; Gallagher and Harrison wrote in 1974 “three gazelle were regularly seen near the Police Fort on Hawar and that it was thought that ten Gazelle survived there”. Research into references of Gazelle on Hawar or the Warden’s Islands in old East India Company records and other written accounts at the Royal Court in Bahrain is currently being undertaken.
The use of the word “survive” by such an eminent writer as Michael Gallagher is interesting. The herd could well be a remnant of Bahrain’s native Gazelle population long thoughts lost or contaminated by the introduction into Bahrain by other Arabian species.
A brief two-day survey of Hawar by 33 Bahrain Natural History Society members in May 1977 recorded 15 gazelle.
Current numbers are thought to now total close to 300 individual animals. A physical count is planned this summer (2002) after the completion of the Gazelles annual breeding cycle.
Funding for Genetic or DNA studies to determine the relationship and purity of Hawar’s and other Bahrain populations of Reem Gazelle is actively being sought from private donations by the NCWP.
The same staffs from Al Areen, from the time of the parks inception in 1976 until the present date have tended the herds of gazelles on Hawar; they state that over thirty gazelle were present there at the start of their stewardship.
Ornithological record - Species observed
H.M.King, Bird Recorder for the Bahrain Natural History Society, who maintains the ornithological records for Bahrain including the Islands of Hawar, provided the following lists.
Table 1
Ornithological record - Species observed
a) Statement of significance
Abundance of globally significant, rare threatened and endangered species
The Hawar Islands are an archipelago of 36 desert islands of surprising scenic variety, diversity and environmental purity. An archipelago of great beauty and regional importance, the Islands have an abundance of globally significant and threatened bird and endangered marine species both resident and migratory.
Listed as a Ramsar site February 1997, the undisturbed state of the outer islands provides an unrivalled sanctuary for numerous species of breeding sea birds.
The marine environments about the Islands embody a myriad of habitats and seascapes that are home to a remarkable array of marine fauna such as soft corals, fish, sponges, shells and endangered Green Turtle, the highly endangered Dugong (many nursing females), flora that includes extensive seagrass meadows, diverse and abundant algal communities and extensive halophytic vegetated coastal zones. The loss of the potential of these virtually untouched and pristine marine ecosystems, of their unknown biodiversity and of possible untold benefits to humankind are also factors worthy of consideration in defining the significance of the Islands
Physically the Hawar Archipelago and the marine environment about them are unique within the Arabian Gulf. Few other islands within the Gulf offer the variety of tropical marine systems as found on Hawar or for that matter satisfy the express aim of the February 2002 expert workshop organised in Vietnam, within the framework of the UN Foundation project “Filling critical gaps and promoting multi sites approach to new nominations in tropical coastal, marine and small islands systems” which included Hawar as one such potential NWHS for consideration.
The islands represent an unspoilt marine wetland comprising a multiplicity of exceptional and unique, inter-tidal and coastal zones, of habitats and marine eco-systems, all of accepted international importance. Their very survival within a state that is one of the most densely populated places in the world is due to their relative isolation in political, geographic and anthropomorphic terms.
The marine environments of the Hawar Islands represent prime examples of undisturbed indicator habitats that are areas of high productivity with food webs based on extensive areas of macroalgae, sea grasses and blue green algae. They are an outstanding example in representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes, of the evolution of terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems in an arid environment of extremes in temperature and salinity.
Geographically isolated in a distinct biogeographical area for 7000 years
For many of Hawar’s rare, threatened and endangered species Dugong, Turtle, Reem Gazelle, Sundevall’s Jurd, Socotra Cormorant, Reef Herons and Sooty Falcons, the islands do represent and provide real protection. In part the result of the islands relative geographic, anthropological and political isolation.
The topography of the Islands and surrounding marine environment are the result of the interplay between several key factors besides geography and climate. The physical isolation of Hawar and its’ flora and fauna from the Arabian Peninsular and the main island of Bahrain occurred around 7,000 - 6,500 BP, when sea levels are thought to have obtained their present levels. The Geology of Hawar also reflects innumerable other changes in sea level from –120m to +5m as experienced throughout the quaternary era, the result of global climatic changes with a final submergence of a desert landscape in the late Holocene followed by its’ subsequent emergence.
The Gulf of Salwa, of which Hawar is a part, has been described and classified by the UNDP as a distinct biogeographical province in the Arabian Gulf. Globally significant the Islands therefore reflect this classification, however they must be regarded as a distinct and unique entity within this Gulf. Only the coastal zones of the Qatari Peninsular, abutting the archipelago and then only in part, mirror the marine habitats and eco-systems of the Hawar Island archipelago.
In an area where coastal zones are seen as prime real estate, the Islands are a survivor in a sea of development, however they are neither relics nor remnants of a larger unit, they are and remain complete within themselves.
In Bahrain human activities over the last 5,000 years have led to the destruction of much of the Main Island’s original and natural coastline. The islands of Hawar have escaped such interferences and development due to a complete lack of surface or aquifer water ensuring that human influences despite widespread evidence of anthropological activities across the Islands remained at a minimal subsistence level. The isolation of the islands became final with the total abandonment of the tribal subsistence settlements to nature in the late nineteen sixties.
The islands are littered with the physical and extensive remains of many surprisingly sophisticated surface water collecting systems, the age and origins of which have yet to be determined. The need for such systems contrasting completely the ancient excess of sweet water available on the main Island of Bahrain, were numerous aquifer fed natural wells which gave rise to the great civilization of Ancient Dilmon 4000 BP+/_. Physical archaeological evidence on the Islands would suggest that human activities on Hawar changed little with time and the drainage system reflects a completely unknown cultural aspect of Bahrain’s distinctive archaeological history. Given that man is currently the most potent modelling force on mainland Bahrain and much archaeology is being lost, the undisturbed, despite recent military activities, and distinctive nature of Hawar’s historical sites from pre-Dilmen to late Islamic give it a previously underrated importance and significance.
A more complete isolation for all but the main Island occurred in the modern era as political circumstances further contrived to isolate, preserve and protect the Islands. At the time of rapid urbanization and industrialisation throughout the rest of Bahrain and the Gulf in general, the recently concluded international boundary dispute between Qatar and Bahrain ensured that an element of forced protection on behalf of the States providing nature with an ideal opportunity to reclaim and augment the natural abundance of the Islands. The archipelago was a virtual closed military area during that period of dispute.
Accessibility for the International scientific community
Often portrayed as Bahrain’s last frontier and characterised by some as a hostile barren wasteland, the Islands’ represent an International asset of unequivocal and irreplaceable value. In requesting inclusion as a World Heritage Site (WHS) the Kingdom of Bahrain will be providing the International scientific community with an unrivalled level of access to a large unstudied and undocumented primeval habitat of the Arabian Gulf, an area of the world were political and social restrictions have both past and present, minimised opportunities for scientific, cultural and social studies at an International level. Access to The Hawar WHS will provide the international community with unlimited new research opportunities, in studying unspoilt and unique, marine wetlands, habitats, and eco-systems plus the rare, threatened or endangered species that inhabit them.
The promotion and encouragement of appropriate international research will stimulate locally and regionally the perception of the environmental, historic and social value of the Islands. The beneficial effects of the transfer of expertise and knowledge as a consequence to the resident scientific community by coordinating the efforts of organisations and individuals involved in research and ensuring the results are prepared in a manner that is comprehensible and usable to all audiences will act as a catalyst throughout the local educational system. International participation will assist the development of policies and instruments that support the objective of the protection through management and provide for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and management of the Islands and the seas that surround them, including all resources and biological diversity. Provide for, a coordinated and integrated management and administrative framework that is ecologically and economically sustainable and, will encourage the enhancement of knowledge of the natural resources and the effect of human activities on the area.
b) Possible comparative analysis (including state of conservation of similar sites)
Within the area of interest, the Arabian Gulf, Red and Arabian Sea, no “World Heritage” site of a marine nature currently exists.None of the adjacent states maintain any sites on the WHS tentative list.
c) Authenticity / Integrity
The relatively rapid and recent developments on Hawar even though minor in nature have not been accompanied by a corresponding growth in any management capacity for the Islands. The agencies charged with the management and administration of Bahrain’s obligations under International Conventions did not provide any meaningful “Codes of Conduct” for the Islands management. The successful outcome of the ICJ hearings has now brought social and economic issues into sharp focus. The protected status of the Islands and a lack of resolve to establish management tools could heighten conflict over access, use and control of the Hawar protected area. In initiating the process of inclusion on the World Heritage list it has been possible to focus attention at the highest level of management of Hawar the needs and current shortcoming in these areas so that they might be addressed.
Bahrain is currently undergoing tremendous political changes initiated by the government. Part of this process, one of democratisation, is the realization that past shortcomings in enforcement and application in protecting the environment have had a negative and often detrimental effect. The implementation of regulations requiring that Environmental Impact Assessment surveys (EIA) be undertaken for all development is now one obvious facet of officialdoms changing attitudes.
Public attitudes and expectations are also changing with an individual personal realization of a certain level of self-empowerment and that government action alone is not enough to protect the few remaining unspoiled areas, in particular the Islands of Hawar. There is a new general consensus emerging through NGO’s and individual stakeholders alike, one that demands that the pristine nature and fundamental ecological value of the Islands be respected.
During the process of defending Bahrain’s’ historical claim to the Islands at the ICJ hearings, local officially sanctioned publicity campaigns highlighted the unspoiled nature of the Islands leading to a growing public realization that the Islands constitute an ever-increasing national resource of scientific, natural, cultural and recreational value. Hawar as a consequence has become an icon and rallying point for local environmental and conservational groups who now often use comparatively the shortcomings of the past and the purity of the Hawar Islands to raise public awareness on many national environmental issues.
This environmental campaign contrasted a succession of unofficial proposals that surfaced during the same period. Proposed by a variety of agencies and organisations they were placed directly in to the public domain normally through the local media, even the Internet. However they do not represent official Government policy. The Bahrain government has publicly on numerous occasions reiterated the Islands protected status. The official Hawar Master plan, reflecting and integrated with Hawar’s special status has yet to be finalised.
Bahrain’s commitment to the preservation of the Hawar Islands was formalized in 1995 when Royal Decree, No. 2 1995, to instigate the creation of a Wildlife Sanctuary around the Hawar Islands was issued. The legislation to protect the Islands was completed with Edict No. 16 1996 issued by the Council of Ministers establishing the Islands as a Protected Area. This Edict has since been further reinforced by the nomination of the Islands of Hawar as a Ramsar Site and by Ministerial Orders (MOHME) for the protection of Wildlife. The Islands of Hawar were nominated on ratification of the Ramsar agreement on 26 February 1997 (Royal decree No. 3 1997).
The government has used the following mechanisms and protocols for the protection of Wildlife in Bahrain
National.
Royal Decrees and Council of Ministers edicts were enacted to protect areas of special importance - the Hawar Islands, Ras Sanad Mangrove and Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve
The Establishment of Bahrain Wild Life Committee now The National Commission for the Protection of Wildlife (NCWP)
Formation of a National Biodiversity Committee, with the main objective to formulate a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)
The establishment of Marine Protected Areas, Mashtan Island was adopted in April 2002
Regional.
Kuwait Action Plan for the Protection of Marine Environment from pollution
International.
The Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD
The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance as Waterfowl Habitats (Ramsar)
Hawar and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
The “Hawar Islands” were one of two nationally protected sites nominated by Bahrain under the “Ramsar Convention on Wetlands” on ratification of the Ramsar Agreement on 26 February 1997 (Royal decree No. 3 1997).
The Hawar Islands are the only island archipelago Ramsar site listed within the Arabian Gulf. Under the criteria for identifying “Wetlands of International Importance” as a Ramsar Site, as adopted by the 4th, 6th, and 7th Meetings of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971). The islands were nominated under Specific criteria based on waterbirds however the Islands meet the qualifying standards on more than one of the criterion as specified under the Ramsar Agreement.
Ramsar criteria applicable to the Islands
Hawar archipelago is an unique example of a natural wetland type with extensive algal banks, seagrass beds, shallow reefs and extensive mud/algal flats (Criterion 1)
The seas about Hawar are an important winter-feeding area for endangered Dugong (Dugong Dugon) (Criterion 4)
Daily totals of waterfowl present through the year always exceeds 20,000 (Criterion 5)
Hawar has two breeding species of bird (one endemic to the Gulf) that exceeds 10% or more of the World or Regional Biogeographical Breeding Population. Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis schistacea and Socotra Cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularis, six other species of waterbird that exceed 1% of Regional their Biogeographical Breeding Population (Criterion 6)
It has been suggested by some that the actual percentage of the World population of the endemic Socotra Cormorant given the loss of other breeding colonies around the Gulf could well exceed 20%.
International Obligations
In respect to Bahrain obligations under these agreements and protocols and as representatives of the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain it is the stated aim of the NCWP
To structure a multiple-use conservation system for protected areas such as the Islands of Hawar, so as to preserve representative as well as special ecosystems in the environment
To establish a formal management framework to ensure the various uses of the reserve are managed in an equitable, integrated and sustainable manner
To develop a strategy so that the management of biological and recreational resources takes into account the essential and sometimes competitive activities of tourism, recreation, scientific study and mineral and petroleum exploration and production
To ensure there is an equitable balance among the various uses of the areas and that these do not have a detrimental impact on the environment.
Integrity and Intrusions
Scant attention to problems arising from the introduction of exotic species of both flora and fauna has been paid in the past. Up to the point of the abandonment of settlements on the island domesticated animals were most certainly kept. Including most probably donkeys, goats, doves, pigeons and poultry. All except pigeons have long since disappeared from the Islands. Cats now the subjects of a vigorous removal campaign are thought to have originated from this period. Otherwise a small but nevertheless significant population of feral Pigeons and doves are all that remain on the Island. Feral Pigeons have colonised the Jebel areas close to the BDF camps but elsewhere away from human influences, they are few in number.
It is felt that problems, as the islands are inevitably developed, of domesticated animals and birds kept largely as pets, will always remain, irrespective of the strength of any legislation to prevent their placement on Hawar. Several pairs of escaped Common Mynah birds Acridotheres tristis have already colonised the area around the Hawar Hotel, there are plans to remove them.
The influence or impact on the native breeding Larks and Kentish Plover, the only documented important native terrestrial breeding species, in development areas will probably be from the development itself with the subsequent loss of breeding habitat.
The motivation for the release and placement of small breeding herds of Arabian Oryx, Addax and Nubian Ibex on Hawar over the last few decades was not documented and its is not known if this was part of a specific strategy. The animals all initially from Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve were released onto Hawar over a period of years before Al Areen was placed under the authority of NCWP. The animals are now however managed by the NCWP and provided daily, with fodder, food supplements and water at five or six locations around the Islands. The impact of these animals on Hawar is difficult to quantify. There is some evidence of overgrazing of certain plant species around the islands. The most seriously affected plant species seem to be the rushes sages and seasonal grasses.
The most serious introduction to the main Island of Hawar in recent years has been the release of a number of Desert Hares Lepus capensis. Brought from Saudi Arabia they were introduced to supplement the locally declining population that had been decimated by feral cats. The NCWP have initiated a management programs to ensure that the releases of the past will not be repeated to threaten in the future the integrity of Hawar.
The so-called beautification, greening around existing and proposed developments is one aspect of the opening up of the islands that is a matter of some concern. Developers feel that greening activities are essential and native species do not satisfy a need to create a simulated Island paradise. Currently however the introduced trees on Hawar, small in extent and number, are all of species that are dependent on irrigation for survival. Controlling the use of exotic alien desert species not so dependant could prove problematic in the future and therefore will require careful monitoring. Visual evidence at abandoned settlement and water collection sites indicate that some palms and native (locally occurring) fruit trees were present on Hawar during recent times.
The increase in human recreation and tourism development even though small scale envisaged on the islands and about the marine reserve given the large numbers of breeding seabirds and endangered marine mammals present, is however of more concern, requiring therefore management action. Unstructured liberalisation of access could affect the Islands integrity. The potential dangers in increasing visitation to offshore islands are numerous. For managing the nominated area and its resources so as to achieve the necessary balance, zoning in accordance with IUCN statagies are considered therefore essential. Partial or total restrictions on destructive or extractive activities in some zones will become a key strategy, as will the creation of scientific and sanctuary areas with controlled and contained human impact.
The entire fishery of Bahrain in most traditional fishing grounds, due largely to over exploitation, is in decline. Half of the people employed in Bahrain’s fishery are Asian expatriate workers, employed as cheap labour by Bahrain’s middle classes, paid on the basis of caught weight. As a consequence Illegal fishing and fishery practices are the norm not the exception. Poor fisheries management, lack of monitoring and controls, plus an open fishery policy have all aided the fisherman to contribute to this decline. The encroachment into the current fishing exclusion zones about Hawar as fisherman exhaust tradition stocks has become a regular occurrence. Left unattended such activities could impact on the integrity of the nominated area particularly if gill netting is used.
The exploitation of both gas and oil reserves thought to underlay the entire area is a major factor that could also compromise the integrity of the present purity of the proposed park area. Two Oil companies have recently been granted licenses to prospect for oil and gas in all sea areas off southern Bahrain, including all sea areas in the nominated site. The reluctance of the authorities to commit publicly to strict environmental safeguards in view of the potential and nationally important financial state return was to be expected. However, both Oil companies on the surface seem very keen to promote an environmentally friendly face and are prepared to provide both financial and moral support for conservation projects in the area. They have stated that local operations will due to the sensitivity of the area, observe and exceed all accepted international standards.
d) Criteria under which inscription is proposed (and justification for inscription under these criteria)
In accordance with Article 2 of the Convention,
The Islands of Hawar should be considered for inscription on the World Heritage List of Natural Properties since they constitute
Natural features consisting of physical and biological formations, which are of outstanding universal value from the aesthetic and scientific point of view, are a precisely delineated area which constitute the habitat of threatened species of animals and plants of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science and conservation
The Kingdom of Bahrain therefore nominates as a natural heritage site (as defined above) for inclusion on the World
Heritage List under sections 44(a)(ii) and 44(a)(iv)” the Islands of Hawar” in consideration of the fact that:
They are an outstanding example representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals (44(a)(ii))
They contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation (44(a)(iv))
Inclusion under Criterion 44(a)(ii)
The ecological and biological processes that are responsible for the creation of the variety of inter-tidal and coastal zones, habitats and marine eco-systems on Hawar have yet to be fully described scientifically, but they are an outstanding example of significant on-going ecological and biological processes.
Much of the dynamics of the marine environment about Hawar are dependent on the relative strength of coastal currents, tidal movements and seasonally high extreme temperatures.
Often wrongly documented as having no significant coastal or tidal movements with a very small annual tidal range of 0.4m, the islands are subject to the same meteorological oscillations that affect he entire gulf and experience similar seasonal highs and lows as recorded elsewhere in Bahrain. Experience would indicate that between the extreme low tides of March and the high tides of August tidal ranges are closer to 1.5m, an important factor in the marine ecology of Hawar’s extensive low algal covered inter-tidal flats.
Sea currents and coastal movements are much in evidence in the topography of the islands. Evidence of considerable storm surges on some Islands also would indicate such events are far more common than thought and have a major impact on the ecology and biodiversity of the more exposed low lying islands. Visual observations also indicate that the tidal regime to the east of Hawar is different in frequency and period to that experienced to the west and that most tidal movements in the east appear to be largely southwards irrespective of the state of the tide, rising or falling.
Extending northwards from what is now the Peninsular of Qatar, tidal flows and water movements generated around the Hawar archipelago differ from the dominant northwesterly wind direction. It is fairly obvious about Hawar that the most influential tidal streams or currents are from the northeast following largely the deeper waters east of Fasht Adhm and Ghumais shoals along the Qatari coast with an almost unimpeded flow towards Hawar. On approaching Hawar this body of water, less saline than those to the west, is split by the Islands into a variety of tidal flows about, around and through the island chain. In many places accelerated through narrow gaps and in the shadow of Hawar’s numerous eastern protruding headlands, to form areas of slack water and eddies of various salinity and turbidity, ideal conditions for the formation of extensive mudflats and the growth of algal mats.
Tidal flows originating to the north and west of Hawar appear to be much weaker moving on a much broader front channelled by the alignment of such reefs as Mu’tarid and Fasht Bu Thur along the western shore of Hawar. At a point close to the location of the existing Hawar Resort Hotel this coastal drift is increasingly influenced more by wind generated water movements generated by unimpeded exposure to the more open waters to the northwest in The Gulf of Salwa.
Around Hawar most of the inter-tidal and sub-littoral areas are underlain by hard flat lying or gently dipping rock, only thinly veneered by sediments, naturally providing few opportunities for extensive algal growth to develop. However, the filling with sediments over time, of the original now submerged drainage pattern and pits in the now submerged wind-eroded landscape of previous eras are thought to have provided macroalgae with the necessary habitat and promoted their substantial colonization around Hawar. This ongoing and creative process is thought to have given rise to the extensive algal covered mud banks found in the lagoons of eastern Hawar that now form a major and significant series of micro-ecosystem. Through a regenerative process of growing on their own decaying biomass the macroalgae have raised the level of the banks above the surrounding substrate. Usually these banks are covered by at least 0.5 m of water however they are occasionally exposed during periods of lowest tides. Broad tidal movements generally pass unimpeded over the banks but through the banks at Khawr Lutaid along the fringes of some and strong tidal steams have undercut the macroalgae bank to expose the underlying mud.
The strength of the various currents east of Hawar is also reflected in the shape, form and length of the numerous sandspits trailing southwards from many islands. In itself an indicator of the lack of the relative strength in the return tidal flow northwards. As this eastern tidal stream reassembles south of Ras Laleh and Bu’sadad east of Hawar it flows out into the small gulf between Qatar and Hawar. As it weakens material carried in suspension is deposited to create what appears to be on aerial images, an underwater alluvial fan now colonized by again by dense macroalgae growth.
The sweeping bays of the eastern shore and in the lee of Ras Suwad and Suwad Al Janubiyah are all areas of accretion and in places extremes of high salinity. These low energy areas vary considerably in character; parts of some are only swept by the sea at time of extreme high tide, with the depth of sediments over the underlying bedrock varying with position relative to major tidal flows and submergence times. In the many bays of the eastern shore of Hawar excepting Dawhat Al Naklah and south of Suwad Al Janubiyah extensive mats of blue green algae exist in front of the fringing heavily vegetated shore.
Between Hawar and the Islands of the Rubuds the Mudbanks are different in character and biodiversity of species colonization with seagrasses more in ascendancy. Broad tidal flows cross this channel carrying large quantities of floating detritus from other areas, the result of the seasonal die backs of sea grasses and sponges which is deposited along the coastal margins of the low lying Islands. These accumulations have with time created extensive coastal marginal marine peat beds of considerable depth in places.
To reiterate in summary, the marine environments of the Hawar Islands represent prime examples of undisturbed reference habitats that are areas of high productivity with food webs based on extensive areas of macroalgae, sea grasses and blue green algae. The are an outstanding and varied example representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes particularly the mudbanks and of the evolution of terrestrial, coastal and Island marine ecosystems, in an arid environment of extremes in temperature and salinity.
Inclusion under Criterion 44(a)(iv)
In defining the extent of the area to be nominated for inclusion within the World Heritage List, particular attention was given as a high priority to the sea area north and west, of Hawar, it’s offshore reefs and extensive sea grass meadows. Continuing field observations and past studies have indicated that it is this area that is most frequented by large numbers of the globally threatened Dugong, Dugong Dugon.
The existing Hawar protected area descriptively, constitutes “the Islands of Hawar and the seas about them” thus offers no real guarantees for the protection of the sea grass meadows on which the Dugong depend, a situation that the Kingdom of Bahrain, irrespective of the success of this application intends to rectify. As a first step in protecting this area Mashtan Island, halfway between Bahrain and Hawar, was declared a protected area in April 2002. It is hoped to protect further areas in the near future.
The shallow water of Gulf of Bahrain appears superficially to be an extremely harsh environment in which to find large herds of Dugong. Salinity averages around 50%o reaching 60%o at extremes, water temperatures follows air temperatures with maximums in excess of 38°c the norm in summer. Nevertheless throughout the year numerous observations of large herds of Dugong from 40 to over two hundred or more individuals are made in the Gulf of Bahrain north west of Hawar. Such sightings are a normal occurrence within the area being nominated particularly during cooler months when there is an increase in boating activity to note Dugong activity. Analysis of the sightings would indicate that the observations relate to three possibly four identifiable herds and represent possibly a seasonal population of around 400 to 500 individuals, including many mothers and calves. Based on the size of the some of the calves observed it has been inferred that Dugong congregate in these waters to breed, however this has yet to be scientifically proved.
Previous to 1986 the population of Dugong in the entire Gulf was estimated at only 50+/-. During the 1986 MEPA (A. Preen 1989) survey of the Western Arabia Gulf, that figure was revised dramatically upwards to arrive at an estimate of 7,307 for the entire Gulf. It is felt that this is a gross misrepresentation of actual figures and the real numbers are but a fraction of those stated. Since one, the methods used to obtain the density data did not give sufficient weight to known behavioural preference for this species in Gulf waters. That is the species’ natural instinct to herd, a feature of all observations of local Dugong sightings both winter and summer alike or the status of the solitary individuals. Two, did not restrict the propagation of the density figures derived to just the area of preferred habitat, the seagrass meadows. If this conclusion is correct the species is far more endangered than currently thought. However one significant feature of the 1986 MEPA survey was the sighting of 674 Dugong in two herds less than a kilometre apart, east of Mu’tarid. As a consequence of this single sighting Dugong were instantly declared a protected species in Bahrain waters. The 2000 MOHA Turtle and Dugong survey (I. Bell 2001) located over 200+/- Dugong again in the same general area.
The marine areas enclosed within the nominated area of the proposed World Heritage Site contain the most important significant and extensive seagrass meadows at the right depth, composition and seasonal stratification that if judged from the weight of field observations of Dugong are perfect for the in-situ conservation of this highly endangered and rare Mammal.
The cause of conservation of Green turtles, fish and shrimp stocks will also be served by the protection of the sea grass meadows
Ornithological importance
Justification for the inclusion of Hawar on the world heritage list must include and take into consideration the wealth and abundance of the Islands Birdlife. The protected status of the Islands was initiated originally on the strength of the numerical size of the Socotra
Cormorant, Phalacrocorax nigrogularis colony, the Socotra colony on Suwad Al Janubiyah is thought to represent in excess of 10% of the world population for the species and remains the largest documented for the species worldwide. Dr. Friedhelm Krupp from the EU (Senckenberg Research Institute Frankfurt) in 1995 estimated the percentage to be as high as 50 to 60%.
Slightly less obvious and well known but from an ornithological viewpoint just as important, are the colonies of Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis schistacea on the Islands of Rubud Al Gharbiyah and Rubud Ash Sharqiyah having potentially in excess of 10% of the regional geographical population.
The substantial tern colonies including Arabia’s only documented colony of breeding Caspian Terns Sterna caspia. The Sooty Falcons Falcon concolor, the Osprey Pandion haliaetus, the tens of thousands of migrant wader gulls and Flamingos, all add to the importance of the Islands from an ornithological viewpoint. The loss of a single element of coastal feeding or breeding habitat for these species would be a disaster.
The Hawar Archipelago as a whole is an ornithological Elysium, a site of outstanding and immense International value. Much however of it’s ornithological vitality and variety is dependant on the wealth and abundance of the ongoing physical and biological processes that have created the multiplicity of exceptional pristine and unique, inter-tidal and coastal zones, of habitats and marine eco-systems and the food chains they support.
2. Description
a) Description of Property
The Land surface area of the Islands of Hawar encompasses over 50.00 Sq kms, 8.5% of the 581+/_Sq kms nominated. To describe the property, it’s physical and biological formations; it is first necessary to understand in part the Geological processes that gave rise to the area.
Bahrain and the Islands of Hawar are set in an area that is regarded as one of the most stable areas geologically, worldwide. Dramatic tectonic movements have had therefore little impact on the creation of the islands. The current visible physical topography on and offshore is but a small window on a landscape that has evolved during recent geological times reflecting periods of innumerable changes in sea level, of submergence and subsequent re-emergence.
During periods of glaciation the entire archipelago was dry land, a part of a drainage system or catchment area that linked the Arabian peninsular with the Tigris and Euphrates river basin, draining through a dry Arabian gulf. These were periods dominated by Aeolian activity, of extreme shammals (wind storms), of the deposition of large quantities of sand from the Arabian Desert and the creation of the wide variety of wind-sculptured and sand blasted landforms, processes still visible on Hawar. It is probable that the now sub-tidal drowned wadi drainage pattern of the islands developed during these dry periods.
Periods of submergences of the landscape exposed to marine influences the islands limestone core, earlier coastal deposits and the underlying strata resulting as sea levels stabilized, in the formation of Hawar’s cliff formations and the ongoing processes of sedimentation and accretion.
The underwater profile of the nominated area ranges from 20m in depth in the southwest to the extensive inter-tidal rocky and algal covered beach flats around Hawar. Habitats separated by extensive terraces of subtidal seagrass beds broken only by the reefs of Mashtan, Mu’tarid and Fasht Bu Thur. These reefs, possibly originally Aeolian structures similar to that of the central Jebel on Hawar have long since been modified on submergence by the ongoing marine processes of sedimentation and accretion and represent the southwards limit of substantial coral growth into the Gulf of Salwa of corals. The small reef of Fasht Bu Thur (approximately 100m) long has 65% coverage of Porites nodifera with examples of Cyphastrea microphthalma and Siderastrea savignyana. These species are thought to be the most saline resistant coral species recorded to date existing around Hawar at the very edge of their tolerance.
Three species of seagrass dominate the terraces, Halodule uninervis, Halophilia stipulacea and Halophila ovalis. The most common and possibly most tolerant to the wider range of environmental parameters of salinity and temperature extremes is Halodule uninervis which attains a coverage of over 70%. Directly associated with the seagrass beds are the epiphytes and epifauna, many living permanently on the grass blades (e.g. tunicates, sponges, hydroids and many of the smaller algae), while others use the grass as a temporary habitat (e.g. pearl oysters spats).
On the west coast of Hawar the subtidal area slopes gently away from the island for over a kilometre to a depth 8 10 metres. This is an area of hard rock substrate with a thin veneer of sand supporting a mixed flora and fauna, each taking advantage of the separate components of the habitat. Detritivores exploit the sand/sediment layer over the rock, as do errant polychaetes. Blue green or diatomaceous algae grow over the surface of the sediment. The occasional exposed rock surfaces support macroalgae such as Sargassum Sp and Hormophysa triqueter with epiphytic sponges as well as variety of hydroids. Where the sand veneer is absent, such as west of the island of Rubud Al Gharbiyah, green algae colonise the rock. Around many of the outer islands are examples of unique rocky intertidal habitat that run into equally unusual rocky subtidal areas of small cliffs and overhangs. Exposed rocks support a large cover of the red algae Laurencia sp, with large clumps of Sargassum beneath the overhangs and occasional coralline algae. Largely undocumented these habitats are not represented elsewhere in Bahrains marine environments.
Blooms of blue-green algae in the summer cause as a consequent an increase in smaller herbivorous and detrital feeding fish in the area which in turn, leads to a related increase in predatory fish, which possibly time their breeding season to coincide with this abundant food supply. Phytoplankton levels increase during early summer and the transition period into winter with as a consequent an increase in shoals of plankton feeding fish and a similar increase of larger pelagic predatory species. It is apparent that both the habitats and their associated flora and fauna are closely adapted to seasonal variations, with transition periods between the extremes of summer and winter, of great importance as spawning, breeding and blooming periods
Much of the breeding and feeding activity of Hawar’s seabird populations can be directly related to these natural seasonal variations in fish stocks within the area under nomination. The presence of large shoals of Sardinella sp in late summer about, around and under both natural floating detritus and man-made shade areas is of major significance to many Tern species in particular.
The physiology of the marine environment around the main island of Hawar changes dramatically from west to east The Islands of the Rubuds act as the dividing point between, in the west the higher more saline open sea of the Gulf of Salwa and to the east of the main island of Jazirat Hawar the dynamic shallow coastal habitats around the smaller Islands. In a similar fashion the topographical of the islands east to west is also just as different.
The gently sloping strata of the islands when viewed from the west masks the contrasting appearance of the cliff fringed eastern shore and the eastwards protruding headlands (maximum height 14m). The line of cliffs extends along and fringes much of the southern perspective of all the headlands which now stand back from the shore, fronted by subqa or mudflats fringed at the shore by dense halophytic plant growth. Between many of the headlands are further enclosed sweeping shallow bays.
Relic areas of carbonate formations have also been eroded and cliffed to create the cliff lined Islands of Umm Hazwarah, Ajirah, Al Hajiyat and the sea stacks of Wakur. In all areas of coastal cliff, the intertidal zone is also different being a relic of the receding cliff face interrupted by steep beaches of shingle and scree. Umm Hazwarah is a unique island in itself in that it has a central wadi system complete with an inner rim rock formation of enclosing escarpments.
Substantial differences can also be found between the topography of the larger Islands of North and South Suwad. The interiors however are overall similar in many ways to areas found on the main Island of Hawar in that both islands have extensive areas of weathered surface pavements similar to those found on Hawar but at much lower elevations. On North or Suwad Al Shamaliyah numerous small but well vegetated depressions cover the pavement areas and are home to flora not found elsewhere on Hawar. On South or Suwad Al Janubiyah a variety of aeolian features stand out in the general landscape. Circular structures constructed from horizontal bedded aeolian sandstones have been identified as prehistoric burial mounds.
Many of the smaller islands are little more than sand or shingle accumulations on areas of exposed bedrock moulded by the ongoing processes of sedimentation and accretion. The intertidal zone about these islands varies according to expose to tidal or weather induced influences however the coastal fringes irrespective of perspective are all generally heavily vegetated by dense growth of halophytic plants dominated by Arthrocnemon macrostachyum. In many places these plants act as stabilisers to fix low coastal dunes. The centres of most low lying Islands including the Rubuds are often devoid of vegetation and are of blistered and salt encrusted subkha surfaces and cerithid rich sand.
The main Island of Hawar is to a certain degree an amalgam of many of the elements of the outer islands topographically speaking. The Island has been improperly used in some areas by defensive military activities however; a program of restoration by the BDF is currently in progress. Fortunately minimal damage has been done to its’ prime topographical features.
Along the entire west coast a beach ridge complex forms a continuous fringe of loose shelly sand, formed mainly of cerithid gastropods. Coastal drift continues to add to this complex structure. At its southern extreme the beach ridge complex extends southward to join with Hawar with its long tail. The Tail or Hadd is an exposed ridge of calcified conglomerate, made up largely of circular pebbles strongly cemented together to form an almost continuous narrow ridge that extends the Island many kilometers into the sea southwards towards the Qatari peninsular. The origins of feature have never been properly described. A similar formation links across the intertidal zone the three Islands of Hajiyat.
Another feature enclosed by the beach ridge complex is the extensive nebkha vegetation dunes north of the Hadd. Formed behind the fringing beach ridge complex the dunes have been fixed by halophytic vegetation that now forms scattered thickets over the continually developing dunes.
In the north of the main Island the growth of the beach ridge complex formed a protective barrier joining what would have originally been two distinct Islands. In the shelter of which extensive accretion flats developed creating a large intertidal inlet that is progressively enclosed eastwards by a line of protective escarpments at its extremities north and south, The escarpment ridges narrow down to almost join at the point where the inlet joins the eastern lagoons forming its’ narrow mouth. The mouth of the inlet was dammed in 1986 by the building of a military road turning the intertidal bay into the salt encrusted supra-tidal flats found today. Plans exist to restore tidal regime to the inlet.
The western slope of the island is rather passive in nature. The coastal vegetation is fairly uniform and dominated by only a few halophytic species, however as it rises with the gentle tilt of the Island it is punctuated by shallow sand or silt filled depressions that offer a more diverse vegetation including thickets of thorn bush. The extensive historic manmade surface water collection system on Hawar also made use of these depressions with the construction of small tanks or cisterns at their lowest points of drainage.
The vegetation of the western slopes finally gives way in the east to the sparse moisture dependant flora of the higher elevations of extensive surface pavements and exposed bedrocks. However eastward draining wadis that punctuated this area can add a flash of green after seasonal rains. Many of these wadi systems drain directly out over or cut through the eastern rim of cliffs exposing the underlying strata. Adding to the stark contrast of the eastern side of the Island dominated as it is by heavily weathered overhanging cliffs, escapements and isolated mesa and in the lee of the protruding headlands separated from the sea by extensive coastal subkhas and algal covered mudflats. The coastal fringe of these areas are once again dominated by halophytic vegetation which in some areas have successfully colonized the subkha and created small areas of nebkha dunes.
On Ras Laleh the most striking and southerly of all Hawar’s headlands, the exposed escarpments on its southern aspect have taken the form of an open amphitheatre. Here wind and time have formed an almost surreal landscape of outstanding natural beauty. Open to southeast the normally jagged landscape of the escarpment has been smoothed and rounded, molded by the wind funneling through an opening on the northwestern side. The floor of the arena comprises of fine wind blown particles taking their colour from a mix of the yellows and whites of the surrounding escapement it is totally devoid of vegetation. The arena is enclosed on the seaward side by a substantial aeolian projection at its northeast corner the catalyst for the trailing coastal deposits that enclose the balance of the feature.
b) History and Development
Little documentation now remains of the once vibrant subsistence economy that once peopled Hawar even though the settlements were abandoned within living memory. The most obvious signs of this recent chapter of Hawar history is found on the islands themselves by way of the ruins of the old villages, the graveyards and the surface water collection systems.
From this evidence one can assume that the population occupied three village sites. The best preserved and possible last abandoned is that found on the shore of the northern circular bay of Dawat Hawar. Several complete building known to have been refurbished in recent times including the ancient Mosque still survive. Associated with this village is a small hunting lodge built in the 1930-40’s for Bahrains’ Ruling Family.
The Island of Hawar were apparently first surveyed by the British East India Company (Honourable Company Marine) in the 1820’s, at that time they were called the Warden’s Islands with the largest island named Al Howakh (Hawar). That survey indicated two fishing villages on the islands.
One Kilometre south of the Hawar resort Hotel are the ruins of another village. One building has been renovated for use as a shelter for the free ranging herds of Addax.
On the eastern shore, the only evidence of a permanent settlement is that found close to the shore under the escarpment face north of Dawhat Al Naklah. Associated with this small village or extended family unit are a number of water cisterns, a millstone, a wadi dam and several cemeteries. Facing eastwards it is most probable that this community in particular, made full use of the all the natural resources that Hawar had to offer, including the collecting of birds and their eggs and full exploitation of shellfish and fish stocks. The size of the buildings at this site would indicate that a higher level of affluence was also attained than at other settlements, the pieces of Chinese salt glazed pottery that can still be found at this site are indicative of that affluence. It is has been documented that both Dugong and turtles were hunted sustainably and eaten by the village communities on Hawar as were the eggs of Socotra Cormorants.A small number of prehistoric sites are present in the landscape of Hawar. However it is most probable that continuous historic use of the same natural resources until recent times has resulted in more such remains being obscured by recent human activity.
The date and origins of the surface drainage system on Hawar are unknown. Comparison with any local Bahraini or Qatari feature is impossible. In Bahrain the ancient Dilmon Civilisation developed around a plentiful supply of Water, whereas Qatari culture is based on a nomadic herding economy. The only known similarities that can be made are with the Island communities offshore from Abu Dhabi. Interestingly some pottery shards collected on Hawar were tentatively identified as originating in what is now the UAE.
Besides existing on a traditional subsistence economy the islanders were also actively engaged in the pearling industry, although to what extent it is not known. The mining of gypsum has also been accredited to Hawar and appears apparently in references to the Islands during the period of British protection. Evidence of such mining activity have yet to be found physically on the islands but many of the traditional homes of families associated with Hawar in Bahrain are said to contain elaborate ceiling designs made from Hawar gypsum.
The building by the British of the existing small police fort on Hawar in 1937 and the building of the prominent Cairns still visible on all islands are the only visible evidence of British evolvement with the Islands.
The physical isolation of the islands became more and more acute for it’s people in the late 60’s; modern facilities such as healthcare and education were nonexistent. As motorised fishing boats became more readily available the people of Hawar abandoned their settlements and moved to the fishing villages of southern and western Bahrain, so that by the time of Independence for Bahrain in 1971 no people remained on the Islands.
The garrisoning of Hawar by the Bahrain Defence Forces resulted in a permanent head quarters being established 1984 in the north complete with Hospital, power station, water desalination plant and deep-water jetty. The Hospital now provides medical services for both military and all visitors to the Island. The power station powered by diesel generators has sufficient capacity currently for all the islands needs. The deep-water jetty is used by Hawar Ferries. Potable water however remains at a premium as the flash plant produces insufficient for all current needs. Additional supplies are barged in on a regular basis. Deep exploratory water wells have recently been bored only to find extremely saline aquifer water.
Between 1986 and 1988 around 100 re-cycled prefabricated chalets were move to two sites on Hawar. In the north to sit around Dawat Hawar Bay and to a central site at what is also now the site of the Hawar Resort Hotel. Rented out mainly to Bahraini families and fisherman, the two developments were originally run by staff from the Central Municipality.
Despite the current round of oil exploration being undertaken in the area, the Islands of Hawar have in fact been the subject of oil exploration before. Between 1939 and 1960 a series of exploratory surveys and drillings were apparently undertaken around Hawar culminating on February 25th 1961 with the drilling to a depth of 8,200 ft of a well named Hawar No. 1 on Suwad Al Shamaliyah. It turned out to be a dry hole with only trace amounts of oil being found. A dilapidated jetty, a graded tack across the Island and a small dirt mound are virtually all that remain.
The site occupied by the southern Chalets was further developed in 1996 with the addition of the small 40 roomed Hawar Resort Hotel and four two storey self-catering apartment blocks. On completion of building works the Hotel and apartments were leased out to a local Hotel chain. The owners of the site, a consortium of various government Ministries known as the Southern Area Development Company SADC retained the chalets.
Visitors to both the Hotel and the Northern Chalets are currently restricted in their movements and other than bus trips along the single tarmac road joining the two sites are generally not allowed to leave the fenced enclosures.
In 1998 40 or so MOHA housing units were built as part of a development plan. Conceived to be the nucleus of a new community on Hawar; the completed units currently remain unoccupied.
In 2001 a 4-meter deep-water channel was completed, dredged through the rocky substrate on the western shore of Hawar. A substantial rock armoured jetty was constructed to service the new channel. Material cut from the channel was used to create the jetty and two artificial Islands, stated at the time to be temporary. The future environmental consequences of the design of the jetty and it’s total disregard of known natural ongoing coastal processes i.e. that responsible for creating and maintaining the existing beach ridge complex of the western shore, will be predictably negative.
Recently development offshore from the Hawar Hotel by the owners of the site SADC have been initiated in the form of personalised manmade Islands. Undertaken in the very public arena of the Hotel coastal water this development has from been the subject of much open public criticism and debate. The development is currently under review as a full environmental impact assessment survey in being carried out.
c) Form and date of most recent records of site
As a site that was and is still to a much lesser degree under military rule, the restriction placed on access have limited the ammount of open scientific research that has been carried out into the Island biological diversity.
° The Wild Flowering Plants of Bahrain; Cornes and Cornes (1989)
° A botanical survey of the Islands was undertaken in March 2001 by staff from Arabian Gulf University, the results are currently being prepared for publication by the University Press.
° Surveys of the aviflora of the Islands was initiated in 1998; Results in the form of a book - The Breeding Birds of Hawar. H M King (1999)
° The Bahrain Marine Habitat Survey Ministry of State for Municipal affairs and Environmental Affairs and ROPME (1984).
° Bahrain Natural History Annual Report 1977 – 1984; Reports and Publications contain reference material pertinent to Hawar
° The Protected Area of Hawar;. Prof. Dr. I Al Madany and Z. Khunji, NCWP (2002)
° Comprehensive and complete aerial photography, at a variety of scales taken on average at ten year interval from 1951 to present are held by the Ministry of Housing and Agriculture
The Islands have been recently mapped by the Survey Directorate, MOHA to compliement the exisiting small scale mapping coverage. Full digital mapping should be completed by the end of 2002
d) Present state of conservation
In general the outer Islands can only be regarded as being in pristine condition. Impacts of human activities on these islands both past and present can only be regarded as negligible.
There is no doubt that the military have had an impact on the main island however the military presence on Hawar has to be viewed positively. Without the associated restrictions placed on the Islands since 1986 it is highly likely that the integrity of Islands would most certainly by now have been compromised, as is the case elsewhere in Bahrain. Settlement of the boundary dispute came at a time when environmental issues and the maturity of State were equal and appreciative of the unspoilt nature of the Islands.
The military restriction on public access to the Islands has been extremely effective in protecting the Islands and in keeping illegal activities to a minimum. BDF and Coastguard personnel are responsible for the successful prosecutions of eggs thieves in 1998 and illegal fishing more recently. Their positive actions have acted as a strong deterrent to all.
The personal litter of military personal and superficial debris however does remains a minor problem at many cleared locations;
Impacts
° Military tracks and defensive structure at their peak disturbed approx. 20% of the surface area of Jazirat Hawar.
° Since the successful conclusion of the ICJ hearings, the military usage of 75% of established tracks has ceased totally.
° Over 50% of all military structures have been removed.
° The open rubbish tip on the north flank of Ras Suwad initiated by the BDF in view of the sensitivity of Hawar has not been properly managed.
Environmental pressure on the municipal authority now the current responsible agency to undertake a waste disposal management plan has seen no improvement on site.
The total removal and restoration of this site is proposed under the new Hawar Master Plan.
° At the BDF HQ camp, solid waste material is currently partially processed before being disposed of through the use of open ponds using native grasses as filters before being allowed to drain into the open desert. Grey water is processed for recycling.
The quantities involved are very small but overall the process appears to be environmentally sustainable, with the site attracting numerous passing migrant birds mostly passerines and small waders.
Rubbish floating in from the north of Hawar is constantly polluting the north facing coasts on exposed Islands.
The isolated wheel marks of vehicles that accessed the outer islands during the 1997 seismic survey have already started to disappear particularly on many salt encrusted surface areas. Time will be required over other substrates types.
Gazelles
The origin of the Gazelle on Hawar is not known; Gallagher and Harrison wrote in 1974 “three gazelle were regularly seen near the Police Fort on Hawar and that it was thought that ten Gazelle survived there”. Research into references of Gazelle on Hawar or the Warden’s Islands in old East India Company records and other written accounts at the Royal Court in Bahrain is currently being undertaken.
The use of the word “survive” by such an eminent writer as Michael Gallagher is interesting. The herd could well be a remnant of Bahrain’s native Gazelle population long thoughts lost or contaminated by the introduction into Bahrain by other Arabian species.
A brief two-day survey of Hawar by 33 Bahrain Natural History Society members in May 1977 recorded 15 gazelle.
Current numbers are thought to now total close to 300 individual animals. A physical count is planned this summer (2002) after the completion of the Gazelles annual breeding cycle.
Funding for Genetic or DNA studies to determine the relationship and purity of Hawar’s and other Bahrain populations of Reem Gazelle is actively being sought from private donations by the NCWP.
The same staffs from Al Areen, from the time of the parks inception in 1976 until the present date have tended the herds of gazelles on Hawar; they state that over thirty gazelle were present there at the start of their stewardship.
Ornithological record - Species observed
H.M.King, Bird Recorder for the Bahrain Natural History Society, who maintains the ornithological records for Bahrain including the Islands of Hawar, provided the following lists.
Table 1
Ornithological record - Species observed
|
English Name |
Latin Name |
Status |
|
Great
Crested
Grebe |
Podiceps
cristatus |
|
|
Black necked Grebe |
Podiceps
nigricollis |
|
|
Great Northern Cormorant |
Phalacrocorax
carbo |
|
|
|
Phalacrocorax
nigrogularis |
Breeding |
|
Grey Heron |
Ardea
cinerea |
|
|
Purple Heron |
Ardea
purpurea |
|
|
Great Egret |
Ardea alba |
|
|
Little Egret |
Egretta
garzetta |
|
|
Striated Heron |
Butorides
striatus |
|
|
Squacco Heron |
Ardeola
ralloides |
|
|
Greater Flamingo |
Phoenicopterus
ruber |
|
|
Teal |
Anas crecca |
|
|
Mallard |
Anas
platyrhynchos |
|
|
Northern Pintail |
Anas acuta |
|
|
Garganey |
Anas
querquedula |
|
|
Northern Shoveler |
Anas
clypeata |
|
|
Osprey |
Pandion
haliaetus |
Breeding |
|
Black Kite |
Milvus
migrans |
|
|
Short-toed Eagle |
Circaetus gallicus |
|
|
Western Marsh Harrier |
Circus aeruginosus |
|
|
Pallid Harrier |
Circus
macrourus |
|
|
Sparrowhawk |
Accipiter
nisus |
|
|
Buzzard |
Buteo buteo
|
|
|
Steppe Eagle |
|
|
|
Lesser Kestrel |
Falco naumanni |
|
|
Kestrel |
Falco tinnunculus |
|
|
Sooty Falcon |
Falco concolor |
Breeding |
|
Chukar |
Alectoris chukar |
Breeding |
|
Grey Francolin |
Francolinus pondicerianus |
Breeding |
|
Water Rail |
Rallus aquaticus |
|
|
Oystercatcher |
Haematopus
ostralegus |
|
|
Cream Coloured Courser |
Cursorius cursor |
|
|
Grey Plover |
Pluvialis squatarola |
|
|
Ringed Plover |
Charadrius hiaticula |
|
|
Little Ringed Plover |
Charadrius
dubius |
|
|
Kentish Plover |
Charadrius
alexandrinus |
Breeding |
|
Lesser Sand Plover |
Charadrius
mongolus |
|
|
Greater Sand Plover |
Charadrius
leschenaultii |
|
|
Common Snipe |
Gallinago
gallinago |
|
|
Black tailed
Godwit |
Limosa limosa |
|
|
Bar tailed Godwit |
Limosa
lapponica |
|
|
Whimbrel |
Numenius
phaeopus |
|
|
Curlew |
Numenius
arquata |
|
|
Spotted Redshank |
Tringa
erythropus |
|
|
Common Redshank |
Tringa
totanus |
|
|
Marsh Sandpiper |
Tringa
stagnatilis |
|
|
Common Greenshank |
Tringa
nebularia |
|
|
Green Sandpiper |
Tringa
ochropus |
|
|
Wood Sandpiper |
Tringa
glareola |
|
|
Terek Sandpiper |
Xenus
cinereus |
|
|
Common Sandpiper |
Actitis
hypoleucos |
|
|
Ruddy Turnstone |
Arenaria
interpres |
|