Transcript Document
Baseline Data from Survey • The survey established baseline data on vegetation, Mammals, Birds, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. – – – – – – no known protected flora and fauna identified 28 perennial plant species recorded 4 species of mammals 9 species of birds (breeding residents) 4 species of Reptiles & Amphibians 45 species of invertebrates Baseline study Findings • Biodiversity Compartments – Mountain slopes and summits – Gravel outwash plain / farming – Wadi beds and plain Mountain slopes and summits Gravel outwash plain Wadi bed & Cliffs Main production area set back behind front Jebel to reduce visual impact BAP - Area 1 Wadi BAP – Area 2 Plain BAP – Area 3 Mountain Slopes Biodiversity Action Plan Local Management 5 year quarry development plan. Local quarry management to review the initial BAP survey against the 5 year plan, to ensure compartment areas can be undisturbed. Reduction or elimination of goat grazing. The level of goat stocking / grazing is presently having a major impact on the biodiversity of the site. Identify compartment areas to eliminate life stock grazing. Develop ways of securing areas by perimeter fencing or similar. Preservation of larger mammals. To maintain the maximum biodiversity, habitat corridors should be maintained between the Shawkah quarry site and the mountain ranges to the east. No boundary fences will be installed, therefore allowing natural habitat corridors. Biodiversity Action Plan Preservation of areas of natural habitat. Existing habitats should be left undisturbed so that at least some of the habitat is preserved. Define clear compartment areas which can be left undisturbed. Preservation of existing native samur (Acacia tortilis) and sidr (Ziziphus spina christi) trees. In the natural environment these trees are of high ecological importance, for instance by providing shade for native wildlife and habitat for native invertebrates. Identify these species and identify suitable compartment areas. The invasive of alien plant species. Most likely to affect the Shawkah site is mesquite, Prosopis juliflora. This central American species is highly invasive and has already colonised areas of the northern Emirates. Ensure plantation for recreation or cosmetic purposes does not introduce alien species. Biodiversity Action Plan Invertebrates Insects play a crucial role in the maintenance of the food chains and in pollination of the vegetation. Archaeological Detailed survey required. Employee Engagement Environment / Biodiversity ‘Champions’ BAP Review Review Site BAP Insecticide spraying should be avoided. Ras Al Khaimah authorities for archaeology should conduct a survey of the various stone structures to document these and excavate them if required. Positive promotion and monitoring of Biodiversity compartments will be essential for the success of the BAP. Volunteers to be found with interest in the subject to assist in actions and monitoring. BAP review will take place if any developments take place at the Quarry. Should this not occur the next review would be as indicated. Case Study – Biodiversity Action Plan Al Futtaim Tarmac Shawkah Quarry Craig Streak CMIOSH Tarmac Middle East Regional Sustainable Development Manager