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 2Plain

BAP – Area 3Mountain

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.

Insecticide spraying should be avoided.

Archaeological Detailed survey required. Ras Al Khaimah authorities for archaeology should conduct

a survey of the various stone structures to

document these and excavate them if required.

Employee Engagement Environment / Biodiversity ‘Champions’ 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 Review Site BAP 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 CMIOSHTarmac Middle East

Regional Sustainable Development Manager