WILDLIFE CONSERVATION HUB &
AN ECOTOURISM PARADIGM

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION HUB &
AN ECOTOURISM PARADIGM

THE BIODOMES | RAS AL KHAIMAH

The Biodomes Wildlife Conservation Hub is a project that seeks to celebrate the mountain range through an ecotourism paradigm.

As tourism to natural areas increases worldwide, and as the UAE prepares to welcome more tourists, the Al Hajar mountains will likely see increased tourism over the coming years.

Tourism can create pollution, soil erosion, and loss of natural habitats and endangered species. The Biodomes project aims to mitigate the effects of tourism on the natural environment by promotion environmentally responsible tourism through training, education & wildlife conservation.

Wildlife conservation benefits humans by ensuring long-term sustainability of ecosystems. The health of our ecosystem is based on the health of our biodiversity, which is the backbone of edgeless cities. Wildlife conservation generates revenue through tourism, creates green jobs whilst promoting economic growth.

Wildlife conservation ensures the maintenance and balance of our ecosystems, whilst also mitigating the risk of the extinction of various species from climate change.

THE HEALTH OF OUR ECOSYSTEM IS BASED
ON THE HEALTH OF OUR BIODIVERSITY

The balance and stability of ecosystems are intrinsically connected to the rich diversity of species. Biodiverse ecosystems are more adaptable to changes in climate, whilst offering resilience by reducing impacts of climate change. Protecting & promoting the growth of native plants and wildlife enhances the capacity for mitigating global warming, as the ecosystems that support them play a critical role in sequestering carbon.

Exposure to biodiverse natural environments also has a positive impact on our mental health, such as reduced stress, anxiety and depression. It also helps increase our memory, creativity and overall well-being.

Another objective of edgeless cities is nature restoration, which increases ecosystem resilience to extreme heats & droughts, whilst regulating micro-climates in cities. Nature restoration increases carbon sequestration and is essential for carbon neutrality goals.

There are many benefits of increasing the quality & quantity of urban green spaces inside our cities, by restoring nature within our built environments. These include enhanced biodiversity, reduction in noise, air pollution as well as floor risk. There is also a growing body of evidence that shows that nature increases the overall health & wellbeing of people .

OUR CONNECTION WITH NATURE IS
INTEGRAL TO OUR HUMAN EVOLUTION

The Biodomes is a good example of ‘Biophilic design’; an important strategy for sustainable buildings and sustainable cities. The term Biophilic design originates from “Biophilia”, which was a term pioneered by German-born American psychoanalyst Erich Fromm. The meaning of the word comes from “bio” – meaning life, and “philia” – meaning friendly feeling toward. In the book, The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness (1973), Fromm describes Biophilia as “the passionate love of life and of all that is alive”.

Its application was later used and developed by American biologist Edward O. Wilson, who believed that humans have a natural liking for nature. In his book, Biophilia (1984), Wilson believed that humans have a biologically-based need for the natural world through various means – psychological, biological, cultural, symbolic, and aesthetics. He believed our connection with nature was integral to our human evolution. His theory caught the attention of many researchers who continue to find new evidence that backs the concept of Biophilia.

 

Its application was later used and developed by American biologist Edward O. Wilson, who believed that humans have a natural liking for nature. In his book, Biophilia (1984), Wilson believed that humans have a biologically-based need for the natural world through various means – psychological, biological, cultural, symbolic, and aesthetics. He believed our connection with nature was integral to our human evolution. His theory caught the attention of many researchers who continue to find new evidence that backs the concept of Biophilia.

The evolution of nature inside buildings is a growing trend. This is partly due to the increase in evidence provided by researchers, through experiments and studies, which show some of the benefits nature has on our wellbeing.