Conserving freshwater at Wadi Shees

Freshwater is a precious resource we all need to survive. However, in recent years, groundwater levels have dipped as demand for freshwater has continued to grow.  

In partnership with Coca Cola Middle East, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Environment and Protected Areas Authority Sharjah, we launched the Freshwater Conservation project to support agriculture and cultivation of dates in Wadi Shees and to protect species that depend on this source of freshwater. 

We restored 750 meters of the traditional falaj irrigation system in Wadi Shees, trained 100% of farmers in sustainable water irrigation tools and achieved 30% water savings. Efforts also included the creation of a 1.8km circular nature trail which improved ecotourism and inflow of tourism by more than 50%.  

The support of local communities was instrumental in the success of the project. We organised 6 majlises to give community members a say in the implementation of the project, and trained them on biodiversity conservation, smart cropping systems and water conservation techniques.