Wetland Natural Reserve, Aden

The wetlands of the Aden Governorate are among the most significant natural heritage areas in Yemen. They represent ecologically rich landscapes with vital economic, social, and environmental value. These wetlands serve as critical feeding and nesting grounds for large populations of migratory and resident water birds, as well as other avian species. They provide essential stopover habitats for birds migrating annually between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The wetlands' ecosystems are sustained by the waters of the Gulf, which forms part of the Gulf of Aden, as well as by artificial wetlands that rely on treated wastewater. This ecological dependency underscores the importance of their conservation to maintain both biodiversity and environmental integrity. Recognizing their importance, the Republic of Yemen designated five wetland nature reserves in 2006: Al-Heswah Reserve, the Aden Lagoons, Khor Bir Ahmed Reserve and Al-Mamlaḥ Reserve.

Al-Heswah Nature Reserve

Geographical Location:
Located in the Al-Mansoura District, south of Aden city, the reserve lies between coordinates 495704.391–497353.807 (latitude) and 1417913.333–1420803.499 (longitude). It is bordered by Al-Mansoura and Bir Fadl to the north, the Gulf of Aden to the south, Caltex to the east, and Al-Heswah and Bir Ahmed to the west.

Ecological Significance
Al-Heswah Reserve is the final discharge point for seasonal floodwaters from the Tuban Delta and Bir Ahmed. These flows improve soil properties and protect marine environments—particularly coral reefs—from pollution. The site supports dense vegetation that provides a natural buffer against seasonal winds and serves as a haven for migratory and resident birds.

Historical Significance
Historically, the area was used for salt extraction. Since the mid-20th century, the reserve has seen the gradual recovery of its vegetative cover and has been utilized for agriculture using both floodwater and treated wastewater. The current area of the reserve is 185 hectares, with recommendations to expand it, especially to the east and west, to enhance biodiversity conservation.

Aden Lagoons

Geographical Location
Situated in the Khormaksar District of Aden Governorate, the lagoons span from coordinates 499053.113–502757.474 (latitude) and 1416455.000–1420776.000 (longitude), covering an area of 110.11 hectares. The system comprises two lagoons: the northern lagoon (34.5 ha) and the southern lagoon (75.61 ha), located on sandy and muddy plains adjacent to the Gulf of Tawahi and separated from land by man-made roads.

Ecological and Historical Context
Formed in the 1950s following the construction of the coastal road (originally extending to the "Aisha" Station), parts of the area were later reclaimed for the construction of the Aden Hotel in the 1970s. Since then, the lagoons have attracted international and regional environmental attention due to their ecological and economic value. The lagoons are fed by the waters of Bandar Tawahi Bay through seven openings, which facilitate water exchange and maintain ecological balance.

The site supports diverse flora and fauna and is one of the most important feeding grounds for migratory waterbirds such as the greater and lesser flamingos, herons, and pelicans. It also hosts significant seagrass species like Halophila stipulacea and Cymodocea serrulata, which stabilize the seabed and support a wide range of marine life. The area is a key breeding and nursery site for fish species such as Latycephalidae and Mugilidae, along with crustaceans (Penaeidae) and mollusks.

Khor Bir Ahmed (Al-Farsi) Reserve

Geographical Location
Located in the Al-Buraiqa District of Aden Governorate, the reserve lies between coordinates 1415347.00–141125.00 and 488133.00–182738.00. It is bordered to the north by open land, to the south by Mount Al-Mazlaqam, to the east by Al-Buraiqa Bridge, and to the west by Salah Al-Din.

Ecological Features
This 1173.15-hectare reserve comprises sandy and muddy intertidal flats and is an integral part of the coastal wetland system along the Gulf of Aden. It is fed by tidal waters from Bandar Tawahi Bay.

Historical and Environmental Value
The area has long held strategic and environmental significance, known historically by various names such as “Shores of Fort Rabak” and “Sabkhat Al-Asl,” due to the prevalence of the Asl plant used in tar and resin production. In 1923, the "Al-Farsi Saltworks" was established, giving the area its current name. The reserve also supported economic activities such as fishing and livestock grazing.

Today, it features wild plants like Solanum incanum ("chicken poison"), Suaeda spp. ("Asl"), and Prosopis juliflora ("mesquite"). The area supports a rich diversity of marine life, including high-value fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. It serves as a winter refuge for migratory birds and acts as a natural barrier protecting coastal lands from sea-level rise and flooding.

Al-Mamlaḥ Saltworks Reserve

Geographical Location
Located within the administrative boundaries of Khormaksar and Al-Mansoura Districts in Aden Governorate, between coordinates 499035.70–503995.22 (latitude) and 1418778.71–1422614.57 (longitude).

Environmental and Industrial Significance
Al-Mamlaḥ is a vital coastal wetland with unique ecological and historical features. It spans a total area of 943.582 hectares, including 288.611 hectares of water bodies used to impound water during high tides. The reserve is distinguished by a series of salt production basins—from initial concentration ponds to final crystallization ponds—making it a key site for Yemen's salt industry.

Historical Context
Salt production at Al-Mamlaḥ is among the oldest in Yemen, dating to 1886 with the establishment of an Italian company. The industry expanded in 1908 with the entry of an Indian company. Historical features, including old windmills and water channels used to transport seawater, are still visible today.

The reserve also supports halophytic plant species such as Tamarix spp., Prosopis juliflora, and Suaeda spp., reflecting the resilience of the local ecosystem. It is an important refuge for numerous bird species, especially during the winter season.

The wetlands of Aden are ecologically significant areas that may qualify for inscription on the World Heritage List due to their potential to meet several criteria for Outstanding Universal Value.

1. Unique Biodiversity
The reserves harbour a wide range of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, including endemic bird and plant species.
They comprise multiple ecosystems—wetlands, beaches, and marshes—that enhance their ecological value.

2. Strategic Location and Environmental History
Situated along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, these wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining environmental equilibrium and act as convergence zones for marine and terrestrial species.

3. Threatened Natural Habitats
The sites include vulnerable ecosystems such as wetlands and mudflats, which are critical habitats for migratory and resident species, especially birds.

4. Conservation and Sustainability
The wetlands support the preservation of threatened species and their habitats. Their protection aligns with the international community's responsibility to safeguard biodiversity.

5. Cultural and Community Integration
These areas are intertwined with the cultural and environmental practices of local communities. They play a significant role in environmental education and sustainable livelihoods.

6. Scientific and Educational Value
The reserves offer valuable opportunities for scientific research and environmental education, particularly in biodiversity, marine ecology, and environmental sustainability.

Criterion (ix): The site represents significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of ecosystems and communities of plants and animals.

Criterion (x): The site contains the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.

Despite recent challenges, including habitat encroachment and reduced local engagement due to the 2015 conflict, the wetlands continue to support a wide range of plant and animal species, particularly bird habitats. Both greater and lesser flamingos are still nesting in the area. Conflict-related disruptions have affected conservation activities, including the withdrawal of funding and reduced participation from local communities.

Current efforts led by the Environmental Protection Authority include planning for restoration and biodiversity protection. A major project, supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aims to rehabilitate Al-Heswah Reserve and integrate conservation strategies with those of the Socotra Archipelago.