Wadi Gaza as one of Important Bird Areas in Palestine |
 Anonymous writes "Wadi Gaza one of the Important Bird areas in Gaza Strip
The Ecological Importance of the Site
The Wadi Gaza region includes the course of Wadi Gaza, and
its southern and northern banks. Upstream, banks are 20 meters on each side of
the dry wadi bed. The area comprises of natural wetlands situated around a
permanently flooded estuary lake. The rocky slopes in the southern region are
relatively high in comparison with the northern sites. Wadi Qatron, ending in
the northern part of Wadi Gaza next to Al Bureij camp, is insufficient to supply
Wadi Gaza with the water it needs. Closer to the Green Line border, another
water resource for Wadi Gaza is Wadi Al Shalaleh, originating in the north of
the Negev. The course of this water supply from the Hebron mountains has been
altered by the Israelis, directing the water to Israeli sites, causing
environmental concerns in Wadi Gaza.
Wadi Gaza flora is characterized by the abundance of small
shrubs that occur on sand dunes beside the Wadi. The most humid wetlands within
Wadi Gaza are characterized by the abundance of Typha species that occur on the
boundaries of the flooded areas. It is estimated that around 125 hectares of the
natural salty swamps of this area disappeared following the building of the
water bridge in Wadi Gaza in 1996. This prevented influx of water, effecting
sand movements and succession, changing the environment and the geography of
wetlands in Wadi Gaza area. It also raised the water level in ponds in that wet
land. Ac*****ulation of sand generated through floods or heavy storms, are another
evidence of the incapability of the stream to follow.
Biodiversity of Wadi Gaza
Flora of Wadi Gaza area
Wadi Gaza is characterized by the existence of many plant species that
require coastal and sand dune habitats. This is especially evident in the saline
acclimatizing plants (halophytic vegetation) such as Solicornia europea, where
it is constantly changing into vegetation of freshwater habitats such as the
members of Cyperaceae family.
Fauna of Wadi Gaza area
About 1250 dunams of this area is considered to be the active sand dunes and
the coast area, while the 2000 dunams neighboring boundary area creates a rich
environment for wild animals, as well as, important spots for rare plant
species.
On the other hand, the semi arid zone of the south-west region of Gaza Strip is
the only natural area that still is without any agricultural or urban
development impact. A critical environmental problem is created by the fences
that are surrounding the geographical and the political boundaries of the Gaza
Strip, restricting the movement of mammals to the interior zone of Wadi Gaza
(especially the biggest ones).
Birds of Wadi Gaza area
In addition to the large numbers of quail passing the Palestinian coast and
north Sinai Desert during migratory season, Wadi Gaza is also known as an
important spot for attracting many other migratory and resident bird species.
Many kinds of waterfowls and waders such as: Spur-winged Plover, Flamingo, and
many species of ducks and sandpipers live in Wadi Gaza.
Wadi Gaza is home to several migratory endangered species (classified according
to International Union For Conservation Of Nature (IUCN) red lists for
endangered species), such as Corn Crak (Crex crex), and the Imperial Eagle
(Aquila helica). The wadi is listed as as an important wetland area and
Important Bird Area (IBA), natural habitat for the following; White Stork (Ciconia
ciconia), Avocet (Recurvrostra avosetta), Glossy Ibis, and Great White Egret (Egretta
alba).
Other organisms
Due to the existence of some natural and artificial ponds in Wadi Gaza area,
many reptiles, amphibians, and crustaceans can be observed e.g. turtle nesting
beaches of the Gaza strip are reported by The Coastal Zone Plan for Gaza (MOPIC,
1996). Unfortunately these species and their eggs are endangered by hunting and
collecting. It is not known at present whether the turtles still breed along the
beaches of Gaza strip, despite regular sightings at sea reported by fishermen
(Department of Fisheries, 2000). Sea turtles are a protected species and hunting
is prohibited by law (Groombridge, 1990).
Water system in Wadi Gaza
Average rainfall has only been recorded since 1973. Few, but important
surveys concerning the water system had been conducted, such as examining the
intensity of water influx through the year, water levels, charts and graphs
describing water issues. Few topographical maps concerning water level have been
made, which would enable study and comparison between rainfall in the area of
Wadi Gaza and other areas with different topographical levels in Gaza Strip.
Wadi Gaza is used for collecting water during winter, as residents are aware
that water runs through the wadi constantly in winter season. It is thus used
for collecting huge amount of rain water.
In the beginning of the seventies, the amount of water collected began to
decrease, owing to the building of dams, and in addition, Israeli projects for
collection in the upper parts of the Wadi. From that time, the influx of water
level has declined gradually in spite of some annual fluxes during years with
high relative humidity.
In the year 1994/1995, the influx of water appears for a ten day period through
that year, in an amount that approximate to 20mm3. And through year 2000/2001,
the influx of water appears just for 7 day period.
The other source of water in Wadi Gaza, is the untreated waste water, that
arrives at the Wadi through five waste water streams. The two biggest sources of
waste water pollution are generated by the two neighboring refugee camps. The
third was created in 1999 flowing from the newly developed area of Al Zahra.
The total amount of this water reaches a daily average of 5000mm3, projected to
increase to to an average of 7000mm3 by 2003. Untreated water forms small ponds
at the end of the Wadi, while a little amount of it reaches the wetland lake.
Groundwater of Wadi Gaza:
Ground wells exist in Wadi Gaza, mostly for agricultural purposes. The
Ministry of Agriculture has monitored the water level of seven wells monthly
since the 1970s. It also monitors water quality for twelve wells twice annually.
Environmental concerns in Wadi Gaza:
Lack of public awareness, regulations, and law as well as institutional gaps,
are significant factors negatively affecting the local environment, especially
in developing countries. Most of these concerns are relevant to discussion of
Wadi Gaza. However, Palestinians face an even more complex threat in that they
are living under occupation and thus do not have a full control over their land.
The following is a describes factors affecting the Palestinian environment
generally, and Wadi Gaza area specifically:
Solid Waste:
Land Fill/ Dumpsites
Increased population density in the Gaza Strip, along with the strict
limitation on land use, allows for the emergence of many small-uncontrolled
dumpsites. None is lined, fenced or monitored. Currently, dumping or burning in
open areas are the most common methods of waste disposal.
Chemical and medical wastes
Evidence shows that much of the solid waste generated by Israeli settlers living
in the Gaza Strip is being disposed of in Palestinian territory. There is also
illegal transfer of toxic wastes generated in Israel to the Gaza Strip and the
West Bank. These wastes are dumped randomly and burned in open areas. In
addition toxic chemicals, drugs and flammables generated from hospitals and
medical centers are disposed along with municipal garbage in open dumps without
any treatment.
Industrial wastes
Industrial solid wastes are managed together with municipal wastes. Burning
of solid waste in the open is common. Thus many dangerous materials are burned
and chemicals released into the air. In addition, solid wastes are improperly
disposed of in agricultural and natural lands.
Urban Development
Natural population growth in Gaza has led to an increase in built up areas and
water consumption. This has subsequently led to a higher production of solid and
liquid wastes, which are mainly disposed of in natural and agricultural areas
near the wadi.
Liquid Wastes
Population density in the Strip, and the present and future water demand has
resulted in ever increasing liquid wastes. This will have long-term impacts on
health and development unless proper disposal schemes are adopted such as:
Cesspools
Generally, domestic water and household liquid wastes are disposed of
through cesspools (20-25 m2). These should be designed with a non porous layer
to avoid leakage to under layers. In the Gaza Strip such criteria are often not
paid attention to, causing pollution of underground water.
Old wells
Environmental damage is caused by old wells, which were used primarily for
the purpose of drinking, or irrigation, are currently used for wastewater
disposal.
Sewerage network
Establishment of a proper sewerage system is essential for the appropriate
disposal of liquid wastes. The Strip has a primitive and insufficient network,
especially in the wadi region. The governing authorities are starting to realize
the importance of this issue and are working to upgrade the system, which has
already made a positive impact on people and the natural environment.
Disposal of liquid wastes in the sea and Wadi Gaza
The close proximity of Wadi Gaza and the sea to densely populated urban
areas, has led to dumping of liquid waste by residents in both the wadi and the
sea.
This has significant implications such as:
Health hazards for those eating fish caught in area
Threat to environmental beauty, tourism and development of sea and the wadi
Waste water irrigation
In some agricultural fields near sewerage outlets, farmers depend on
wastewater for irrigation of seasonal crops. This common practice poses a real
threat to both humans and the environment. Law enforcement in this regard is
being monitored.
Wastewater treatment plants
There are three wastewater treatment pools in the Strip established during
the occupation period; Beit Lahia, Sheikh Ajleen in Gaza and Tel Al Sultan in
Rafah. These pools are not operating adequately. This causes direct pollution of
under ground water resources.
Other Problems:
Lack of specific industrial zone:
The industrial sector in the Gaza strip is still under developed, and the
existing industries are mainly of small to medium scale. Some industrial
factories can be found within both residential and agricultural areas. Problems
associated with industry; improper disposal of solid waste; air and noise
pollution etc.
Expired food:
Lately, there is an increasing smuggling of expired or shortly due to expire
Israeli products into the Strip. Governing authorities are currently trying to
stamp out such trade in to avoid obvious health risks incurred.
Complications in the recycling process:
Recycling of solid wastes, which are collected from many regions in Gaza
Strip is considered to be an obstacle due to the collecting process and lack of
investors in such projects.
Pesticide use
Certain pesticides that are globally prohibited are still used by
Palestinians, (most originating in Israel). Even legal pesticides are improperly
or excessively used in the Gaza Strip, especially in irrigated fields. Hormones
from some pesticides can negatively affect human health and via ground water
resources.
Stray dogs and dead animals
Results in transfer of disease to both humans and animal life, with no
comprehensive management strategy so far employed in Gaza to address this
problem.
Sand removal
Shore areas are considered biological filters for land runoffs and streams
entering the sea. Special habitats have evolved in these areas, supporting a
variety of life forms. In the last few years, the sand at these sites is being
removed for urban development within the Strip. Such actions will inevitably
interfere with the ecological balance of these natural habitats.
Bird hunting
Located centrally on the migration route between Europe and Africa, the Gaza
area, the wadi and the coastline all represent suitable landing and feeding
habitats. This has led to an increase in the hunting and trapping of birds such
as the quail. Thousands of these birds are killed by hunters annually."
Posted on Sunday, February 04 @ Eastern Standard Time by qlaith
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