The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

The Annotated Ramsar List: Djibouti

The Annotated Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance

DJIBOUTI

The Convention on Wetlands came into force for Djibouti on 22 March 2003. Djibouti presently has 1 site designated as a Wetland of International Importance, with a surface area of 3,000 hectares.

Haramous-Loyada. 22/11/02; Djibouti; 3,000 ha; 11°35'N 043°09'E. A coastal site comprising intertidal sand and mud flats, islands, sandy shores, coral reefs, and shallow marine waters extending from just south of the capital, Djibouti city, to the Somalian frontier. No fewer than seven wadis issue into the sea, favoring the creation of mini-deltas suitable for mangroves. The site meets both of the waterbird Criteria, and a number of species, both wintering and staging, can be seen; the Ile de Haramous and its satellite islets provide places for nesting, rest, and refuge for more than 70 waterbird species. The marine waters also provide habitat for Dugong dugon, and the turtles Chelonia mydas and Caretta caretta frequent Haramous. The surrounding area provides agricultural and pastoral livelihoods to a considerable human presence, and the marine parts provide fish and crustaceans to local communities. Port extensions from the nearby city, as well as over-grazing, over-collection of wood for heating, and sand extraction are viewed as potential threats, as is the progress of two alien invasive species, the common crow Corvus splendens and the "chilean mesquite" tree Prosopis chilensis. Proposals to create an ornithological reserve are in the works. Ramsar site no. 1239. Most recent RIS information: 2002.

For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Bureau, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ). Posted 11 February 2003, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.