H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, yesterday attended a ceremony held by Fujairah Municipality at the Wadi Wurayah nature reserve to spot light on current efforts to preserve natural resources. Sheikh Mohammed instructed the municipality to take serious, practical measures to conserve and protect the flora and fauna as well as water resources at the reserve for the welfare of the future generation. 'While we are moving towards future, we should also protect our natural heritage for the benefit of our people. The Wadi Wurayah nature reserve is a living icon and symbol of respect to our past and of hope in future,' he said. On 16 March 2009, the Wadi Wurayah became the first protected mountain area in the United Arab Emirates, after a three-year campaign by the Emirates Wildlife Society in Association with World Wide Fund for Nature, with the support of HSBC Bank Middle East Limited. It has been designated as Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.