SUSTAINABLE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTRE
21 Jun 2018
Baharash Architecture has unveiled plans for a wildlife conservation centre in UAE that features spectacular self-sustaining biodomes, which will boost ecotourism and conserve the mountainous region’s rare wildlife species.
The biodomes will be located in the Al Hajar mountains, the eastern region of UAE, and will provide facilities for a wildlife conservation centre as well as an adventure-based wilderness retreat. 
Baharash Architecture has been challenged to design three self-sustaining biodomes, which would be easy to assemble onsite and provide visitors with a unique experience and a sense of being outside, in nature. The pieces are made of prefabricated parts, while some of their environmental features include 100 percent renewable energy, onsite wastewater recycling for irrigation and onsite waste management. 
The project aims to champion ecotourism, which brings many benefits to host communities while also enhancing travellers’ experiences. Ecotourism can increase employment and provide longterm income-earning opportunities for locals, and can help to conserve natural heritage, biodiversity and local ecosystems. Given that the travel and tourism industry is expected to continue growing faster than the global economy and most other major industries, shifting the balance towards sustainable tourism has become a necessity for UAE. 
The internal environments aim to provide restorative and therapeutic benefits and the biodomes will also raise awareness on the importance of mountain biodiversity through educational programmes.
