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Haramous-Loyada

The 3,000 ha wetland area of Haramous-Loyada provides a livelihood for the local population, and is a refuge for marine life and birds.

This shallow coastal site extends from Djibouti city to the northern border of Somalia. It is made up of intertidal flats, islands, sandy shores and coral reefs. Several wadis drain into the Red Sea and create deltas which are lined with mangroves.

The main island, which is called Ile de Haramous, and other smaller islands all provide nesting and refuge for more than 70 waterbird species, both wintering and migratory.
Marine life includes the sea mammal Dugong dugon, the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta).

The marine part of the wetland provides fish and crustaceans to local communities, and the surrounding land provides agricultural and pastoral livelihoods.

Potential threats to the wetland come from the growth of the port area of Djibouti, over-grazing, over-collection of wood for heating, and sand extraction.
 

                                       
The Ramsar 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. Ramsar site no. 1239.

Reference: www.ramsar.org