Kalba Mangrove reserve
Kalba Mangrove reserve is a natural reserve to a protected natural mangrove forest located in Kalba, Sharjah. Conservation efforts around the mangrove have sought to protect the declining populations of white-collared kingfisher birds that inhabit the area.
The coastal mangrove consists of Avicennia marina, trees of the inland savanna include Ziziphus spina-christi, Prosopis cineraria and the Umbrella Thorn Acacia tortilis. The world's largest population of loggerhead sea turtle ' breeds on Masirah Island and other turtles that come to these coasts include the olive ridley ', green turtle ' and the endangered hawksbill turtle '. The area is extremely rich in bird life. Endemic birds include a species of collared kingfisher.
Kalba Mangrove Center
The Khor Kalba Mangrove Center was opened in the spring of 2021 as a sanctuary to protect the 300 year old mangrove's biodiversity and local wildlife, help rehabilitate turtles, and nurture endangered birds. It consists of several pod-like structures inspired by sea urchins with minimal environmental impact and includes a visitor center, veterinary clinics, and laboratories. Crabs, sea cucumbers, starfish, various crustaceans and sea urchins are found in the center. A number of conservationists and ecologists had expressed concern regarding the project.