Wildlife and biodiversity conservation Malhan Rese

Monthly Performance Report – Local Partner (SANID Organization)

Nature Conservation Sector

Project Title : Conservation of Biodiversity in the Malhan Protected Area

Reporting Period: August 2026

Prepared by: Shaif Ezzaldeen

Project Information

Item

Details

Project Title

Conservation of Biodiversity in the Malhan Protected Area

Project Location

Malhan District, Al Mahwit Governorate, Yemen

Implementing Organization

SANID Organization for Relief and Development (SORD)

Reporting Period

Three Months

Project Start Date

May 2026

Project End Date

August 2026

Organization Address

Al-Habari, Shu'ub District, Amanat Al-Asimah, Yemen

Telephone

+967 1 261477

Report Prepared by

Shaif Ezzaldeen

Position

Project Manager

Email

Programs.officer@sanid.org

Mobile

+967 778515109

Website

www.sanid.org

Project Background

Overview of the Arabian Leopard Status in Yemen

The Malhan Protected Area, located in Al Mahwit Governorate, Yemen, is one of Yemen's most unique and ecologically significant protected areas. It represents the country's rich environmental heritage, characterized by diverse flora, dense forests, wildlife habitats, and abundant natural water springs.

The reserve was officially designated as a protected area through a government decree in 2010. It is also widely recognized as the "Arabian Leopard Reserve" due to the presence of the critically endangered Arabian leopard, the caracal, and numerous other wildlife species. The reserve also hosts a remarkable diversity of resident and migratory bird species, native vegetation, centuries-old trees, and dense forests, making it an area of exceptional ecological importance.

Prior to the outbreak of the conflict in Yemen, the Government had prepared a comprehensive nomination dossier for submission to UNESCO with the objective of inscribing the Malhan Protected Area on the World Heritage List. However, these efforts were suspended due to the ongoing conflict.

Preserving the reserve requires the continued commitment of the relevant government authorities, local communities, and residents living within and around the protected area. Strengthening conservation efforts while investing in environmentally sustainable tourism and community development initiatives would significantly enhance the reserve's ecological value and its potential as a national and international eco-tourism destination.

Activities Implemented

• Continued monitoring of violations affecting rare resident and migratory bird species through a dedicated volunteer monitoring team.
• Conducted two coordination meetings with the Environmental Protection Authority, the organization's legal advisor, and the relevant legal office to strengthen cooperation and advocate for the effective enforcement of Yemen's environmental legislation related to the protection of rare bird species and the conservation of the Malhan Protected Area as a valuable natural and cultural heritage site.
• Conducted eight community awareness sessions in areas inhabited by rare bird species to educate local communities on the importance of protecting wildlife, preventing illegal hunting, and reporting environmental threats affecting bird populations.
• Conducted six awareness visits to educational institutions, including schools, universities, and institutes, in coordination with education stakeholders to promote environmental awareness among students and highlight the importance of protecting Yemen's protected areas, particularly the Malhan Protected Area.
• Held three coordination meetings with relevant government authorities to advocate for stronger environmental protection measures and improved legal enforcement against environmental crimes, including illegal encroachment and destruction of protected areas.
• Continued resource mobilization efforts to secure funding for the establishment of migratory bird monitoring and tracking centers to improve biodiversity monitoring and identify threats affecting bird populations.
• Conducted two field missions by a veterinary team to assess the health status of wildlife and birds within the reserve. Veterinary care included administering vaccinations, providing specialized nutritional support for injured and vulnerable birds, and supplying appropriate food under veterinary supervision for the Arabian leopards inhabiting the Malhan Protected Area.

Challenges and Constraints

1. The continuing economic deterioration in Yemen has negatively affected environmental conservation efforts and biodiversity protection.
2. Limited government capacity to provide adequate financial and technical resources required for the effective management of protected areas, including forests, wildlife, and bird habitats.
3. Weak enforcement of existing environmental protection laws and regulations, resulting in insufficient accountability for environmental violations and illegal activities affecting biodiversity.
4. Lack of well-equipped model protected areas that meet internationally recognized conservation standards.
5. Limited technical capacity and inadequate equipment for monitoring and tracking migratory bird populations.
6. Insufficient funding, donor support, and charitable contributions to sustain biodiversity conservation activities.