Current status of mangrove conservation efforts in Qatar: A review

Abstract

In this study, mangrove conservation efforts in Qatar were reviewed based on sources - from Google Scholar, Google, Scopus, WoS, OpenAlex and CrossRef - published from January 2010 to March 2023. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution and temporal dynamics of mangrove cover, importance/threats, research gaps and potential opportunities for scaleup restoration efforts. Among 18 articles (including scientific and gray literature) selected for the data extraction, only 5 were peer-reviewed publications. A paucity and disparity of published data (only 3 sources including Global Mangrove Watch (GMW)) on spatio-temporal dynamics of Qatari mangrove cover was observed. A steady and gradual increase in mangrove extent was reported in Global Mangrove Watch (GMW) outputs, which disagrees with other published data that showed an exponential increase in mangrove cover. Our results based on the Google Earth Engine Mangrove Mapping Methodology (GEEMMM) approach were aligned more closely with the GMW outputs. Over the past couple of years, the Qatar government has implemented collaborative mangrove conservation efforts, including the implementation of buffer zones to restrict development activities, relocation and transplanting of mangroves, ecosystem-based management (EBM), public awareness, sustainable livelihood and establishment of laws and environmental policies. The success of such conservation efforts is yet to be published. Based on our findings, we emphasize the urgent need for high quality, remote sensing-based multitemporal data, proper reporting of data as peer-reviewed publications, funding for research and development, effective collaborations, evidence-based restoration policies, tightening the existing policies, improved scientific communication and public awareness.