Mangrove Ecosystems of the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

AbstractGray mangroves (Avicennia marina) represent the only evergreen forests of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where they occur at the northern edge of the species’ range and are subject to extreme environmental conditions. Mangroves occur both throughout the western and eastern coasts of the seven Emirates, either in natural or restored populations. They act as ecosystem engineers, creating a habitat that is exploited by a wide variety of organisms, including species of conservation concern. As the only mangrove species of the Arabian Gulf, the gray mangroves represent a relevant asset for local communities. They provide numerous ecosystem services of cultural and socioeconomic importance, from their aesthetics and recreational uses in urban spaces to their role as carbon sinks or nursery habitats for species targeted for commercial fishing. Thanks to successful afforestation programs, the UAE mangroves are experiencing a steady recovery after severe cover losses resulting from the intense urban development that followed the 1970s oil boom, and nowadays they represent more than half of the total mangrove cover in the Arabian Gulf. However, national mangrove forests still face considerable threats derived from human activities. Active, long-term policies and management will be needed to ensure the survivorship of these critical ecosystems.