A Successful Stakeholder Partnership - The Dolphin Energy Experience Coral Reef Habitats of the Arabian Gulf

Abstract

Abstract Coral reef habitats of the southern Arabian Gulf are some of the most extensive and biologically important marine ecosystems in the region. These habitats are also of outstanding international scientific significance in the predictive study of world wide coral ecosystem responses to the effects of global warming. In recognition of their importance, Dolphin Energy has sponsored and taken an active role in a three year project to assist in the scientific understanding of this endangered habitat, throughout the 86,400 km2 study area that lies within joint Qatari/UAE maritime waters. One of the principal outcomes is the development of a robust, culturally appropriate, scientifically based, regional coral conservation and management strategy. At the core of the project is a unique regional partnership for environmental conservation and management in the Arabian Gulf, involving coordination between two government organizations in two different countries, an energy sector sponsor, local and international NGOs and a renowned international scientific institute. This paper describes the background, structure, achievements and strategies adopted to successfully optimize the political, technical and scientific benefits of the project for all stakeholders. Key project achievements include:●Comprehensive mapping and marine resource databases for the joint Qatari/Abu Dhabi waters.●Developing marine habitat assessment methodologies, specific to the region, which are internationally compatible.●Providing regulators and coastal communities with scientifically based assessments of changes which may impact their livelihood, culture or customs to facilitate effective community/ stakeholder consultation and resource management.●Developing a regional coral reef conservation and sustainable development strategy involving input from local communities, environmental regulators, industry stakeholders, scientific communities, regional and international NGOs.●Assisting institutional development and capacity building within the environmental agencies responsible for plan implementation beyond the project.●Providing a template for successful cross sector collaboration and the integration and engagement of various stakeholders.