Mangrove swamp landscape on north east coast of Qatar
High tides sweep into the coastal plans of northeast Qatar creating inland waterways among an extensive mangrove ecosystem. Existing adjacent to the desert, these woody shrubs and trees live in a saline environment, which is a true paradise for fish, mollusks and other marine resources. As mangroves also serve to prevent coastal erosion, Qatar works to protect this unique environment and wants to extend its protection to other coastal plains of the Qatari peninsula. Half of the world’s mangroves have disappeared within the past century, many from their conversion to lucrative but shortterm economic benefits of shrimp farming or the development of coastal areas. However, more countries are now realizing the multiple benefits of these natural ecosystems. Some, particularly in South and South East Asia, have replanted thousands of hectares on the initiative of government programmes, environmental organizations and local fishing communities. Mangroves illustrate how natural resources can serve to provide local economic benefits at the same time that they provide added protection from natural hazards such as coastal erosion and storms.