Mangroves in the UAE

Mangroves are a group of trees that grow mainly in tropical and subtropical areas. They usually grow in shallow sea water. In this research I will discuss about how to prevent mangrove’s ecological decline. I will also discuss ways to preserve this natural wealth and what benefits it has on the soil erosion and desertification processes. Then, I will explain about how it preserves the marine life and finally how we can use it in our daily life.

First, Mangroves prevent soil erosion. Mangrove roots contribute to the stabilization of the soil and prevent coastal erosion, which are due to the waves and ocean currents. Also, they contribute to the formation and composition of the surface and silt solving in agriculture, which serve to contain organic compounds. (Mangrove,2009)

The second ecological problem is the loss of marine life. The mangroves are a natural appropriate place for some fish and play an important role in biodiversity. Also, it contributes significantly to the preservation of wildlife such as birds and reptiles. Mangroves’ leaves are a good source to feed livestock and animals, especially in some dry areas in the UAE. (Arabian Sea Forests)

Finally, we can benefit when we use the mangroves in the daily life. Some people use the mangroves in the construction of fishing vessels as structure and pillars. Also, they use the mangroves for wood-based industry such as the production of charcoal. Some materials derived from mangroves are used medically in the treatment of certain diseases. All these uses reduce the need to import materials such as wood from other countries. (Saenger,2009)

After looking the benefits of the mangroves for our environment and in our life we have to preserve the present mangrove areas and productivity. To maintain them we have to start from ourselves. Public education can be achieved through involvement of local communities in mangrove studies, construction of boardwalks and observation platforms which allow the public to appreciate these communities, informal education programs through field training, publications for laypersons, or through focused programs such as special stamp issues.

In the longer term, threats posed by global warming and any associated sea-level rise on the mangroves in the Gulf will also need to be addressed. Several reviews of the likely effects of climate change and sea-level rise on mangroves have been undertaken with somewhat different conclusions. Nevertheless, developing planning initiatives now for the predicted sea-level scenarios over the next century is both and cost-effective.

In conclusion, mangrove forests in UAE are believed to have contributed greatly to preserving coastal areas and coasts of islands and impoundment against erosion caused by the wave and wind action. As such they serve a crucial element in counteracting desertification processes. I hope we continue to grow mangroves in the UAE.

Bibliography:

ARABIAN SEA FORESTS. 23 May 2009
http://www.arabianwildlife.com/current/mangrove.html.

Mangrove Action Project. 27 Oct. 2008. 23 May 2009 http://www.mangroveactionproject.org/news/current_headlines/interview-alfredo-quarto-executive-director-of-the-mangrove-action-project/.

Mangroves. 7 May 2009. Wikimedia Foundation. 23 May 2009
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangrove.

Saenger, Peter. "Mangrove." 2009. AccessScience. HCT, ADMC. 25 May 2009
http://0-www.accessscience.com.library.hct.ac.ae/content.aspx?id=403500.

Cool Cities

The most clearly things that contribute to global warming from modern cities are the transportations and building. The cool cities are one of the solutions to solve this issue, but I’m not agreeing to this suggestion. In this essay I’m going to prove my points that why Masdar is not practical to live in future.

Firstly, the increasing numbers of the population is an issue. Nowadays, the world population is more than 6 billion (World POPClock Projection). It is estimated that will increase to be around 10 billion in the next 30 years. On the other hand, Masdar city can be occupied by 50 thousand people (Cheung). By simple calculation, we need 200,000 cities which is impracticable to build.

Secondly, the huge amount of money required to build a city likes Masdar. Not most of the countries can build cool cities; especially the poor countries. It is better to put this money to help the poor and refugees from wars and the construction of housing and their children to shelter them from the cold and homelessness.

The difficulty in changing the routine of life is the third reason. It is difficult to get people riding bikes instead of cars. Moreover, it is a challenge to not use air conditioners; especially when knowing that our climate in the months of summer is too hot and humid.

In conclusion, cool cities can be one of the solutions to reduce the CO2 levels, but for some countries it is difficult to build and implement such ideas. Also, it is hard for most of the people, especially for the people living in hot countries’, to live in it and change their lifestyle.

Bibliography:

Cheung, Philip. "Masdar’s green dream is not for all." Home Page - The National Newspaper. 25 Apr. 2008. 05 May 2009 http://www.thenational.ae/article/20080424/BUSINESS/919451504

World POPClock Projection. U.S. Census Bureau. 15 Dec. 2008 http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/popclockworld.html