Tuesday, May 26, 2009

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.

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.

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