EDUCATION
Coastal and Marine Environment Series QATAR'S NATURAL WONDERS: MANGROVES By Kim Wyatt
D
oha's towering skyscrapers sit glistening in the blazing sun, majestically overlooking the luminous, turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf. Just further down the road, clustered near the iconic Museum of Islamic Art, a group of traditional, wooden dhow boats sit anchored to the moors, waiting patiently for their next fishing adventure. It's a picture-perfect scene, rooted in the past and future, and an important reminder of Qatar's undeniable history and connection to the sea.
Before the discovery of oil and gas, Doha was a quiet and sleepy town steeped in tradition and community. Dependent on the sea for pearl diving and fishing, Qatar was a perfect spot for international maritime trade with travelling 46
merchants exchanging goods such as sandalwood and spices. Nowadays, Qatar's maritime past can be seen in places such as Souq Waqif, the National Museum of Qatar, and annual celebrations such as the Dhow Festival. As a small peninsula, Qatar has 560 kilometres of coastline that offers opportunities for rest, relaxation, and recreation. It hosts small historic villages, bustling industrial cities, and luxurious fivestar hotels. From beach camping to kitesurfing and sailing, there's an increasing number of sea-based activities to make the most of Qatar's stunning clear waters. During the blistering summer months, as the sun drops down on the horizon, beaches provide a cool haven to beat the heat. Surprisingly, despite the hot and arid desert environment, Qatar is home to one of the most important coastal marine ecosystems in the world— mangroves. These woody, green oases, found in a handful of places throughout Qatar, are teeming with an abundant array of plant and animal life and are a true force of nature.
