Comparative Study of Mangrove Afforestation Strategies: Challenges and Opportunities in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea Regions

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Author

PhD student in Forest Biological Sciences, University of Ilam, Ilam, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction and Objective: Mangrove forests are considered to be one of the most important coastal ecosystems that play a significant role in maintaining environmental balance, stabilizing sediments, storing carbon, and supporting biodiversity. However, these valuable ecosystems have been affected by several factors in recent decades, including climate change, coastal development, and environmental pollution. The present study aimed to analyze the status of mangrove forests on the coasts of Iran and Saudi Arabia, examining changes in vegetation cover, ecological conditions, and existing threats. Materials and Methods: The research method used in this study was based on comparative analysis of field data and satellite images. Valid databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were used to extract scientific information and official reports. Also, field data including vegetation sampling and analysis of human threatening factors such as urban development and pollution were examined. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS and Excel software.
Results: The results of the study show that mangrove forests in Iran and Saudi Arabia face similar threats, but the severity of these threats varies depending on the geographical location. In some areas, the process of destruction is increasing at an alarming rate. Habitat sustainability indices showed that some areas, such as Rashidi, are highly stable, while areas such as Pezm and Tang are subject to severe instability. Analysis of changes in the area of mangrove forests between 2013 and 2020 indicates a gradual decline in these forests due to human activities and climate change. In addition, a comparison of management policies in the two countries showed that Saudi Arabia's conservation programs are more coherent than Iran's. In addition, the results of the analysis of the area of mangrove forests in different countries bordering the Red Sea showed that Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Eritrea have the largest area of mangrove forests, but the potential for the development of these forests in these countries is also significant.
Conclusion: One of the most important challenges to the restoration of mangrove forests is the lack of sustainability in afforestation programs. In this country, monitoring measures and strategies for the protection of mangroves are pursued more seriously, while in Iran, some legal gaps and lack of monitoring have caused the process of destruction to proceed more rapidly. Finally, this study emphasizes that for the protection of mangrove forests, it is necessary to implement effective management policies, continuously monitor ecosystem changes, and increase public awareness. This study shows that by utilizing remote sensing technologies and ecological modeling, it is possible to predict vegetation change trends and design preventive measures to protect these valuable ecosystems. The findings of this study can help policymakers and environmental experts in developing sustainable management plans for the protection of mangrove forests in coastal areas.

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References

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Journal of Wood and Forest Science and Technology
Volume 32, Issue 3
September 2025
Pages 21-41

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