It is a common misconception that Qatar is practically devoid of natural vegetation and wildlife. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The country has more to offer than you may think and one thing it’s home to, is luscious mangrove forests. Forests! In a desert!
The mangrove species native to Qatar is the Avicennia marina, commonly known as the grey or white mangrove. It can be found in the eastern coastal areas of the country, particularly in the Al-Khor region, where you will find Al-Thakira and Purple Island. These forests flourish in very salty water and soils low in oxygen. Several species of birds and invertebrates call them home. Not only are these forests beautiful, but they play important ecological and even therapeutic roles.
Purple Island
As long ago as the second millennium BC, this island was a thriving production hub for making purple dye. The murex snail shells which produced the dye can still be found here today. The island, also called Bin Ghannam, is now famous for its mangroves, salt marshes, and scenic waters. It is the perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city and a great place to go hiking, kayaking, or even just to have a picnic with the family.
Al Thakira
Not far north of Purple Island is the Al-Thakira Mangrove Forest, also called Al Dhakira. It is among the oldest and largest in Qatar and plays a crucial role in maintaining the country’s biodiversity. Here you can spot more than 150 species of birds, including migratory birds like the flamingo which pit stop here during their migration from Europe and Siberia to Africa. This protected area is also a great place to connect with nature through activities like bird watching and kayaking.
Why our mangroves are so important
Habitat
Mangroves protect and act as home for many animals including fish, crabs, insects, and birds. They are centres of biodiversity. Their intricate root systems act as nurseries to juvenile fish and provide a place for small fish and crustaceans to hide from predators. They provide nesting and resting grounds for birds. Several species of bacteria and fungi are present on the mangrove roots. These microorganisms assist in the important process of decomposition.
Carbon Sequestration
One of the superpowers that mangroves, particularly grey mangroves, have is carbon sequestration. They collect excess carbon from the atmosphere and store it in their “carbon bank”. Qatar is amongst the countries with the poorest air quality. The protection and cultivation of these forests can help improve the air we breathe and can even serve as an effective means to combat climate change.
Desalination
The majority of the water we use in our country is desalinated. Desalination is a process that consumes a lot of energy and contributes to air pollution. Mangroves have the ability to filter sea water. Salt, sediments, nutrients and even pollutants in the water are filtered by the plants, thanks to their intricate root systems. Though we don’t (yet) have the technology to directly use mangroves for desalination, it’s amazing that they alone can improve water quality.
Therapeutics
The grey mangrove has excellent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and has been used in oriental medicine for centuries. In order to survive and reproduce, the plant performs several vital chemo-physiological processes. This leads to the production of metabolites that can eventually be turned into medicine. The leaves, seeds and stem of the plant have been used for the treatment of rheumatism, smallpox, and skin diseases. The wood of the plant has even been used to treat snake bites!
Conservation of These Valuable Resources
We’ve seen how crucial mangroves are. It is our responsibility as an eco-community to take care of this species and help it thrive. Sadly, the mangrove lake at Al Wakrah has already been uprooted for developmental purposes. But other mangrove forests in Qatar have their natural beauty intact and are now protected by law. Let’s hope to keep it that way. Know that even little actions, like cleaning up your rubbish after you visit these forests can make a world of difference. Leave the forests just the way they were when you found them, so others can also experience their purity.
Takeaway
Not many people would expect to find a forest in the middle of the desert, especially not a mangrove forest – usually associated with marshy landscapes. Mangroves are amazing plants, and we are incredibly lucky to be blessed with them here in Qatar. These forests provide an escape from our busy city lifestyles, while maintaining biodiversity and performing numerous ecological duties. Mangroves have proven to be beneficial for humans and animals alike. It is our job to protect these beautiful ecosystems and to show our planet just how much we cherish it.
Souparnika is a high school student in Qatar and environment enthusiast
