An Exploratory Investigation on Developing an Underwater Museum in Qatar to Conserve the Environment and Heritage through Sustainable Tourism

Siddig, S., and Freundt, V., 2024. An exploratory investigation on developing an underwater museum in Qatar to conserve the environment and heritage through sustainable tourism. In: Phillips, M.R.; Al-Naemi, S., and Duarte, C.M. (eds.), Coastlines under Global Change: Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2024 (Doha, Qatar). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 113, pp. 361-365. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. Qatar, a peninsular nation surrounded by territorial waters, boasts marine habitats that are biologically diverse and productive. However, these ecosystems encounter a quick decline of coral reefs. This exploratory research examines the feasibility of installing the first sustainable underwater museum in the Middle East to preserve Qatar's marine biodiversity and promote environmental awareness. The study included in-depth interviews with Qatari-based marine biologists, museum specialists, and a diver to assess the museum's cultural relevance, contributions to coral conservation, potential environmental education, and challenges regarding sustainable tourism, environmental, economic, and governmental aspects. The findings indicate that the underwater museum can foment a more profound connection between the Qatari community and tourists with the country's marine environment while supporting economic diversification through sustainable tourism and contributing to the 2030 Qatar National Vision and the 14th United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on life below water.