Nature Based Solutions for Coastal Management in the Arabian Gulf

King, S.; Corbett, B.; Jackson, L.A., and Salyer, A., 2024. Nature based solutions for coastal management in the Arabian Gulf. 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. 90-94. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. Coastlines globally are faced with a range of pressures, including increased human activity, urbanisation, environmental loss and pollution. These pressures are only expected to increase in time with climate change impacts such as sea level rise, coastal inundation, intensified storm conditions, environmental uncertainty and continued growth and development of coastal regions. To improve the sustainability and resilience of coastal regions, engineers have developed a range of nature-based solutions for coastal protection, which utilise the processes of natural environments to provide coastal protection services, such as mangroves, shellfish reefs and saltmarshes. These solutions often provide a range of social, economic and environmental benefits that are typically not provided by conventional ‘hard’ coastal engineering structures, such as enhanced ecosystem health and biodiversity, eco-tourism opportunities, improved fisheries and water quality, carbon sequestration and enhanced coastal aesthetics. This paper explores several nature-based options available in the Arabian or Persian Gulf, including mangroves forests, shellfish reefs and saltmarsh, considering the unique coastal environments native to the Gulf, challenges to implementation, efficacy and viability when compared to conventional coastal protection options, and the potential secondary benefits to local regions. The paper also highlights the importance of stakeholder and community engagement, effective monitoring, and integration with local traditional knowledge. The paper establishes that nature-based approaches for coastal protection should be considered as part of coastal protection options analysis or integrated coastal management plans.