Mangrove Ecotourism along the Coasts of the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A Systematic Review
Year: 2024
Type: review
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Mangrove ecotourism is gaining immense popularity in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as a neoliberal conservation tool, and it has contributed significantly to the growth of the tourism sector in the region over the past two decades. However, there is no comprehensive review on the full extent of mangrove ecotourism activities and the contribution to mangrove conservation/restoration and economic growth in the region. A systematic literature review approach was used to examine the evolution of mangrove ecotourism in the GCC countries from 2010 to 2023. A total of 55 articles were retrieved from the Google and Google Scholar search engines, and the Scopus and Web of Science databases were incorporated. We synthesized the results and provided perspectives on the following: (1) the geographical and temporal distribution of studies in relation to mangrove extent, (2) key sites, attractions, and values for mangrove ecotourism activities, (3) the positive and negative impacts of mangrove ecotourism, and (4) existing mangrove conservation and restoration initiatives for the growth of mangrove ecotourism in the GCC countries. The findings underscore the significance of mangrove ecotourism in supporting economic development, protecting coastal ecosystems, and sustaining local livelihoods in the GCC countries. However, this study highlights the crucial need for sustainable coastal environmental management through integrated land use planning and zoning to address the negative impacts of anthropogenic pressures on mangrove ecosystems and ecotourism attractions. The use of remote sensing tools is invaluable in the monitoring of mangrove ecosystems and associated ecotourism impacts for informing evidence-based conservation and restoration management approaches. Thus, harnessing mangrove ecotourism opportunities can help the GCC countries with balancing economic growth, coastal environmental sustainability, and community well-being.
Source: Land
DOI: 10.3390/land13091351
Authors: Lara G. Moussa, Midhun Mohan, Nicola Burmeister, Shalini A. L. King, John A. Burt, Stefanie M. Rog, Michael S. Watt, Susantha Udagedara, Lara Sujud, Jorge F. Montenegro, Joe Eu Heng, Susana Almeida Carvalho, Tarig Ali, Bijeesh Kozhikkodan Veettil, Pavithra S. Pitumpe Arachchige, Jasem A. Albanai, Frida Sidik, Amin Shaban, Martha Lucia Palacios Peñaranda, Naji El Beyrouthy, Ana Novo, Meshal M. Abdullah, Ammar Abulibdeh, Talal Al-Awadhi, Adrián Cardil, Ewane Basil Ewane
Institutions: Saint Joseph University, American University of Sharjah, Qatar University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Leeds, University of California, Irvine, New York University Abu Dhabi, Scion, Blue Resources Trust, American University of Beirut, University of Liverpool, University of Otago, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Van Lang University, University of Oxford, National Research and Innovation Agency, National Council for Scientific Research, Universidad Autónoma de Occidente, Xunta de Galicia, Consellería de Economía, Industria e Innovación, Sultan Qaboos University, Texas A&M University, Universitat de Lleida, Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia, University of Buea
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,955
OpenAlex ID: W4401892575