The coastal vegetation of the western and southern Gulf — characterisation and conservation aspects

摘要: Although we have a superficial overview of the main plant communities coastal areas western and southern Gulf, in-depth studies are generally lacking, with few notable exceptions. Coastal vegetation in region is often equated solely to halophytic growing under direct influence salt-water, extreme cases only mangroves, latter which fact account for very small percentage total vegetation. This narrow perspective has important conservation repercussions, especially given current mass destruction many parts Gulf coastline. Important speciesrich (flora fauna) being destroyed at an alarming rate without any mitigation measures, even high-profile ecosystems, such as by no means immune from on-going development frenzy. An step towards protection sustainable use environmental resources their detailed characterisation inventory, well elucidating spatial distribution. The aims this contribution therefore three-fold: 1) give area (Gulf coastline GCC countries), examining both non-halophytic communities; 2) highlight most critical issues affecting vegetation; 3) suggest priorities associated research projects. It clear that much more work required identify assess remaining intact stretches regarding vegetation, flora fauna.