Mangrove Forests on the Road of Development

The website quoted from IRNA interview with head of High Council of FRWO as saying that Mangrove forests are under the strict protection of both the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and FRWO, because of biodiversity and unique species.

Mangrove forests are located on the coast of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, and extend from "Gwadar Bay" in the east (Gulf of Oman) to Nayband Gulf in the west (Persian Gulf).

They also known as Qeshm's Green Gold, is the habitat of trees that are rooted in water. This forest is one of the rare natural phenomena in the world. The trees of the forests are green throughout the year and reach 3 to 6 meters in length.

The head of High Council of FRWO referring to the factors that cause damages to the mangrove forests said that developmental projects in upstream have disturbed the hydrological system in the region by diverting water flow from forest areas to another areas and thus have had a negative impact on the forests.

He added construction of docks for transportation of boats in the vicinity of these forests, have increased waves' turbulence that disturb the living condition and lead to the erosion of soils around the plants' roots and eventually the destruction of mangroves.

"In this connection, FRWO has formulated a document entitled “Sustainable Management for Mangroves’ Development” in the past five years in order to preserve mangrove forests and prevent their destruction" He concluded.