Blue Carbon - First Level Exploration of Blue Carbon in the Arabian Peninsula

marine species has been well documented in costal areas involving species such as Cetaceans (whales and dolphins). This connection could also potentially support the creation of locally owned wildlife tourism businesses that would then increase livelihoods and entrepreneurial business engagement throughout the region. Community-based tourism (CBT) is well linked to areas that have iconic species populations. Sea Turtles Sea Turtles are ancient marine reptiles that inhabit all of the world’s oceans except the Arctic. Five of the planet’s seven marine turtle species are found in the waters of the Arabian Peninsula; the hawksbill ( Eretmochelys imbricata ), green ( Chelonia mydas ), loggerhead ( Caretta caretta ), olive ridley ( Lepidochelys olivacea ) and leatherback ( Dermochelys coriacea ) sea turtles. The hawksbill and green turtles are common in the waters of the Gulf and Arabian Sea. The loggerhead, olive ridley, and leatherback occur occasionally. All species, other than the leatherback, nest on beaches in the region. Green sea turtles are the only sea turtles that are strictly herbivorous as adults. Adult green sea turtles often consume seagrasses, mangrove leaves and algae.

Photo: © Yusuf Thakur

In the waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula, as in the rest of their distribution range, the dugong faces numerous threats to its survival. Regional threats include the loss of sea grass habitats caused by dredging, coastal land clearing and filling, as well as water and oil pollution. Abandoned ropes and fishing nets also threaten dugongs. Dugongs are iconic species that are known around the world. Many visitors to the region and local residents might be interested to participate in wildlife tours that involve dugong viewing. Evidence for the potential in revenue generated from iconic

Photo: © Hanne & Jens Eriksen

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