In the heart of the Arabian Gulf, a region teeming with economic potential and strategic importance, a silent revolution is brewing. The extensive coastline of Saudi Arabia, a nation rapidly advancing in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, is undergoing significant transformations due to urban expansion and developmental activities. These changes, while driving economic growth, also pose challenges to the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems. Enter geomatics, a powerful tool that is set to redefine how we manage these vital coastal zones.
Fayma Mushtaq, a researcher at the Applied Research Center for Environment and Marine Studies (ARCEMS), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, has delved into the intricacies of geomatics-based coastal zone management (CZM) in her recent study published in Discover Applied Sciences. Her work underscores the critical role of geomatics in monitoring and managing coastal areas, offering a comprehensive understanding of environmental changes and coastal dynamics. “Geomatics provides a holistic view of coastal ecosystems, which is essential for effective CZM,” Mushtaq explains. “By measuring various attributes at diverse spatial and temporal scales, remote sensing (RS) offers invaluable data that can guide sustainable development.”
The Arabian Gulf, with its strategic significance, is a hotspot for energy sector activities. Effective CZM is not just an environmental imperative but also a commercial necessity. The region’s extensive coastline is home to critical infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities, desalination plants, and ports. Any disruption to these ecosystems can have far-reaching impacts on the energy sector, affecting everything from production to transportation.
Mushtaq’s review highlights the potential of geomatics in analyzing coastline changes, water quality, coral reefs, and mangroves. These ecosystems are not just environmental treasures but also economic assets. Coral reefs, for instance, act as natural barriers protecting coastal infrastructure from storms and erosion. Mangroves, on the other hand, play a crucial role in maintaining water quality, which is vital for desalination plants and other industrial activities.
Despite the rapid advancements in geomatics technologies, Saudi Arabia currently lacks sufficient airborne and spaceborne RS capabilities. This gap, however, is not insurmountable. Mushtaq’s study suggests a growing trend towards the utilization of advanced geomatics-based technologies. “Recent studies indicate a shift towards adopting monitoring through advanced geomatics-based technologies,” she notes. “This trend, if sustained, can lead to a more comprehensive CZM plan, aligning with the targets under sustainable development goals (SDGs).”
The integration of Artificial Intelligence-Machine Learning (AI/ML) based cutting-edge technologies could further revolutionize CZM. These technologies can process vast amounts of data, providing real-time insights and predictive analytics. This could enable proactive management strategies, minimizing risks and maximizing benefits for the energy sector.
Mushtaq’s research, published in Discover Applied Sciences, is a clarion call for action. It underscores the need for additional studies and investments in geomatics technologies. The future of coastal zone management in the Arabian Gulf, and indeed the world, lies in harnessing the power of geomatics. As Mushtaq aptly puts it, “The adoption of geomatics in CZM is not just a technological advancement; it’s a strategic imperative for sustainable development.”
