Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Assessment for the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden

A comprehensive assessment of marine and coastal ecosystems in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden formed the core of this assignment, which aimed to establish a regional baseline for ecosystem conditions and support the development of investments that strengthen coastal resilience and promote a sustainable blue economy. The study focused on Jordan, Egypt, Djibouti and Yemen, combining regional ecosystem analysis with national-level valuations of key blue carbon ecosystems, including mangrove forests and seagrass meadows.

The work included an assessment of the drivers, pressures, status and trends affecting marine and coastal ecosystems across the region, as well as a review of policy, legal and institutional frameworks related to the conservation and sustainable management of blue carbon ecosystems. Particular attention was given to identifying governance gaps and opportunities to strengthen the protection and restoration of mangroves and seagrasses at both national and regional levels. The consultancy also carried out detailed economic valuation studies to estimate the benefits provided by these ecosystems and their contribution to environmental resilience, livelihoods and sustainable development.

Building on the findings, the project developed practical recommendations and investment priorities to enhance the management and conservation of mangrove forests and seagrass meadows. This included the preparation of an investment plan identifying resilience-building interventions and estimating the resources required for their implementation. The analysis combined scientific and grey literature, publicly available datasets and stakeholder consultations to generate evidence-based recommendations supporting blue economy development and the long-term sustainability of marine and coastal ecosystems in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region.