Integrated Mangrove Aquaculture (IMA) in Iran: Opportunities, Challenges, and Global Experiences

Integrated Mangrove Aquaculture (IMA) represents an innovative approach to balancing the restoration of mangrove ecosystems with the development of sustainable aquaculture. In Iran, IMA offers significant potential for addressing environmental degradation along the southern coastline, particularly by restoring valuable mangrove forests while providing sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities. This article explores the ecological importance of mangroves in Iran and examines the potential benefits and challenges associated with IMA in the region and reviews global experiences with IMA, drawing on case studies from other countries to highlight both successes and failures. For IMA to succeed in Iran, several challenges must be addressed, including strengthening regulatory frameworks, adopting sustainable aquaculture practices, and enhancing community engagement and capacity building. Drawing on lessons from other countries, Iran can implement IMA in a way that benefits both the environment and local economies, restoring mangrove ecosystems, and promoting long-term socio-economic resilience. This paper concludes that, with the right policies, community involvement, and management strategies, IMA holds promise as a sustainable solution for mangrove restoration and aquaculture development in Iran's coastal regions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Integrated Mangrove Aquaculture ، Iran ، mangrove restoration ، sustainable aquaculture ، community engagement ، global case studies ، coastal protection