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Talks

February Talk: Baking mangroves: a recipe for mangrove restoration in Qatar

Date & Time: Wednesday February 5th, at 7pm
Speakers: Dr. Benjamin Jaffe
Technical Lead: Biodiversity & Environmental Management, ExxonMobil Research Qatar

Venue: Doha English Speaking School

Location Map: DESS

Synopsis:

Mangroves are the only forests in the world that exist at the interface of the land and the sea. They have many adaptations that allow them to thrive in these areas and are increasingly recognized for the services they provide to both people and nature. This recognition has led to global efforts to protect and better understand them, and in Qatar they have become the focus of many restoration efforts. Dr. Jaffe will discuss why mangroves are unique, why they are important to Qatar, the different strategies being used to protect them, and how we are striving to understand the benefits they provide. His talk will highlight how an ecosystem-based approach is being implemented in Qatar and the challenges of adapting field work to the unique landscape that defines the country.

Speaker Bio

Dr. Jaffe has an BA degree in animal behavior, an MA in behavioral ecology, and a PhD in terrestrial ecology. He has spent over 15 years working in conservation, sustainable agriculture, and biodiversity monitoring. He has worked the United States Department of Agriculture and the University of Wisconsin-Madison focusing on improving pest management and incorporating natural land management strategies into agricultural practices. In 2019, he moved to the energy industry and started a role as an applied ecologist with ExxonMobil. Since 2023, he has been a Technical Lead with ExxonMobil Research Qatar’s Center for Nature-based Solutions, focusing on sustainable land management practices in arid environments, restoration and biodiversity monitoring of mangroves.