Mangrove
Status and distribution of mangrove forests of the world using earth observation satellite dataBackgroundWith many threats causing mangrove loss and degradation (e.g., sea level rise, conversion to agriculture or aquaculture, tourism, urban development, overexploitation), it is important to have accurate measurements and maps of global mangrove extent. With inconsistent monitoring across space and time, incompatible datasets, and large ranges in current global mangrove area estimates (110,000 to 240,000 km2), it is necessary to refine the global estimate of mangrove area to have a reliable baseline for monitoring global mangrove loss. Available with subscription or purchase |
Carbon sequestration in mangrove forestsBackgroundMangrove forests are highly valuable due to the ecological (e.g., sediment deposition, fish nurseries, protection from tropical storms) and economic (e.g., food, fuel) resources they provide. Carbon storage potential in mangroves is also a highly valuable characteristic, especially as a passive method of carbon dioxide capture and storage. In order to protect these important resources and services, it is necessary to create accurate analyses of the global potential and significance of carbon storage in mangroves. Open access copy available |
Valuing the Role of Mangroves in Storm Damage Reduction in Coastal Areas of OdishaBackgroundBuilding resilience has become a significant concern for coastal communities due to future sea level rise and more frequent tropical storms caused by climate change. Mangroves can provide coastal resilience by reducing lives lost and property damage from tropical storms. These benefits demonstrate how including these ecosystem services in sustainable land use planning could be an economically viable coastal resilience strategy. Open access copy available |
Mangroves protected villages and reduced death toll during Indian super cycloneBackgroundWhile protection against storm damage is discussed as an ecosystem service of mangroves, there is debate about whether there is sufficient evidence for these claims. Multiple studies on this topic use small sample sizes and have a lack of controls for confounding factors. However, quality research exists that effectively demonstrates mangroves’ ability to protect coastal communities from tropical storm surge. Thus, it is necessary that future studies focusing on mangroves’ protective capabilities from tropical storms follow higher research standards to effectively provide evidence for this ecosystem service. Open access copy available |
Mangroves protect coastal economic activity from hurricanesBackgroundWith more frequent and severe weather events anticipated due to climate change, coastal communities are interested in practical coastal defense interventions to protect their public and private assets and prevent disruptions to economic activity from tropical storms. Studies have documented mangrove forests’ ability to reduce wave action, wind velocity, and storm surge, making mangroves a cost-effective form of coastal protection. Yet, the relationship between how large a mangrove belt must be to provide significant protection and how mangroves mitigate tropical storm effects and economic damages is still unknown. Open access copy available |
Storm Surge Reduction by MangrovesBackgroundFlooding and wave energy from storm surges can damage infrastructure and harm inhabitants of coastal communities. Climate change and sea level rise have the potential to increase or intensify storm surges, which necessitate investment in coastal defenses and disaster risk reduction. Mangroves can reduce the effects of storm surges through attenuating waves and wind, making mangroves an important form of nature-based protection for coastal communities. Open access copy available |
Reduction of Wind and Swell Waves by MangrovesBackgroundCoastal ecosystems can mitigate the damage from extreme weather events like tropical storms and hurricanes. With human populations increasing in coastal areas, policymakers and stakeholders are interested in coastal ecosystems, like mangrove forests, as a nature-based form of coastal defense and resilience. This report aims to examine the potential for mangroves to reduce wind and swell waves in order to inform decision makers about the potential for mangroves to decrease the risks faced by coastal communities. Open access copy available |
Participatory scenarios and spatial modelling to explore mangrove ecosystem services futures in Lamu, KenyaBackgroundLamu County, Kenya contains Kenya’s most extensive mangrove forests, which provide many vital ecosystem services (ES) for local communities (e.g., nutrition, building material, coastal protection, climate regulation). Land use and land cover change (LULCC), such as coastal development or infrastructure projects, threaten mangroves and their ES. Participatory scenario planning can help communities develop models of future LULCC grounded in both scientific evidence and local experience. Using these models in Lamu could inform future policy to preserve Lamu’s mangroves and balance country-level economic needs with local ES. Open access copy available |
Ecosystem Services of Mangroves: A Systematic Review and Synthesis of Contemporary Scientific LiteratureBackgroundMangroves provide many ecosystem services, such as breeding grounds for aquatic organisms, sediment accumulation sites, coastal protection, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration. Beyond ecological functions, mangroves also sustain coastal livelihoods by providing natural resources and contributing to local economies. However, anthropogenic pressures from coastal development, agriculture, and aquaculture degrade mangrove ecosystems and the important ecosystem services they provide. Therefore, it is important to quantify and describe mangrove ecosystem services to better inform coastal policymakers and managers interested in mangrove conservation. Open access copy available |
Mangrove Forests: Protection Against and Resilience to Coastal DisturbancesBackgroundOpen access copy available |
