The Mangrove Ecosystem

Abstract

Abstract Climate change and the 2014 tsunami have raised the profile and importance of mangroves. This chapter reviews mangrove goods and services, threats, and global and regional rates of mangrove loss and their causative factors since the first Seas at the Millennium compilation 18 years ago. We discuss conservation and management schemes and strategies such as integrated coastal management, engagement of local stakeholders and communities, alternative livelihoods, and mangrove rehabilitation. For decades, significant financial investment has been given to mangrove rehabilitation/restoration in seafronts, reversion of abandoned ponds, and transformation of seagrass beds and other subtidal habitats. Complementary to these onsite interventions are economic instruments (e.g., payments for ecological services, corporate social responsibility of industry) and international policies (e.g., Ramsar Convention, Sendai Framework). Identifying the emerging knowledge gaps, we call for harmonization of global mangrove databases, science-based rehabilitation protocols, improved governance and policy frameworks, and convergence of efforts among various stakeholders in mangrove protection.