Landscapes Forest and Global Change - ESA - Escola Superior ...

E. Kouhgardi et al. 2010. Values of mangroves and its interaction with marine ecosystem
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also be listed among the possible causes of degradation: several tropical countries are frequently
hit by cyclones, typhoons and strong winds, and the trees in the front lines may be damaged
and/or uprooted during these catastrophes.
Over the last few years, however, awareness of the importance and value of mangrove
ecosystems has been growing, leading to the preparation and implementation of new legislation
and to better protection and management of mangrove resources. In some countries, restoration
or re-expansion of mangrove areas through natural regeneration or active planting has also been
observed. In addition, many governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of
mangroves to fisheries, forestry, coastal protection and wildlife. Despite these positive signs,
much still needs to be done to effectively conserve these vital ecosystems.
3. Result
The mangrove lands that, used to be considered as waste land in the past, have recently been
treated as a valuable ecosystem, especially for their unique features. Mangrove forests have
been traditionally utilized by the local people for a variety of purposes. Values of mangroves are
recognized as various benefits. Study developed in the south west of Iran in Boushehr province
and recognized that the forest of the mangrove ecosystem is capable to yield the following
direct benefits:
Lumber or similar construction wood; Poles, fuel wood, fishing gear; Raw materials for the
wood-based industry of various nature and including board mills, rayon mills, match factories
and charcoal products; Non-timber products including tannin (mostly from bark) to supply raw
materials for leather tanning industries, fishing net processing units, thatching material for
roofing and raw materials for indigenous medicine; Edible products including honey and wax,
game animals, meat and fish, fruits, drinks and sugar.
The mangrove ecosystem can yield the following indirect benefits:
Natural spawning ground for fish and crustaceans, especially for shrimps and prawns;
Contribution to mud flat formation and control of erosion; Capability to check inland salinity
intrusion; Enhanced capability to combat the impact of cyclone and tidal surge; Enhanced
capability to function as a shelter belt during storms and cyclones.
4. Discussion
Sustainable management of mangrove
The mangrove ecosystem is a complex one. It is composed of various inter-related elements in
the land sea interface zone which is linked with other natural systems of the coastal region such
as corals, sea grass, coastal fisheries and beach vegetation. The mangrove ecosystem consists of
water, muddy soil, trees, shrubs and their associated flora, fauna and microbes. It is a very
productive ecosystem sustaining various forms of life. Its waters are nursery grounds for fish,
crustacean and mollusk and also provide habitat for a wide range of aquatic life, while the land
supports a rich and diverse flora and fauna. It also influences the micro climate, prevents coastal
erosion, enhances accretion and combats natural calamities such as cyclones and tidal bores.
The concept of mangrove management has considerably evolved, as these formations have
become better understood. Instead of simple management of the first stand, it is now realized
that the whole ecosystem must be considered. It was also realized that, due to the diversity of
mangrove formations, specific regulations are essential.
For most of the mangrove areas of the world, "fishery" and "forestry" are the two conflicting
demands on mangrove lands. Apportioning of the mangrove land resource to these two major
uses under the concept of sustainable management of the ecosystem needs further research
Forest Landscapes and Global Change-New Frontiers in Management, Conservation and Restoration. Proceedings of the IUFRO Landscape Ecology
Working Group International Conference, September 21-27, 2010, Bragança, Portugal. J.C. Azevedo, M. Feliciano, J. Castro & M.A. Pinto (eds.)
2010, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal.