Coastal Mangrove Squeeze in the Mekong Delta

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Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Photo source: ©© MM

Excerpts;

The role of mangrove forests in providing coastal zone stability and protection against flooding is increasingly recognized. The specific root, stem, and canopy system of mangroves is highly efficient in attenuating waves and currents. The sheltered environment created by a healthy mangrove forest offers great sedimentation potential in case a sediment source is available.

However, the once-abundant mangrove forests in the Mekong coastal delta are becoming rapidly depleted. Especially along the Mekong eastern and southeastern coast, mangrove degradation and rapid coastline erosion are observed at many locations…

Read Full Article, Journal of Coastal Research

Facing Storms Without the Mangrove Wall, IPS News (10-15-2014)
While tropical cyclones and storms cannot be stopped in their tracks, there is a natural defense system against their more savage impacts: mangroves. And experts fear their tremendous value is being woefully under-appreciated, to tragic effect, all around the world..

Destruction of Mangroves Costs up to US$42 billion in Economic Damages Annually – UNEP Report (10-14-2014)
The world is losing its mangroves at a faster rate than global deforestation, the United Nations revealed, in a new report “Importance of Mangroves: A Call to Action,” adding that the destruction of the coastal habitats was costing billions in economic damages and impacting millions of lives…

Greenbelt Reports / TVE Asia Pacific
The Greenbelt Reports (GBR) is a multi-media, Asian regional educational project to document the conservation challenges involving mangroves, coral reefs and sand reefs, collectively called ‘greenbelts’ in recognition of their natural protective role against wave action and anticipated climate change impact.

The World Must Invest In Mangroves, The Ecologist (04-11-2014)

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