Mangroves provide measurable risk reduction benefit to coastal communities from storm waves and flooding

A new guidebook on mangroves as a coastal defence finds that mangroves can reduce risk from a large number of coastal hazards. The role of mangroves in coastal defence has been widely promoted since the tsunami that struck South-East Asia in 2004. Yet, the level of protection provided by mangroves has been subject to debate.

The “Mangroves for coastal defence: Guidelines for coastal managers & policy makers” by The Nature Conservancy and Wetlands International provides an in-depth analysis on the role that mangroves play in defense against waves, storms, tsunamis, erosion and sea level rise. Working with the University of Cambridge to review hundreds of scientific papers, the guide book outlines a practical approach for coastal decision makers.