Draft #3 : Mangroves Natural vs. Economical Approach

This discussion topic submitted by Jaleann M. Matos Mc Clurg ( jaydee_fish@hotmail.com) at 11:59 am on 3/25/01. Additions were last made on Saturday, May 4, 2002.

Abstract : The natural importance of mangroves and the economical uses of mangroves needs to be analyzed. The natural and economic value of mangroves needs to be balanced so their is no misunderstanding of the adequate use of this valuable resource. People should persue to have an adequqte balance between the natural and economic uses so the value of the mangrove forests in natural and economical terms can be mantained over time. However, the natural importance is forgotten when their are economical interests involved. The mangroves in natural & economical terms are important because they serve as breeding and nursery grounds to many marine organisms, they are buffers between land and sea(prevent soil erosion), they have reproductive strategies that make them colonize the environment, biodiversity anomalies dependent on longitude and other factors, main source of tannins, woods, food sorce, medicinal use,shrimp industries, etc. The mangroves worldwide are reduced due to their use for development of houses, megahotels, industries & other activities that are dependent on the coastal zone. By the other hand, the mangroves are been degraded(I will bring examples). It's important to understand the role of mangroves on the protection of other coastal habitats and the consequences of lossing mangroves in those marine ecosystems.

I. Magrove definition : halophytic species of trees that are adapted to wet soils, saline habitats and are subject to periodic tidal submergence.

II. Factors controlling mangrove distribution


Mangrove Natural importance (Environmental factors that determine mangrove zonation,Reproductive strategies, Biodiversity of species : Mangroves Origin and biodiversity anomalies and the mangrove importance along the coastline)
III. The economical values or human uses given to the mangroves
IV. Some implications of mangrove forest loss. Why is important to mantain mangroves along the coastline. If their is a loss of mangrove natural resource, will it affect adjacent ecosystems that interact with it.
V. Political and Sociocultural actions that affect the economic and natural importance of mangroves.

References :

1. Bandaranayake, W.M. " Traditional & medicinal uses of mangroves ". Mangroves & Salt Marshes, 1998, vol. 2,p.p. 133-148.
2. Barbier, E.B. , M.A. Acreman & D. Knowler.1997. Economic Valuation of wetlands : a guide for policy makers and planners. Ramsar Website : http://www.ramsar.org. p.p. 127.
3. Ellison, A. M, E.J. Farnsworth & R. E. Merkt. " Origins of mangrove ecosys-tems and the mangrove biodiversity anomaly ". Global Ecology & Biogeography, 1999,vol.8, p.p. 95-115.
4. Kaplowitz,M.D. " Identifying ecosystem services using multiple methods : Lessons from mangrove wetlands of Yucatan, Mexico ". Agriculture & Human Values,2000,vol.17,p.p. 169-179.
5. Kovacs, J.M. " Assessing mangrove use at the local scale " Landscape & Urban Planning,1999,vol. 43,p.p. 201-208.
6. Nybakken, J.W. 1993. Marine Biology : An Ecological Approach. 3rd edition. Harper Collins College Publishers. p.p.462.

Next Article


Next Article
Previous Article
Return to Topic Menu

Here is a list of responses that have been posted to your discussion topic...

Important: Press the Browser Reload button to view the latest contribution.

If you would like to post a response to this topic, fill out this form completely...

Response Title:
Author(s):

E-Mail:
Optional: For Further Info on this Topic, Check out this WWW Site:
Response Text:


Article complete. Click HERE to return to the Research Menu.

It is 7:55:04 PM on Friday, May 9, 2008. Last Update: Saturday, May 4, 2002