Mangroves

'Mangrove' describes a littoral community of frost-intolerant trees and shrubs that thrive on sheltered, inter-tidal riverbanks, lagoons and coastal areas. Their root systems are regularly inundated with salt water and the various species have developed different means to deal with the combined problems of water-logging and salt. Mangroves make a particularly productive and diverse ecosystem and food web. This system is based on leaf litter and detritus on which bacteria and algae grow, which in turn feeds Shrimp, crabs and fish. Present also are snails, birds, monkeys, snakes, all manner of insects. Local fishermen, whether they know it or not, depend on mangroves as it not only feeds the shrimp and fish they catch, but acts as these creatures' nursery for their young.

Mangrove systems also retain a vast amount of carbon, not only locked up in the trees, but also in the soil. They act as a natural buffer against severe weather events and tsunamis, help absorb excess nutrients and heavy metals out of the passing river water, slow the water to allow the sediment to drop out of suspension rather than smothering coral and seagrasses and provide many other environmental services that dry-land forests provide.

Mangroves are critically important to the ecosystem of coastal areas. They have adapted to thrive in the changing environment of tidal areas and are home to a variety of wildlife and fish. The tsunami of December 2004 changed the environment radically as huge amounts of sand and soil were displaced - leaving conditions unfavourable to mangrove survival. Increased devastation in areas where mangroves had been removed to make way for other developments highlighted the key role mangroves play in stabilising banks and shorelines.

Since 2005, ITF has collaborated with projects in Thailand, India and Indonesia to encourage regeneration of the mangroves and associated species.

Thailand

In Phra Thong island, South Thailand, ITF has collaborated with Naucrates to carry out a mangrove conservation project. This area was greatly affected by the tsunami and many mangroves died as deposits of sand buried the gas-exchanging roots which are essential to their survival. Recognising the importance to the local ecosystem, the project conducted trials to assess the most effective method of reintroducing both mangroves and associated species. The project worked closely with local people to raise their awareness and understanding of the ecosystems.

The layer of sand brought by the tsunami buried the knee-like roots of the mangroves

Each red stick corresponds to a new planting in this area of mangroves in Phra Thong Island.

Indonesia

ITF have partnered with Mangrove Action Project (MAP) in various projects in Indonesia. This organisation has worked for many years to illustrate that destruction and over-exploitation of mangroves is harmful - as was clearly demonstrated by the Tsunami. Areas protected by mangrove forests suffered much less devastation.

Re-establishment of mangrove forests brings long terms benefits for both people and the environment. Mangroves provide erosion control, fisheries enhancement, provision of selectively harvested timber, and reduction of salinization of agricultural crops.

A key aspect of the Indonesian projects is to raise awareness among the local people. Mangroves grow very slowly - and need to be protected and conserved by local communities. In the past, mangroves have been uprooted for firewood or to construct fish farms. Now, communities appreciate the importance of mangroves to their long-term survival. Healthy mangrove forests can protect both homes and important crops, such as coconut plantations, from sea water intrusion. Mangroves also attract fish, crab, snails - providing protein for local families, as well as an alternative source of income. It is important that sustainable livelihoods are developed alongside areas of mangrove regeneration. Part of ITF's support is to plant species, such as fruit trees or bamboo, which provide income - effectively creating the conditions under which local people can allow mangrove forests to re-generate for the future benefit.

The following relates to ITF's sponsorship of mangrove rehab in 5 hectares of community managed area on Bengkalis Island (thanks ITF). Attached is a map of the area and a sketch map that the community drew up. The cool thing about this project is that MAP field staff are all elsewhere, yet local fisherfolk and local NGO staff which we have trained are now taking the lead role on planning and implementation.

In Bengkalis Island, of the eastern coast of Sumatra, communities have been supported in restoring the tidal creeks which are key to the survival of mangroves. Once the flow of water was achieved, propagules were planted in several hectares of a stewarded area. An area has also been left open for natural re-vegetation and the community representatives continue to monitor this.

India

Mangroves in the Tamil Nadu area of southern India have been greatly depleted. In partnership with another UK charity, Onaway Trust, ITF has agreed to co-fund a local NGO in Mudasalodai, Tamil Nadu to carry out a mangrove regeneration work. The project has consulted with experts and carried out thorough research to identify the most appropriate and effective method of re-establishing mangroves over a significant area. Local people will be closely involved in all aspects of the work and we look forward to hearing of progress in the near future.