Towards adaptation measures in protecting mangroves from climate change

A brief account of the nature of mangrove ecosystems is given. This shows that mangroves are generally resilient to climate change and are aggressive colonizers if suitable land is available. An examination of the current worldwide status of mangrove ecosystems and loss of area shows that the quantification of worldwide mangrove area needs improvement. There is an analysis of the response of mangroves to changes in climate: rise in sea level, rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide, rise in air and water temperature, ocean acidification and change in precipitation and storm frequency. A significant lack of information exists on some aspects of these responses. The literature proposes a range of adaptation strategies to prevent the loss of mangrove ecosystems. In the main, these are concerned with the effects of sea level rise and involve planting mangroves, preserving space for mangrove migration or preventing erosion. An examination of these strategies shows the need for extensive local knowledge. Adaptation and mitigation strategies will be useless without an intimate understanding, both spatially and temporally, of the local physical, chemical and biological structures. Such information is often ignored or not available. The management of adaptation strategies requires knowledge of population pressure as well as the effects of climate change. In the near future, the impact of population growth and development is more likely than climate change to impinge on mangrove ecosystems. © 2011 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved