Mangroves Biodiversity Livelihoods And Conservation

This contributory volume is a comprehensive collection on the mangrove forest eco-system and its ecology, the resources and potentials of mangroves, conservation efforts, mangrove eco-system services and threats to conservation. The book is an all-inclusive compilation on the status, conservation and future of mangroves. Mangroves are a unique ecosystem providing several ecosystem services. They are formed in the inter-tidal areas of large rivers and coastal islands. Mangroves thrives due to constant interaction with the terrestrial and marine ecosystem. These are the species dynamics, varying tidal amplitudes, plant succession, changing floral pattern of the channels of the estuary, the varying sediment transportation. There was 20% decline in mangrove forest area in the last 25 years due mainly to conversion and coastal development. Lengthy recovery periods required for the degraded mangrove forests. Hence there is an urgent need to take stock of the updated information on these mangroves at global level. It is of immense value to scientific community involved in teaching, research and extension activities related to mangrove conservation.

Mangroves are one of the most productive and biologically important blue-carbon ecosystems across the coastal intertidal zone of earth. In the current scenario of serious environmental changes like global warming, climate change, extreme natural disasters, mangrove forests play a vital role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining ecosystem balance. Mangroves are unique ecosystems with rich biological diversity of different taxonomic groups exhibiting great ecological and commercial importance. The book consolidates existing and emerging information on ecology of mangroves, with a special reference to their biodiversity and management. It emphasizes on the role of mangroves in providing various ecological services. The book is a comprehensive compilation covering all aspects of mangrove ecology. It is useful for students and researchers in ecology, plants sciences and environmental sciences.

"This global synthesis report serves as a call to action to decision makers. It provides a science-based synthesis of the different types of goods and services provided by mangroves and the associated risks in losing these services in the face of ongoing global habitat loss and degradation. The report provides management and policy options at the local, regional and global level with the aim of preventing further losses through effective conservation measures, sustainable management and successful restoration. In addtion to the report, key figures and maps are available to download as individual files."--Publisher's description.

The book provides an up-to-date account of mangrove forests from Asia, together with restoration techniques, and the management requirements of these ecosystems to ensure their sustainability and conservation. All aspects of mangroves and their conservation are critically re-examined. The book is divided into three sections presenting the distribution and status of mangrove ecosystems in Asia, the challenges they are facing, their issues and opportunities, and the management strategies for their conservation.

Mangroves are ecosystems situated between land and sea. They are frequently found in tropical and subtropical areas and occupy approximately 18.1 million hectares of the planet. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the biogeography, genetic diversity and conservation strategies of mangroves. Topics discussed include the biodiversity and biotechnological potential of endophytic fungi from mangrove forests; mangrove conservation in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies; actinomycetes in mangrove environments; xylariaceae and mangroves; multitemporal analysis of thermal field modification and its repercussions in the landscape of the Itanhaem River estuarine region in Brazil; mangrove finch camarhynchus heliobates; analysis of coastal erosion and forest loss in the Sundarbans mangrove using time-series satellite data; the mangrove ecosystem conservation strategy in the Niger Delta, Nigeria; Madagascar Teal Anas bernieri; and a biogeochemistry study in mangrove ecosystem sediments using a dialysis porewater sampler.

Protection of the environment has nowadays become a major challenge and a condi tion for survival of future human generations and life on Earth in general. Yet it is still far too much of a dream or hope rather than a reality in the policy of our societies. Presently we are experiencing an unprecedented exponential growth of demography combined with a race for profit, resulting in excessive consumption particularly of en ergy, and a serious impact on the world ecosystems. Various types of pollutants and emerging new diseases not only disrupt the normal course of life, but also above this some of the atmospheric pollutants are most likely involved in the changing climate. We fear and literally shiver at the thought that the "changing climate" would ultimately disrupt the fragile thermodynamic equilibrium between the atmosphere and the oceans. Are we insensitive to these facts to the point of pushing our descendants, some genera tions ahead, into a new glacial period after a first period of warming up, at least, in northern Europe, like the one that took place 13 to 14 millennia ago? Surely the planet's nature is not prepared to be dominated by man and will go its way, whether humanity will be alive or dead.

Wetlands Conservation An up-to-date overview of approaches for addressing wetlands degradation and its effects on ecosystem services, human health, and other ecosystems Wetlands are essential sources of biodiversity, water purification, groundwater replenishment, flood control, storm protection, sediment retention, recreation and tourism, and more. Human exploitation of natural resources over the past 200 years has caused significant wetlands degradation and loss. Although the Ramsar Convention of 1971 drafted polices for wetland conservation and responsible use, many wetland sites remain inadequately conserved or managed. Maintaining the ecological balance and equilibrium of wetlands requires a clear understanding of the vital role of wetlands, the difficulties they face, and the policies enacted for their protection. Wetlands Conservation: Current Challenges and Future Strategies summarizes both current and emerging management strategies, trends, and policies regarding wetlands protection around the world. The authors provide accurate scientific information on wetlands while discussing the effects of climate change, global warming, modernization in agriculture, and other key topics. Designed to assist in the development of future solutions for wetlands conservation and management strategies, this important volume: Highlights the environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural importance of wetlands Identifies the factors responsible for the failure of many conservation initiatives Describes the natural and anthropogenic factors of wetlands degradation Discusses the role of community-based wetlands conservation and management Explores Ramsar wetlands conservation and its impacts worldwide Wetlands Conservation: Current Challenges and Future Strategies is an invaluable resource for graduate and postgraduate students, researchers, ecologists, policymakers, conservation organizations, and others working in the field of natural resources management.

This is the first comprehensive science-based primer to highlight the unique ecosystem services provided by mangrove forests, and discuss how these services preserve the livelihoods of coastal populations. The book presents three decades of real-time data on Sundarbans and Bhitarkanika mangroves in India measuring carbon and nitrogen sequestration, as well as case studies that demonstrate the utility provided by mangroves for reducing the impact of storms and erosion, providing nutrient retention for complex habitats, and housing a vast reservoir of plant, animal and microbial biodiversity. Also addressed is the function of mangroves as natural ecosystems of cultural convergence, offering the resources and products necessary for thriving coastal communities. The book will be of interest to students, academics and researchers in the fields of oceanography, marine biology, botany, climate science, ecology and environmental geography, as well as consultants and policy makers working in coastal zone management and coastal biodiversity conservation.