Mangrove Ecosystems

The last few decades have seen a rapid growth of interest in the mangrove ecosystems. This is due, on the one hand, to the perception that mangrove ecosystems are valuable resources, and, on the other hand, due to vested economic interests. There is an accelerated rate of destruction of mangroves worldwide. Almost all nations of the world tropical belt are concerned with the conservation of this natural wealth, but surreptitiously permit the misuse of mangroves for quick monetary returns unabatedly. The scientific community and decision makers of many nations are now in a state of alert, requesting sound directives for the sustainable use of mangroves worldwide. The present publication is an attempt to present in an organized manner the present state of knowledge which could be useful for decision makers and of interest to all those who see the ecological and economical potential of the various types of mangrove ecosystems.This book presents the ecology of mangroves mostly from the point of view of people who have everyday experience with these wonderful forests, rather than from those who only make a typical short visit to exotic places. It contains five chapters written by specialists of mangrove forests around the world, and most of the results and information were gathered from international cooperation research programs developed during the last decade. The first three chapters describe the origins, structure, function and management of mangrove forests in tropical America, Africa and Asia. The last two chapters present an overview of mangrove phenology and its state-of-the-art management and conservation policies. The chapters present a regional view of mangroves as a natural resource in use by a large fraction of the coastal populationss in the tropics and subtropics. The text includes extensive data on the biodiversity and physicochemical aspects of these forests, on their biogeography and ecology, and probably for the first time in a textbook on mangroves, manifold information on the uses, management techniques, silviculture and traditional and modern uses of these ecosystem products and services. Also, overviews of the major anthropogenic and natural influences that cause impacts on these ecosystems are presented.