Assessment of the ecological and economic impact of mangrove conversion in Southeast Asia.
1991
Paw J.N. | Chua T.E.
More than a quarter of the world's mangrove forests is found in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region. Traditionally exploited by coastal communities for fuel, building materials, medicines and food, mangrove forests are denuded rapidly as a consequence of increased population and economic development pressures. The lack of understanding of the ecological impact of mangrove forests and the persistent notion that they are "wastelands", which must be reclaimed for economic development, are reasons for their large-scale denudation. The ecological significance of mangrove forests on fisheries and other coastal resources is reviewed as well as the economic impact of mangrove exploitation and conversion on agriculture, aquaculture, and urban and industrial areas. Historical trends in mangrove exploitation and conversion are also traced. Moreover, the need for more research on the ecological importance of mangrove ecosystems is stressed.
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