|
|
| |
Mangroves Action Plan
Mangroves ecosystems are a critical component of the coastal hydrosphere
and are excellent indicators of its health. Mangroves are widespread in
the Asia-Pacific region and play an important ecological role while
providing a valuable range of living resources. The benefits that are
obtained from thriving mangrove ecosystems are indeed quite broad and
encompass a variety of economical, environmental and social aspects.
The mangrove ecosystems in the Asia-Pacific region have been adversely
impacted in recent years because of human pressures, including shrimp
farming, urban development, tourism, etc. The need for action to better
preserve and manage mangroves was highlighted in the workshop. This is also
in accordance with the Chapter 17 of Agenda 21 -in which an urgent need for
utilizing our coastal and marine resources in a sustainable manner is
emphasized.
The participants of this workshop discussed the various actions that can be
taken collectively, institutionally and individually. There is a need to
conserve and protect the existing mangroves ecosystems in the face of
economic and population pressures. At the same time, efforts need to be
launched to rehabilitate those areas that have been deteriorated and
degraded in the region. In this respect, it is crucially important to
raise the awareness of the general public, policy-makers and private
industry alike. This can be achieved through targeting the messages from
this workshop to the appropriate audience in a relevant and focused manner.
Exchange of information between the experts on mangroves -such as the one
during this workshop can help identify the crucial needs and areas for
further development.
This document provides an overview of the key items recommended for action
to conserve, protect and rehabilitate mangroves ecosystems. The action items
can be divided into three broad categories: (a) information dissemination
and capacity building, (b) applied research and development projects, and
(c) development of sustainable management systems. More discussion on each
of these items is provided below.
A. Information Dissemination and Capacity Building
The following action items related to information dissemination were
identified in the workshop:
- Publication of proceedings of the workshop, including all the papers, summary of discussion in the technical sessions and this Action Plan. UNU will undertake this task as part of the workshop activities. The final proceedings will be published in both hard-copy form and disseminated on the Internet.
- To increase the level of information exchange, it was suggested that Internet-based networking should be encouraged. The mangroves listserver and the UNU listserver for the coastal hydrosphere were suggested as possible options.
- It was suggested to develop and disseminate information regarding mangrove management techniques as a set of guidelines.
- Public education and awareness raising -at various levels from community to international -should be a key point of dissemination activities; cooperation of the popular media should be sought in this respect. Inclusion of mangroves issues in formal education processes -especially those for children -should be a part of this process.
The following action items were suggested to undertake capacity building at
various levels:
- There should be an increased coordination among various international and regional institutions in undertaking capacity building activities. Information dissemination and networking can greatly assist in this respect.
- There should be an emphasis on training the educators and trainers for conservation of mangroves. The UNU International Training Workshop on Marine Biodiversity in Mangroves and Coastal Ecosystems was cited as an example and endorsed by the workshop participants as a regional activity. Subsequently, an Agreement of Cooperation has been achieved between UNU, UNESCO and Annamalai University to hold similar training programmes on an annual basis
B. Applied Research and Development
The following gaps in the existing knowledge and research base were
identified at the workshop:
- The impact of market forces and economic development on mangroves, particularly issues of sustainable development and socio-economic evaluation of mangrove ecosystems. These issues are closely linked to the livelihood of people dependent on mangroves.
- The knowledge and applicability of various legal and institutional aspects, particularly at national and international levels.
The following action items were identified for further action on applied
research and development on mangroves:
- An in-depth evaluation of introduction of foreign species of mangrove plants into coastal habitats. The need for a closer look at biotechnology issues was also highlighted.
- Development and evaluation of abandoned shrimp and fish ponds in areas adjacent to or overlapping with mangroves.
- Quantitative evaluation of freshwater requirements for mangrove ecosystems.
- Investigations into the impacts of anthropogenic activities on various sub eco-systems contained within the mangroves.
- Development of some quantifiable indicators for evaluation of mangrove ecosystems, including socio-economic factors involved. These can then be applied to some detailed case study analyses.
- A closer look at the impact of chemicals and pollutants in the mangrove ecosystems.
- A detailed analysis of the traditional practices for utilization and conservation of mangroves. These can then be further enhanced through scientific investigation and/or newly-available technologies.
- Evaluation of various novel uses of mangroves plants, including for medicinal purposes and as a food source.
A major action item suggested by the workshop participants was to develop an
inventory of mangroves in the region. This inventory should include the current
status of mangroves, maps of mangroves in the region, the areas at further risk,
highlights of major conservation activities, modes of community interaction
and a glossary of terms for mangroves. The UNU and World Resources Institute
(WRI) agreed to team up to produce "Habitats At Risk" along the lines suggested
by the workshop participants. Such a document will help raise awareness of
the general issues relevant to mangroves and identify priorities for research
and conservation activities. Indirect benefits would include assisting donor
agencies in identifying critical areas needing immediate attention.
C. Sustainable Management Systems
The following action items were suggested as relevant to development of
sustainable management systems for mangroves:
- Capitalizing on UNESCOfs experience with biosphere reserves in developing similar reserves around mangroves. A tangible step in this direction will be the workshop on Mangroves and Biosphere Reserves to be organized by UNESCO in the Pacific islands during the year 2001. This can also be coupled to designation of selected mangroves as World Heritage Sites.
- Development of methodologies and processes for conflict resolution in the context of conservation and development of mangroves. This should primarily focus on multi-stakeholder interests.
- Development and evaluation of ecosystem goods and services that mangroves can provide. Such activities will help ensure sustainability of the mangroves in the long term.
- Investment in the mangroves to achieve economic security, stable livelihood, food security, and reduction of poverty. A major emphasis should be on development of communities reliant on the mangroves for their livelihood.
- Development of eco-tourism along the lines of some examples presented at the workshop. Again, this would help in sustainable management of mangroves and assist in improving the livelihood of communities dependent on mangroves.
- Development of links to various multilateral environmental agreements and conventions is important. As an example, mangroves were reported as an excellent resource for carbon sequestration, with obvious benefits to climate change policies.
|
|
