In the front line : shoreline protection and other ecosystem services from mangroves and coral reefs

The Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 and the catastrophic hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico in 2005 have had tragic and devastating consequences for the global community and have drawn attention to the vulnerability of tropical coastal ecosystems. The lessons learnt from these events are critically relevant to future management of the coast. More than ever it is essential to consider the full value of ‘ecosystem services’ when making decisions about coastal development. This publication aims to help decision and policy makers around the world understand the importance to humans of coastal habitats, using coral reefs and mangroves as an example. As well as coastal protection, it also addresses the huge range of other benefits provided by these ecosystems and the role that they can play in coastal development and in restoring livelihoods for those suffering from the effects of extreme events, whether natural or induced by human activity.