Mangrove ecosystems

This study, based on a colloquium, field assessments of development activities and technical analyses pertaining to barrier-built estuaries and lagoons, was inspired by the positive response to a preceding report captioned <a href=”http://www.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/edocs/2011-112.pdf”> ‘An Appraisal of Mangrove Management in Micro-target_idal Estuaries and Lagoons in Sri Lanka’</a>.

This study was inspired by observations and experiences from post-tsunami (2004) mangrove planting and ‘restoration’ work in the country. Since the tsunami, IUCN Sri Lanka supported a number of initiatives for improving mangrove management in the context of the structure and functioning of the parent ecosystems – estuaries and lagoons.

Scientific evidence suggests that variations in temperature, weather patterns and sea level will impact coastal ecosystems and communities. This easy to use four step guide has been developed to help coastal project managers effectively address the potential impacts of climate change and enhance the resilience and adaptive capacity of projects.

The goal of this toolkit is to help promote environmental stewardship and increase awareness of marine and coastal ecosystems among schoolchildren in Asia through the use of creative, investigative approaches. Investigative approaches allow schools to make the local environment relevant and interesting to children in coastal communities and help to reinforce the need for wise and sustainable management of our coastal and marine resources.

This children's book describes mangroves and all the essential services they provide: livelihoods for coastal communities, shelter for rich biodiversity, absorption of CO2, providing clean water, and protection from storms, hurricanes and tsunamis.

This booklet documents the achievements of selected projects of the Mangroves for the Future (MFF) Small Grants Programme in Sri Lanka, with emphasis on drawing lessons to improve future project performance. The projects are presented under three thematic areas, namely Ecosystem restoration, Education and Awareness, and Livelihood enhancement. The contents are largely based on information gleaned from project progress reports and reviews, and notes of field monitoring visits.