Valuing Biodiversity- The economic case for biodiversity conservation in the Maldives. Download PDF >
Mangrove Guidebook for
Southeast Asia This book represents the first attempt at covering all mangrove plant species in Southeast Asia, and aims at providing those involved with the management and conservation of mangroves in Southeast Asia with a guidebook for identifying mangrove plants.
Mangroves for the Future (MFF) is a unique partner-led initiative to promote investment in coastal ecosystem conservation for sustainable development. It provides a collaborative platform among the many different agencies, sectors and countries who are addressing challenges to coastal ecosystem and livelihood issues, to work towards a common goal.
MFF builds on a history of coastal management interventions before and after the 2004 tsunami, especially the call to continue the momentum and partnerships generated by the immediate post-tsunami response. It focuses on the countries worst-affected by the tsunami; India, Indonesia, Maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. However, MFF will also include other countries of the Region that face similar issues, with an overall aim to promote an integrated ocean wide approach to coastal zone management.
The initiative uses mangroves as a flagship ecosystem in recognition of the destruction caused to mangroves by the tsunami, but MFF is inclusive of all coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs, estuaries, lagoons, sandy beaches, sea grasses and wetlands. Its long-term management strategy is based on identified needs and priorities for long-term sustainable coastal ecosystem management. These priorities emerged from extensive consultations with over 200 individuals and 160 institutions involved in coastal management in the Indian Ocean Region.
MFF seeks to achieve demonstrable results in influencing regional cooperation, national programme support, private sector engagement and community action. This will be achieved using a strategy of generating knowledge, empowering institutions and individuals to promote good governance in coastal ecosystem management.
Earth Report: Heads Above Water BBC World News
Across Southeast Asia, vast areas of coastal mangroves have been cleared to cash in on the shrimp export boom. Now those shrimp farms are under threat from climate-related flooding. Even Java's fifth largest city is battling rising tides. Vietnam too is vulnerable. A one-metre increase in sea level will destroy much food production in the Lower Mekong Delta – the nation’s breadbasket - and force millions to flee. The country is fighting back. Earth Report investigates in this television programme supported by MFF. Learn more >
South Asia Marine and Coastal Protected Area web portal
Interactive portal on MCPA management, research and development in Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. www.southasiamcpaportal.org
