TDA-IME Project Final Report June, 2013 the need to better integrate scientific and traditional knowledge, which is a fundamental requirement for the involvement of local communities in mangrove ecosystem management. Recommendations It is recommended that countries are assisted to introduce, or strengthen national coordinating mechanisms, like the National Coordinating Bodies of the Mangroves for the Future (MFF) initiative, in order to bridge science to policy gaps regarding mangrove conservation and management. Similarly, opportunities for greater dialogue on mangroves and related coastal issues should be developed through the existing regional coordination mechanisms available, such as the ASEAN Secretariat, FAO/BOBLME, MFF, PEMSEA and SEAFDEC, supported by regional policy-briefs on key mangrove-related issues (e.g. on the true environmental cost of different coastal development options; avoidance cost values of mangroves for coastal and storm protection; the value of mangroves in absorbing and breaking down pollutants). Awareness-raising about environmental issues, as well as clear and effective communication between stakeholders, are important prerequisites for the successful implementation of mangrove restoration/rehabilitation, protection and management activities. Educating people requires much thought and perseverance, and educational materials must be well designed to best suit their intended audiences and learning environment, whether formal, informal or non-formal. Environmental education and awareness-raising must aim at promoting positive change. This can be achieved through communication approaches which recognize that presenting facts alone does not ensure a change of human behaviour. It is therefore essential to reach specified target groups (particularly the youth and through them their parents) via a range of communication channels and approaches to facilitate, change. An environmental education strategy should ensure that key messages are repeated by using multiple channels, links with “role models” or “champions”, indigenous, religious groups and schools, and link with policy and advocacy activities. Recommendations In order to identify the key messages, carry out environmental awareness assessments for 105 the various target groups. Produce teaching materials and teacher training manuals on mangroves, and advocate for their inclusion in national school curricula. Evaluate the use and effectiveness of the information about mangroves developed for different audiences. 5. Sharing and replicating/up-scaling successful models of mangrove sustainable use involving local communities (e.g. co-management, stewardship). Mangrove forests are crucial as ‘bio-shields’ for the protection of people and their assets from physical and climatic impacts, including erosion, storms and flooding. This often narrow belt of mangroves must be safeguarded against human threats. Co-management is the most effective way of maintaining and enhancing the protection function of the mangrove forest belt in a situation where mangrove forest protection obligations are (or become) more important than rights to forest management. Co-management also provides livelihood support for local communities; and contributes to improved governance. Although co-management is a local (village level) solution to protecting mangroves, it could be implemented along entire coastlines and on a transboundary basis if the appropriate principles are applied.
Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis of Indochina Mangrove Ecosystems
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