TDA-IME Project Final Report June, 2013 but also between mangroves and other coastal ecosystems (including coral reefs) and marine fisheries stocks. Trade in these fishery products, and therefore the economic benefits from them, also operate on a transboundary scale. The threats posed by climate change - which compound major threats to mangroves not attributable to climate change - require a proactive, integrated and coordinated approach across a range of spatial scales. Issues of mangrove ecosystem connectivity, plant and animal dispersal capability, effective population size and genetic diversity need to be considered at scales greater than that of individual mangrove forest habitats; that is on transboundary and regional levels. The causal chain analysis confirmed the already widely-held view that human population growth, poverty and profit-driven development priorities are the main root causes of mangrove forest conversion, driven by global market demand (e.g. for farmed shrimp). Mangrove habitat degradation similarly has population- and poverty-based root causes, coupled with the failure of conservation measures (even when enacted) to stop degradation activities. The impact of these root causes is compounded by poor public awareness of the indirect services provided by mangroves, and therefore of their true value to society. In relation to scientific knowledge about mangroves much is already known, but scientists are not communicating effectively with policy-makers on the need to conserve mangroves and manage them sustainably following ecosystem-based principles. A science-to-policy communications infrastructure or “bridge” is needed for this situation to change. The main areas where new scientific research is still required were identified as: Research to better predict the likely responses of mangroves to climate change. Studies to document and quantify the impacts of climate change on mangroves, and the potential roles of mangroves in relation to climate change adaptation and mitigation, as part of an ecosystem-based approach to coastal management. 5 Valuation of all the goods and services provided by mangrove ecosystems. Based on the causal chain analysis, an objective and four themes with ecological quality objectives (EQO) and targets for a future Strategic Action Plan were identified, as summarized below: Proposed Objective: Mangrove ecosystems in Indochina are returned to full ecological health and further net loss and degradation of mangrove forests in the region are halted, and where possible reversed by restoration programs. Theme 1: Mangrove Forest Conversion EcoQO: All existing healthy mangrove forest ecosystems are protected and conservation legislation is fully enforced Targets: Legal, policy instruments and governance mechanisms are strengthened to achieve no further net loss of healthy mangroves. The area of mangroves within designated protected areas is increased significantly, with a priority to include transboundary sites. National targets for mangrove rehabilitation by area and species composition are proposed. Indicators of forest quality/ecological integrity are included in ecosystem monitoring programs. The potential of mangrove ecosystems for climate change adaptation and mitigation are fully realized.
Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis of Indochina Mangrove Ecosystems
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