A realistic approach to the use and management of mangrove areas in Southeast Asia

Abstract

In Southeast Asia and other developing regions of the tropical world, the coastal zone will inevitably be used and exploited for food production and habitation. To attain these goals, and at the same time preserve the integrity of the mangrove areas, requires a management strategy that is unique to the Asian situation. Coastal mangrove areas should be classified on the basis of their present state of alterations into Reserved Mangroves which should be protected for their natural history value; Managed Mangroves which should be developed for optimum food, fiber and fish production; and Altered Mangroves which should be restored by reforestation and/or converted to productive land uses. The basis for management is a comprehensive understanding of the ecological structure and function of the mangrove ecosystem.KeywordsMangrove ForestMangrove EcosystemFish PondMangrove AreaReforestation ProgramThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.