Social Science
Scientific Evidence for the Effectiveness of Mangrove Forests in Reducing Floods and Associated Hazards in Coastal Areas
Christopher Ihinegbu,
Stefan Mönnich,
Peer Reviewed
Abstract
Key Questions about Mangrove Forests and Coastal Hazard Mitigation
The article "Scientific Evidence for the Effectiveness of Mangrove Forests in Reducing Floods and Associated Hazards in Coastal Areas" examines the role of mangrove forests in mitigating coastal hazards, particularly floods. The study synthesizes findings from various research papers, highlighting a strong consensus on the benefits of mangroves in reducing the magnitude and impacts of coastal hazards. However, it also notes limitations, such as the dominance of single-discipline research and underrepresentation of certain regions like Africa and South America. The authors emphasize the need for interdisciplinary approaches and broader geographical studies to fully understand and enhance the protective functions of mangrove ecosystems.
1. What is the consensus in scientific literature regarding the effectiveness of mangrove forests in reducing coastal hazards?
The article reveals a strong agreement among scientific literature on the benefits of mangrove forests in mitigating coastal hazards. Studies consistently demonstrate that mangroves play a crucial role in attenuating the impacts of floods and other coastal threats.
2. What are the limitations and research gaps identified in the current studies on mangrove effectiveness?
The review identifies several limitations, including the dominance of single-discipline research and less representation of countries in Africa and South America. Additionally, there is a limited number of global studies assessing mangrove forests' effectiveness in attenuating coastal hazards, and a lack of interdisciplinary approaches that integrate policy, economics, and environmental sciences.
3. How can future research address these limitations to enhance the understanding of mangrove forests' protective functions?
Future research should adopt interdisciplinary approaches, incorporating fields such as policy studies, economics, and environmental sciences. Expanding studies to include underrepresented regions and considering future climate change scenarios are also essential to develop comprehensive strategies for mangrove conservation and management.
