Status of Mangroves in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Author(s)
Khalil, Ahmed S. M.
Abstract
Mangroves are a dominant form of vegetation along tropical coasts. Their forests represent one of the major ecosystems of the biosphere, covering about 161,000km² and 60-75 percent of the shores in the tropics. Apart from their significance for coastal protection, mangroves play a vital role in marine life and fisheries by providing food and shelter for a large and varied group of marine organisms including fish and shellfish. In spite of the ecological importance of the mangrove ecosystem and its manifold economic benefits (Box 1), the loss and degradation of mangrove areas is enormous. Mangroves are used traditionally and commercially in several activities, e.g., as timber and domestic firewood that requires cutting and removal of trees. The aims of the mangrove survey programme are: (1) to use the SSM to collect qualitative and quantitative data on mangroves and their associated biota over an extended period, (2) to use the data to develop country and regional reports that evaluate the status of mangrove habitats, and to provide guidelines for the development of conservation management and rehabilitation plans, and (3) to raise public awareness and encourage participation of local communities in those locations where surveys take place.
