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THE IMPORTANCE OF MANGROVES
The Mekong Delta in Vietnam is facing a dire threat of near-complete submersion by the end of the century unless strategic actions are taken throughout the river basin. Such submersion would immediately eliminate 31% of Vietnam’s agricultural production↗. One of the most critical defenses for the Mekong Delta is its mangrove forests which act as a natural buffer that reduces wave height between land and water.
MANGROVES FIGHTING THE WAVES
Next to reducing the wave height, mangroves provide three other physical functions. They enhance sediment deposition, reduce erosion and are highly effective at storing carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation. Combined, these functions can compensate for rising sea levels. Beyond the physical functions, mangroves also deliver significant economic value through timber production, fisheries and tourism. Moreover, mangroves support rich biodiversity.
4 PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS OF THE MANGROVES
The loss of mangrove forests due to deforestation, combined with processes such as sea level rise and land subsidence, leads to a vicious cycle. Mangrove degradation leads to less wave damping, which increases erosion, which results in further mangrove loss. Once the system is out of balance, the increased erosion process is difficult to stop.
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