How far is it possible to reconcile the desire for development with the need to manage biodiversity
Melissa Chin
How far is it possible to reconcile the desire for development with the need to manage biodiversity (14)
Mangroves are essential to marine, freshwater and terrestrial biodiversity, because they stabilise coastlines against erosion, collect sediments and provide a nursery for coastal fish. However, mangroves are at threat; over 50% of the world’s original mangrove forests have been lost. This has been due to many factors such as, shrimp farming, climate change, over-harvesting etc. As a result, there are many players who are trying to halt the loss of mangroves to protect and restore them.
Yadfon is a small organisation in Thailand formed to help fishing communities. Yadfon has worked with villagers in Chao Mai on environmental issues and securing their future livelihoods. Chao Mai faced two problems; mangroves were being destroyed to produce charcoal, which affected the supply of seafood. Yadfon created an 80 hectare community managed mangrove forest and did not allow shrimp farms within its boundaries. The second problem was the destruction of sea grass by large fishing boats and drag nets. Sea grass is important as a nursery and habitat for commercially important species of fish and prawns. To protect the sea grass, a publicity campaign was launched among the fishing communities, which led to a reduced destruction by boats. With Yadfon’s aid this community has been able to develop whilst managing and protecting biodiversity.
TVE Asia Pacific is a regional not-for-profit organisation that uses media to raise awareness of environmental, developmental and health and social justice issues. Asia’s coastal ecosystems – including coral reefs, mangroves and sand dunes – are collectively called greenbelts. TVE Asia Pacific produced a series of films called The Greenbelt Reports in order to increase understanding of their importance in protecting coastal communities against natural disasters, for example, the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. The technique of using
How far is it possible to reconcile the desire for development with the need to manage biodiversity (14)
Mangroves are essential to marine, freshwater and terrestrial biodiversity, because they stabilise coastlines against erosion, collect sediments and provide a nursery for coastal fish. However, mangroves are at threat; over 50% of the world’s original mangrove forests have been lost. This has been due to many factors such as, shrimp farming, climate change, over-harvesting etc. As a result, there are many players who are trying to halt the loss of mangroves to protect and restore them.
Yadfon is a small organisation in Thailand formed to help fishing communities. Yadfon has worked with villagers in Chao Mai on environmental issues and securing their future livelihoods. Chao Mai faced two problems; mangroves were being destroyed to produce charcoal, which affected the supply of seafood. Yadfon created an 80 hectare community managed mangrove forest and did not allow shrimp farms within its boundaries. The second problem was the destruction of sea grass by large fishing boats and drag nets. Sea grass is important as a nursery and habitat for commercially important species of fish and prawns. To protect the sea grass, a publicity campaign was launched among the fishing communities, which led to a reduced destruction by boats. With Yadfon’s aid this community has been able to develop whilst managing and protecting biodiversity.
TVE Asia Pacific is a regional not-for-profit organisation that uses media to raise awareness of environmental, developmental and health and social justice issues. Asia’s coastal ecosystems – including coral reefs, mangroves and sand dunes – are collectively called greenbelts. TVE Asia Pacific produced a series of films called The Greenbelt Reports in order to increase understanding of their importance in protecting coastal communities against natural disasters, for example, the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. The technique of using