Scientists have, for years, shouted themselves hoarse about the wonder role that mangroves play in defending coastlines from erosive waves. Few heard them though, leading the world to lose half of its mangrove cover in the last 50 years to aquaculture ponds, coastal development and agriculture.
In the aftermath of the Asian tsunami, however, mangroves suddenly gained newfound respect among governments which once thought nothing about allowing the clearing of these coastal forests.
Tsunami-hit nations are now planting mangrove trees along coastlines to create ÒgreenbeltsÓ or vegetated strips of land, in the hope of preventing further erosion of damaged shores as well as to shield them from future giant waves.
The mass of tangled roots of mangrove trees is what makes this coastal forest so effective in buffering strong waves.
Blog's RSS
Comments RSS
