Climate change impacts on, and vulnerability and adaptation of mangrove ecosystems

Mangroves are invaluable resources in the ASEAN region, providing coastal protection, wood, and fishery resources. While the region supports the world’s highest diversity of mangroves, many countries have lost 50% of mangroves in the last 20 years, to conversion and degradation. Mangrove ecosystems are also sensitive to climate change impacts, particularly sea-level rise. Sea level rise of 1.5-9.7 mm a-1 is projected by 2099, and mangrove accretion rates are usually less than this, resulting in dieback at the seaward edge, and inland recruitment. Rise in temperature and the effects of increased CO2 levels should increase mangrove productivity, and continue expansion of mangrove species ranges into higher latitudes. UNEP/ GEF/ WWF has recently developed protocols for mangrove vulnerability assessments, combining mapping and micro-elevation determination, long term relative sealevel trends, monitoring of mangrove structure, productivity, condition and human interaction. Climate change adaptation strategies developed include reduction of stressors, strategic protected areas designation, rehabilitation of degraded areas, as well as collaboration with local communities to improve resource use efficiency.