Mangrove & Coral Destruction
Miles of mangrove trees have died in recent years along the coast of Angola due to a combination of environmental factors, including oil spills. Photo: Joe Hughes
Widespread destruction of mangroves (Bahamas, Australia) and Coral Reefs (Caribbean, Red Sea) has resulted in the loss of some of the worlds most diverse ecosystems. As a side effect, this has greatly increased shoreline hazards and beach erosion rates. The greatest benefit of mangroves is their ability to reduce storm surge. This benefit is long-term and requires no maintenance. The 1999 super typhoon, Orissa, killed over 10,000 people in India drowning many with its powerful storm surge. This number could have been lower if the mangroves had been retained. Mangroves are lost because of clearing for development, logging, and shrimp farming. Coral reefs are lost by mining (Bali, Indonesia), sedimentation from agriculture on the upland (St. Croix, Virgin Islands), bad fishing techniques that kill corals (Pacific Islands), sedimentation from nourished beaches (Waikiki) and a host of other natural and global warming-related causes. Dubai is perhaps the single greatest example of coral reef destruction. The artificial islands built there buried vast coral reefs. Mangroves and coral reefs often provide protection for nearby beaches. Their destruction harms the beach as well.
Surfing in / Mangrove and Coral Destruction
Oil spill off Mumbai coast: tangible damage to mangroves
The oil slick from two ships colliding on August 7th off Mumbai coast, was found to have destroyed more than 300 hectares of mangroves and lapped the Elephanta coast.
Indonesia’s coral reefs dying at alarming rate
Coral that survived the 2004 tsunami is now dying at one of the fastest rates ever recorded.
Mangroves worldwide: a global loss of tidal forests
Mangroves Report Reveals, threats and opportunities to global economy and the Planet.
Lessons in Brazil’s oil spill after a decade
Ten years later, the once-green mangrove bay area only has thick black mud and no life left in the soil.
Mangroves under threat, Solomon Islands
Conservation of mangroves and associated coastal ecosystems has been identified as a key natural adaptation strategy and mitigation measure to the effects of climate change.
Mangrove forests in worldwide decline
The first ever assessment of mangrove species by the IUCN Red List found 11 out of 70 mangrove species threatened with extinction.
Lampung mangroves could be extinct in 5 years
70 percent of mangrove forests in Lampung Province, Southern Sumatra, are currently in damaged condition.
Snail and Coral Destruction
A little-known marine snail may be destroying coral reefs at an alarming rate, scientists report.
Greenbelt Reports / TVE Asia Pacific
The Greenbelt Reports (GBR) is a multi-media, Asian regional educational project to document the conservation challenges involving mangroves, coral reefs and sand reefs – collectively called ‘greenbelts’ in recognition of their natural protective role against wave action and anticipated climate change impact.
