Vital GEO Graphics

Green engineering can help to protect coastlines using mangroves. Credit: BIOS- Auteurs Gunther Michel/StillPictures

Options for Action Insecurity caused by bad governance or war can con- tribute to environmental degradation. World security requires the current and future availability of environ- mental goods-and-services, through good governance, mechanisms for conflict avoidance and resolution, and for disaster prevention, preparedness and mitigation. Development policies balanced by a more equitable societal approach can significantly reduce the social and economic impacts of natural disasters. The imple- mentation of sustainable and more equitable develop- ment policies can also help reduce the probability of conflicts. Reducing violent conflict, whether related to natural resources or not, would reduce a major source of vulnerability and would better support human well- being in many parts of the world. While conflicts can arise as a result of environmental factors, such as disagreements over trans-national water resources, it has become clear in recent years that joint manage- ment of environmental matters is necessary in order to facilitate cooperation across societal and international boundaries. Policies and measures will require a combined focus on ecosystem management, sustainable livelihoods and local risk management. For example, in coastal environments, preservation of reefs and sea grasses is vital, not only for the mainten- ance of biodiversity but to ensure the livelihoods of millions.

Restoring mangroves in cyclone prone areas increases physical protection against storms, creates a reservoir for carbon sequestration and increases livelihood options by generating much needed income for local communities. Although the evidence is varied, commu- nities hit by the 2004 tsunami in South Asia reported less damage in areas with healthy mangrove forests than those with few natural sea defences. India and Bangladesh have come to recognize the importance of preserving mangrove forests in the Gulf of Bengal, not only as a source of livelihood for fish- ing communities but also for coastal protection. Since 1994, the Vietnam National Chapter of the Red Cross has worked with local communities to plant and protect mangrove forests in northern Vietnam. Nearly 120 square km. of mangroves in the area have been planted, with substantial resulting benefits. Although planting and protecting the mangroves cost about US$1.1 million, it saves US$7.3 million a year in dyke maintenance. During the devastating typhoon Wukong in 2000, project areas remained unharmed, while neighbour- ing provinces suffered huge losses in lives, property and livelihoods. Thousands of households have ben- efited from mangrove rehabilitation. Family members can now earn additional income from selling crabs, shrimp and mollusks, while increasing the protein in their diets.

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