STATUS OF MANGROVES IN

SOUTHEAST ASIA: ISSUES &

OPPORTUNITIES FOR

REHABILITATION

Dr Shamsudin Ibrahim

Forest Research Institute Malaysia,

52109, Kepong, Selangor

Why there are issues & opportunities in mangrove

rehabilitation

Do we know enough about

mangrove ecosystem

Do we have enough information

about mangrove being

published, disseminated and

circulated to the general public

Do the policy makers aware &

appreciate the value and

function of mangroves. If they

do why there is still a conflict in

land use resulting more

mangroves being excised

The perception of the general

public about the mangroves

World Distribution of World Distribution of mangroves mangroves

The range of mangroves in tropical and sub-tropical region

within the latitude of 30o N and 30o S.

30o S

30o N

0o

2,411,722

Stabilization phase

Values & services of mangrove

ecosystem

• Direct benefits derived from mangroves

� Wood, charcoal and tannin

� fisheries & food web

� tourism

� shoreline protection

� Carbon sequestration

Value & Services

Mangrove trees for charcoal

Coastal Protection

Mangrove Rehabilitation

Successful rehabilitation

Not all areas can be rehabilitated. Naturally this area

is not ready to support vegetation

ISSUE vs OPPORTUNITY

A movement is restricted but can be

overcome

The problem creates opportunity

1.R&D

2.Awareness and

Education

3.Enhance

protection along

coastal areas

2’

1.8 m

Geotube

Scour apron Original level of mudflat

A new level after 6 months

Mangroves forest

R&D

Comp-pillow

Comp-Mat

Planting at Sg Hj Dorani

Comp-Pillow

Comp-Mat

Bamboo Encasement Method (BEM)

Bamboo casing - Buluh semantan (Gigantochloa scortechinii)

Culm thickness – medium (2-3cm)

Bamboo casing diameter (10-13 cm)

Technique of planting for coastal

protection

• Objective

• Expected output:

• Impact

Innovative Planting Technique of Rhizophora mucronata,

2 years after planting

Sg Hj Dorani Plot (High tides; view from geotubes16 months after planting

establishment of mangrove buffer zone along coastal areas

Plot SgHjDorani (low tides; view from geotube 4) 4 years after the establishment of geotubes - 26 March 2011

New recruits of Avicennia

Awareness & education by appreciating the

nature

Enhance coastal protection through rehabilitation

But rehabilitation is not always successful

Conclusion

• Muddy is beautiful

but highly vulnerable

to destruction

• The habitat needs

protection

• Habitat restoration is

difficult

• Rehabilitation is

possible but may not

always be successful

THANK YOU