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- Restoring mangroves in cyclone prone areas increases
tribute to environmental degradation. World security physical protection against storms, creates a reservoir
requires the current and future availability of environ- for carbon sequestration and increases livelihood
mental goods-and-services, through good governance, options by generating much needed income for local
mechanisms for conflict avoidance and resolution, and communities. Although the evidence is varied, commu-
for disaster prevention, preparedness and mitigation. nities hit by the 2004 tsunami in South Asia reported
less damage in areas with healthy mangrove forests
Development policies balanced by a more equitable than those with few natural sea defences.
societal approach can significantly reduce the social
and economic impacts of natural disasters. The imple- India and Bangladesh have come to recognize the
mentation of sustainable and more equitable develop- importance of preserving mangrove forests in the Gulf
ment policies can also help reduce the probability of of Bengal, not only as a source of livelihood for fish-
conflicts. ing communities but also for coastal protection.
Reducing violent conflict, whether related to natural Since 1994, the Vietnam National Chapter of the
resources or not, would reduce a major source of Red Cross has worked with local communities to plant
vulnerability and would better support human well- and protect mangrove forests in northern Vietnam.
being in many parts of the world. While conflicts Nearly 120 square km. of mangroves in the area
can arise as a result of environmental factors, such as have been planted, with substantial resulting benefits.
disagreements over trans-national water resources, it Although planting and protecting the mangroves cost
has become clear in recent years that joint manage- about US$1.1 million, it saves US$7.3 million a year
ment of environmental matters is necessary in order to in dyke maintenance.
facilitate cooperation across societal and international
boundaries. During the devastating typhoon Wukong in 2000,
project areas remained unharmed, while neighbour-
Policies and measures will require a combined focus ing provinces suffered huge losses in lives, property
on ecosystem management, sustainable livelihoods and livelihoods. Thousands of households have ben-
and local risk management. efited from mangrove rehabilitation. Family members
can now earn additional income from selling crabs,
For example, in coastal environments, preservation of shrimp and mollusks, while increasing the protein in
reefs and sea grasses is vital, not only for the mainten- their diets.
ance of biodiversity but to ensure the livelihoods of
millions.
DISASTERS AND CONFLICTS 27
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