Challenges and Opportunities for Restoring the Threatened Mangroves
Kelvin Ngongolo *
Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, Kingupira Wildlife Research Centre, Box 16, Utete-Rufiji, Tanzania.
Samuel Mtoka
Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, Kingupira Wildlife Research Centre, Box 16, Utete-Rufiji, Tanzania.
Anna Mahulu
Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, University of Dares Salaam, Box 35064, Dares Salaam, Tanzania.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Restoration of mangrove forests has to be a continuous process. It is important to reverse the loss of mangrove ecosystem worldwide by using various approaches as this ecosystem provides important ecosystem services such as habitat for organisms, recycling of nutrients, controlling floods, trapping sediments, erosion barriers and so much more. This paper addresses issues associated with the ongoing degradation of mangroves, objectives, opportunities well as challenges for mangroves restoration. As far as the restoration of mangroves is concern, it is emphasized to conserve mangrove forest so as to continue benefiting from them. Special emphasis is placed in coordinating efforts between natural and social sciences. However, it should also be noted that, restoring mangroves is only a partial solution, protection and conservation of those important remaining ecosystems, must be a campaign for all nations before too much is lost.
Keywords: Motivation, restoration, mangrove, forest, ecosystem