Rare and critically important mangrove forests continue to be lost at a rate three to four times higher than land-based global forests - this despite positive restoration efforts by some countries, according to the World Mangrove Atlas.

The Atlas is the result of data, reviews and input provided by more than 100 top international mangrove researchers and organizations and includes a new and comprehensive map of mangrove forests.

According to the first assessment of mangroves in over a decade, about one fifth of all mangroves are thought to have been lost since 1980.

The United Nations Environment Programme says that economic assessments provide some of the most powerful arguments in favour of mangrove management, protection or restoration.

Studies estimate that mangroves generate between $2000-$9000 per hectare annually, considerably more than alternative uses such as aquaculture and agriculture.

The new Atlas also underscores positive trends noting that restoration efforts now cover some 400,000 hectares.

It says foresighted countries make the link between these coastal forests and economically important services from flood defences and fish nurseries to carbon storage to combat climate change.

Although losses are slowing at 0.7 percent a year, the authors of the Atlas warn that any further destruction due to shrimp farming and coastal development will cause significant economic and ecological decline.

The nations with the largest mangrove areas include Indonesia with 21 percent of global mangroves, Brazil with 9 percent, Australia 7 percent, Mexico 5 percent and Nigeria with 5 percent.

Donn Bobb, United Nations Radio
(duration: 1'32")

Source: http://www.unmultimedia.org/radio/english/detail/98413.html