Group C - Collaborative Climate Adaption Project

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• Group C - Concept Mapping of Seminar Topics

Area	Coastal
Country	Thailand
Topic	Mangrove Remediation in Coastal Asia
Author(s)	Christopher Boone, Helena van Boxelaere, Milena Ignjatijevic

Rationale: Reasons for Mangrove Reforestation in Coastal South East Asia

The world is full of myriad ecosystems, each with different variables of location, biodiversity, climate patterns, nutrient systems, geography, etc. And as the study of the effects of Climate Change continues to expand and deepen, we begin to learn that there is no single, conveniently scalable solution to this issue. In actuality, almost every effected ecosystem is going to require a specific case study to map out the sources of its strain, and to diagnose a site specific solution. This is at the heart of the riddle of Climate Change; it is the diversity of effects on global ecosystems that makes gives this issue its complexity.

The case for studying coastal cities in Southeast Asia has a lot to do with what Climate Change scientists have already learned through their study. The phenomenon of increases in global atmospheric temperatures has a great number of effects around the world, but possibly one of the more immediately dire is the noted decrease in glacial ice due to melting. Scientists have noted an accelerating rate of polar ice cap recession, and while there were some projections made in years past, continued examination has led researches to question if polar ice melting is not actually occurring even faster than originally thought. The connection between melting polar ice and Climate Change in tropical Asia is the rise of global sea levels; all that melting ice is raising the global water level, and this poses to have massive effects on coastal cites around the world. [1]

Recently, guest speaker Asan Suwanarit from Thammasat University in Thailand gave a presentation about the devastating potential effects of storm surges and consequent flooding in the specific case of Bangkok, an example of a major coastal city in S.E. Asia. His report provided an eye-opening perspective on the extent of damage that the effects of Climate Change can have on this set of human settlements, ranging from financial losses and the costs of redevelopment, damage to city infrastructure and the related public health risks, loss of home and the creation of a refugee group, etc. Essentially, he demonstrated that coastal cities stand to receive a lion's share of damage due to the effects of Climate Change.

Further research into the case of storm damage and flooding in coastal Asian cities has shown that another piece of the puzzle may be the existence of a plant species called Mangrove. [2] It turns out that naturally, this twisted, stunted tree species normally provides a great many services to coastal ecosystems, by providing a nursery for young aquatic species, by sinking a great deal of atmospheric Carbon through its growth, and by its function as a coastal buffer against storm surges. [3] Mangroves naturally grow in thick belts along tropical Asian coastlines; they thrive in shallow saline water environments, and historically provided a kind of shield along most Asian coasts. However, human activity such as aquaculture, shrimp farming and the development of coastal cities has led to the destruction of many Mangrove populations, and this is certainly linked to the devastation of storm water surges, flooding, and the phenomenon of rising ocean water levels.

Fortunately, attention to the possible solution of Mangrove reforestation has led to a number of ongoing projects of this type in India, Indonesia, and Thailand, among other places. This has created a good amount of publicity and has led to several thorough reports detailing the effectiveness of these projects. One such document, produced by Oxfam, can be read here. [4] It shows that Mangrove remediation serves as a realistic tool in combating the effects of Climate Change in this region.

The combination of good documentation of the effectiveness of mangrove reforestation in S.E. Asia, as well as the specific vulnerability of coastal Asian cities due to rising ocean levels, led to the decision to focus on this region as a case study.

Authors' perspectives

My professional perspective for the case study of mangrove remediation in coastal S.E.Asia is largely as an academic researcher, but also as a first hand witness. Having spent several months in travel and on-site research in the region, I have a great deal of interest and empathy for the plight of this region, due to its specific vulnerability to disastrous Climate Change effects. I saw a great amount of foreign investment into the commercial realm of the area, much of which was concentrated along coastlines for the obvious tourism market, and as a result there should be a synonymous investment into infrastructure and defense. Mangrove reforestation is one such example that is simultaneously low-cost, natural and local. Also, in attendance of the COP 15, I heard representatives from several Asian nations site the threat of rising ocean levels as grounds for special attention to be given to their nations, as this phenomenon is going to make a strong effect, and soon. While we should certainly try to take simultaneous action all over the world, if there is a finite amount of funds or support from international protection organisations then perhaps the case could be made to priorities based on time and urgency.

Landscape and/or urban context

• Biogeography, land use patterns, cultural features, overall character, history and dynamics
• ratio of green/blue and sealed/built-up areas

Illustration: Map; sketches; short descriptive analyses

Cultural/social/political context

• Brief explanation of culture, political economy, legal framework

Illustration: Bullet points, image, background notes

Local Climate

• What are the climatic conditions at present? Have there been extreme weather events in the near past?
• Which changes are expected? Is there any evidence?

Illustration: Table or time line

Analysis of vulnerability

• If you consider these potential changes - which aspects/functions of your case study would be affected?

Illustration: Map/diagram/sketches/photos/background notes

Proposals for Climate Change Adaption

• How could your case study area become more resilient to climate change?
• Which measures would need to be taken to adapt to the new situation?
• How could you assure sustainability of these measures?
• Please describe 2-3 measures

Proposals for Climate Change Mitigation

• Which measures would need to be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other drivers of climate change within your case study area?
• How could you assure sustainability of these measures?
• Please describe 2-3 measures

Your scenario

• How will this area look like in 2060?
• Please forecast one potential future development taking climate change into account

Illustration: Map/diagram/sketches photos and background notes

What can be generalized from this case study?

• Are there any important theoretical insights?
• Which research questions does it generate?
• Short statement plus background notes

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References

Please add literature, documentations and weblinks

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