Mangrove forests in Thailand

Abstract

Thailand's coastal zone is covered by rich mangrove forests that support a vital ecosystem. The mangrove system provides food for the local people and nutrients to the surrounding seas. Further, these forests protect the local environment by acting like a green wall that reduces coastal erosion and helps reduce effects of heavy waves and strong winds on the coast. Climate change will undoubtedly adversely affect this ecosystem. Rising sea levels will impact the chemical and physical properties of mangroves, resulting in harm of both plant and animal species. Mangrove forests in Thailand have already suffered destruction by intensive aquaculture encroachment and urban area extension. The Thai government is implementing new strategies to protect, preserve, and reforest certain areas; however, urbanization continues to release detrimental heavy metal discharge into waterways. Continued accumulation of these metals into the sediment will result in a long-term effect that will not be easily mitigated. Mangrove trees are fast growing and can also serve as carbon sinks. The impact of their ability to mitigate greenhouse effects when faced with toxic metal discharge is unknown. Studies determining a mangrove forest's ability to act as a carbon sink, even under the negative impact of human activity, will be important to preserve this ecosystem.