Discussion: Local Actions with Global Consequences

Abstract

This chapter discusses the results obtained in this research with a focus on the national scale and attempts to fit this analysis into wider research themes based around commodification of land use, livelihood change due to LULC-change, and the human-dimensions of LULC-change. Following the results summary, the chapter discusses a period of recent mangrove forest expansion revealed in the analysis and expands upon the potential reason for this mangrove forest increase and the future monitoring of this increase that will be required to ascertain if it is an actual trend or merely a data anomaly. The chapter then raises the possibility of a potential convergence of numerous factors at differing scales that likely offer the potential to reverse the decades-long clearing of mangrove forests that are revealed in this analysis. Next, the chapter discusses how and why Cayapas-Mataje managed to preserve its mangrove forest in the face of such substantial and rapid declines elsewhere along the coast of Ecuador. Finally, some policy recommendations and forward-looking methodological observations are made to close out the discussion.