Environmental challenges to the mangrove wetlands of North Malabar (Kerala), India: Their sustainable development and influence on local people

Abstract

Wetlands, including mangroves, perform several functions such as inundation control, and protection from erosion, storm, floods and tidal damage, and generate goods and products such as fish and forest resources. These functions are of fundamental importance for society. The present study aims to identify the challenges of the mangrove wetlands of north Malabar, their uses and socio-economic influence on local people, and the value of ecosystem services, and to suggest the way forward for sustainable development. © 2009 ONEMA.