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	<title>Comments on: Mangroves Stop Tsunami</title>
	<atom:link href="http://ecoworld.com/blog/2008/05/13/mangroves-stop-tsunami/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://ecoworld.com/blog/2008/05/13/mangroves-stop-tsunami/</link>
	<description>Ed Ring's EcoWorld Posts</description>
	<pubDate>Sun, 12 Oct 2008 01:29:34 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>By: Tan Kim Hooi (Stanley)</title>
		<link>http://ecoworld.com/blog/2008/05/13/mangroves-stop-tsunami/#comment-87035</link>
		<dc:creator>Tan Kim Hooi (Stanley)</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2008 02:57:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ecoworld.com/blog/?p=327#comment-87035</guid>
		<description>Please STOP using the word "STOP". Mangroves do not "STOP" tsunami. As I mentioned and presented in international/regional forum/conferences (i.e. FAO, ISME &#38; UNEP) and based on the ground information on the effectiveness of mangroves against coastal erosion, cyclone, storm surges and the Indian Tsunami, mangroves only offer limited protection against these natural hazards. In many places, good mangrove stands can't even stand against normal tidal waves and coastal erosion. Many case studies after the Tsunami also showed total mangrove destruction (uprooted) in areas near epicenter where the wave was storng. What we concern is the massive water flooding in the affected areas after cyclone and tsunami attack. In fact, some experts suggest that heavy coastal vegetation may hold the water longer and make thing worse!

To reduce the casualty in the future disaster events like cyclone and tsunami, it is beyond mangroves (coastal vegetation) and warning system. In the case of Nargis, warnings have been given by Indian and Bangladesh authorities. The Junta also admitted they did give the warning to the local people. Of couse, knowing junta records, we doubt it! Mangroves and other coastal vegetation rehabilitation are generally good projects after the disaster. But this kind of project take many years (at least more than 20 years for mangroves) to realise their benefits (provide limited protection against natural hazards). It is for long-term benefits (food, fisheries, wood, etc). For immediate response to the next tragedy, we have to make use of warning system and the most important thing is "EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION". The Government need to inform local community effectively! Education and awareness are critical. For example, effective communication and evacuation plan in Bangladest have over the years reduced human casualty due to cyclones.</description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Please STOP using the word &#8220;STOP&#8221;. Mangroves do not &#8220;STOP&#8221; tsunami. As I mentioned and presented in international/regional forum/conferences (i.e. FAO, ISME &amp; UNEP) and based on the ground information on the effectiveness of mangroves against coastal erosion, cyclone, storm surges and the Indian Tsunami, mangroves only offer limited protection against these natural hazards. In many places, good mangrove stands can&#8217;t even stand against normal tidal waves and coastal erosion. Many case studies after the Tsunami also showed total mangrove destruction (uprooted) in areas near epicenter where the wave was storng. What we concern is the massive water flooding in the affected areas after cyclone and tsunami attack. In fact, some experts suggest that heavy coastal vegetation may hold the water longer and make thing worse!</p>
<p>To reduce the casualty in the future disaster events like cyclone and tsunami, it is beyond mangroves (coastal vegetation) and warning system. In the case of Nargis, warnings have been given by Indian and Bangladesh authorities. The Junta also admitted they did give the warning to the local people. Of couse, knowing junta records, we doubt it! Mangroves and other coastal vegetation rehabilitation are generally good projects after the disaster. But this kind of project take many years (at least more than 20 years for mangroves) to realise their benefits (provide limited protection against natural hazards). It is for long-term benefits (food, fisheries, wood, etc). For immediate response to the next tragedy, we have to make use of warning system and the most important thing is &#8220;EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION&#8221;. The Government need to inform local community effectively! Education and awareness are critical. For example, effective communication and evacuation plan in Bangladest have over the years reduced human casualty due to cyclones.</p>
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