The world's mangroves, 1980-2005
Subtitle: a thematic study in the framework of the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2005.
Contributors: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Series: FAO forestry paper -- 153
Publisher: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Published: 2007
Place of publication: Rome
Language: eng
Number of pages: 77
ISBN-13: 9789251058565
Subjects: Mangrove forests; Forests and forestry
Description: Mangroves, commonly found along sheltered coastlines in the tropics and subtropics, fulfill important socio-economic and environmental functions: providing wood and non-wood forest products, protecting shores against wind, waves and water currents; conserving biological diversity; protecting coral reefs, sea-grass beds and shipping lanes against siltation; and providing habitat, spawning grounds and nutrients for a variety of fish and shellfish, including many commercial species. High population pressure in coastal areas has, however, led to the conversion of many mangrove areas to other uses. The world's mangroves 1980-2005, prepared in the framework of the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2005, provides comprehensive information on the current and past extent of mangroves in all countries and territories in which they exist. This information, as well as the gaps in information that come to light in the report, will assist mangrove managers and policy- and decision-makers worldwide in ensuring the conservation, management and sustainable use of the world's remaining mangrove ecosystems.--Publisher's description.
Notes: "TC/M/A1427E/1/11.07/1000"--P. [4] of cover.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 59-61).

Available both in print and online.
Table of contents: title: Introduction; title: Methodology; title: Global overview; title: Africa; title: Asia; title: North and Central America; title: Oceania; title: South America; title: Discussion.