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Star, 8 Jan 05 Mangroves can protect coasts PETALING JAYA: Mangrove forests and other coastal vegetation can soften the impact of tsunamis, according to a Kuala Lumpur-based conservation group. Two reports from Sumatra have proven this fact, said Global Environment Centre (GEC) director Faizal Parish. “Farhan Ferrari, a community worker, reported to me on Thursday that five villages 100km to the south-east of Banda Aceh in Julok were saved by the extensive mangroves in that area,” he said. He also received a message from another Indonesian who said that Simeuleu Island, only about 40km from the epicentre of the Dec 26 quake, was saved by the wide belt of mangroves. There were only four deaths reported on the island, he added. Eyewitnesses reported that no waves penetrated the mangrove belt but the water rose smoothly like a rising tide. “It is important to gather more detailed information on the linkage between mangroves and the damage caused by the tsunami,” said Parish. He said that based on such reports, the mangrove forests might have helped protect Banda Aceh from the vast destruction caused by the tsunami, had it not been cleared for development. He said when the tsunami hit Banda Aceh, all the buildings were destroyed along with all the fish and shrimp ponds as well as the houses on the land which used to be sheltered by the mangroves. Mangrove trees (Rhizophora apiculata or Rhizophora ronata), known locally as bakau, act as a “vegetative belt” that protects coastal areas. Parish said trees, shrubs, palms and ferns protect coastlines by absorbing the energy of waves and winds. Commenting on the rebuilding of the tsunami-affected areas, he said the authorities should not rebuild on the same spot but rather move the affected villagers inland and plant mangroves in the affected areas to act as a buffer. GEC together with other local conservation partners, including the Mangrove Action Project and Wetlands International, are undertaking a scientific assessment of the issue with support from the Nordic Foundation for Development and Ecology. “We hope to have a preliminary report available by Jan12 – so that it can feed into the development of recovery and prevention strategies for the countries involved,” he added. links Related articles on Tsunami and the environment |
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