This is the first comprehensive science-based primer to highlight the unique ecosystem services provided by mangrove forests, and discuss how these services preserve the livelihoods of coastal populations. The book presents three decades of real-time data on Sundarbans and Bhitarkanika mangroves in India measuring carbon and nitrogen sequestration, as well as case studies that demonstrate the utility provided by mangroves for reducing the impact of storms and erosion, providing nutrient retention for complex habitats, and housing a vast reservoir of plant, animal and microbial biodiversity. Also addressed is the function of mangroves as natural ecosystems of cultural convergence, offering the resources and products necessary for thriving coastal communities. The book will be of interest to students, academics and researchers in the fields of oceanography, marine biology, botany, climate science, ecology and environmental geography, as well as consultants and policy makers working in coastal zone management and coastal biodiversity conservation.

This book focuses on the worldwide threats to mangrove forests and the management solutions currently being used to counteract those hazards. Designed for the professional or specialist in marine science, coastal zone management, biology, and related disciplines, this work will appeal to those not only working to protect mangrove forests, but also the surrounding coastal areas of all types. Examples are drawn from many different geographic areas, including North and South America, India, and Southeast Asia. Subject areas covered include both human-induced and natural impacts to mangroves, intended or otherwise, as well as the efforts being made by coastal researchers to promote restoration of these coastal fringing forests.

Mangroves are typically tropical coastal ecosystems found in the inter-tidal zones of river deltas and back water areas. They represent highly dynamic and fragile ecosystems, yet they are the most productive and biologically diversified habitats of various life forms including plants, animals and microorganisms. Mangroves are a resource of many different products, including; microorganisms that harbor a diverse group of industrially important enzymes, antibiotics, therapeutic proteins and vaccines; timber resistant to rot and insects; and medicinal plants. Divided into three main parts, Biotechnological Utilization of Mangrove Resources first provides a broad introduction into mangrove ecology. Subsequent chapters discuss the biodiversity of mangroves, including the diverse nature of the organisms within the mangroves themselves. The final part pays special attention to biotechnological utilization of mangroves. Topics such as antimicrobial activity of mangrove-derived products, anti-oxidant activity of mangrove derived products and pharmaceutical applications, are covered in detail. Biotechnological Utilization of Mangrove Resources brings the latest research and technologies in mangrove biology into one platform, providing readers with an up-to-date view on the area. This would serve as an excellent reference book for researchers and students in the field of marine biology especially interested in mangrove ecosystems. Highlights the diversity of different life forms in the mangrove ecosystem, including the importance of mangroves and mangrove-derived products. Focuses on biotechnological utilization of mangrove resources such as antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of microorganisms, and industrial and pharmaceutical applications Discusses the different modern tools and techniques used for the study of mangrove resources

Manual of Indian Mangroves The fully illustrated colour book deals with the present status of the mangrove ecosystem of Indian territories in general and the mangrove ecosystem along with the mangroves and mangrove associated plants and mangrove inhabiting faunal assemblages of the Indian Sundarbans, in particular. Mangroves, the unique ecosystem is in very much stressed or threatened condition throughout the globe in general and in Indian territories, as well. Over all distribution of these mangrove plants in the Indian territories and abroad and their present status within India are dealt vividly by short description with key characters of these available Indian mangroves and mangrove associated plants along with its photographs, mentioning of habits and habitat condition, correct identifying key characters, nomenclature, taxonomic status, local and common names, etc. Besides these, the mention of the world distribution of mangroves and the world mangrove species along with their ideal habitat conditions are also dealt. Necessary photographs and description of their diverse aerial root system, canopy structure, flowers, fruits, viviparous germinated hypocotyles and interesting seedling developmental stages are also highlighted; as such, it is the most important handbook and as the field guide book for identifying each and every individual Indian mangrove plant species, along with their status. The overall conservation strategies of these mangroves, need for coastal zone stabilisation or protection of coastal areas by conserving these mangrove ecosystem and the need for maintaining the coastal fisheries potentialities with the mangroves are also dealt critically with the mention of sustainable utilization and relationship of these coastal and estuarine fisheries and mangrove ecosystem, as well. Contents Chapter 1: Introduction; Chapter 2: Indian Mangals, Other dominant Indian mangrove areas and mangrove species: (1) Mangrove of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands of the Bay of Bengal, (2) Mangroves of Bhitarkanika of the Mahanadi delta and other Mangals of the Orissa coast, (3) Mangroves of Coringa, Kankinada Bay, the Krishna and the Godavari estuaries of the Andhra Pradesh coast, (4) Mangroves o the Muthupet, Pichavaram and Chhatram area of the Cauveri delta in the Tamil Nadu coast, (5) Mangroves of the Cochin estuary of the Kerala coast, (6) Mangroves of Coondapur and Malpe Bay of the Karnataka coast, (7) Mangroves of the Mandovi, the Zuary and other estuaries of the Goa, (8) Mangroves of the Ratnagiri and other estuaries of the Maharashtra State, (9) Mangroves the Gulf of Cambay and Kachchha of the Gujarat State, (10) Coral reef Mangroves of Lakshdweep Atols & Minicoy Islands of the Atlantic Ocean; Chapter 3: Indian Sundarbans, Roles Played by these Mangroves in Indian Sundarbans; Chapter 4: Mangrove Zones and Succession, The terms and definitions of Mangroves and the Mangal, Uniqueness of these Sundarbans Mangals, The unique Sundarbans Mangals for its highest biodiversity; Chapter 5: Floral Succession in the Mangal; Chapter 6: Sundarbans: The Marshy Tiger-land of the World, Common and higher groups of fauna of the Sundarbans, Mangal support coastal and estuarine fisheries, Tropic level on the Sundarbans Mangrove ecosystem, Tidal amplitude/fluctuations of the Sundarbanks Mangal; chapter 7: Flora of the Indian Mangals, (1) Rhizophoraceae, (2) Avicenniaceae, (3) Sonneratiaceae, (4) Combretaceae, (5) Arecaceae, (6) Meliaceae, (7) Euphorbiaceae, (8) Myrsinaceae, (9) Aegialitidaceae, (10) Sterculiaceae, (11) Rubiaceae, (12) Acanthaceae, (13) Apocynaceae, (14) Asclepiadaceae, (15) Bignoniaceae, (16) Malvaceae, (17) Tiliaceae, (18) Rutaceae, (19) Poaceae, (20) Verbenaceae, (21) Tamaricaceae, (22) Solanaceae, (23( Sapotaceae, (24) Sapindaceae, (25) Amaryllidaceae, (26) Araceae, (27) Aizoaceae, (28) Barringtoniaceae, (29) Boraginaceae, (30) Fabaceae, (31) Caesalpiniaceae, (32) Chenopodiaceae, (33) Clusiaceae, (34) Convolvulaceae, (35) Cyperaceae, (36) Loranthaceae, (37) Opuntiaceae, (38) Pandanaceae, (39) Pteridaceae, (40) Ruppiaceae; Chapter 8: Possibilities and Conservation Needs, Sundarbanks Mangal: the largest single mangrove chunk of the globe, Sundarbanks mangals acts as the sink for metropolitan pollutants, Protection vs. loss of biodiversity, Major problem in Indian sundarbans, Large scale deforestation of forest land, Large scale nettnig out of shrimp seeds vs. damage of the other fish juveniles, Siltation on river-bed cause frequent flood, Transport facilities is not much developed, Uncontrol population growth, Agriculture not much developed, Enormous pressure on the natural forest and inevitable destruction, Effect of developmental activities without environmental impact assessment, renewal of natural wealth and prospect, Present scenario of the Sundarbans mangals and few comments; Chapter 9: Bibliography of the Mangroves and Mangrove Ecosystem of India, Chapter 10: Index to the Mangroves and Mangrove Ecosystem.

Mangroves are basically salt tolerant forest ecosystems found mainly in tropical and sub-tropical inter-tidal regions. Till about 1960s, mangroves were largely viewed as “economically unproductive areas” and were therefore destroyed for reclaiming land for various economic and commercial activities. Gradually, with the passage of time, the economic and ecological benefits of mangroves have become visible and their importance is now well appreciated. Today, mangroves are observed in about 30 countries in tropical subtropical regions covering an area of about 99,300 Sq.Km. However, during the past 50 years, over 50% of the mangrove cover has been lost, mainly because of the increased pressure of human activities like shrimp farming and agriculture, forestry, salt extraction, urban development, tourist development and infrastructure. Also, dam on rivers, contamination of sea waters caused by heavy metals, oil spills, pesticides and other products etc. have been found to be responsible for the decline of mangroves. Although the temperature effect on growth and species diversity is not known, sea-level rise may pose a serious threat to these ecosystems The present book addresses all these important issues in separate chapters with some interesting case studies whose data may serve as pathfinder for future researches in the sphere of the influence of climate change on mangrove ecosystem. The role of mangroves in the sector of bioremediation is a unique feather in the crown of this coastal and brackishwater vegetation that may be taken up by the coastal industries in order to maintain the health of ambient environment. This book seeks to discover and to assess the vulnerability of climate change on mangrove flora and fauna, their role in carbon sequestration and some interesting case studies by some groups of dedicated researchers that may serve as the basis of future climate related policies.

Geographic Information Science for Land Resource Management is a comprehensive book focusing on managing land resources using innovative techniques of spatial information sciences and satellite remote sensing. The enormous stress on the land resources over the years due to anthropogenic activities for commercialization and livelihood needs has increased manifold. The only solution to this problem lies in stakeholder awareness, which can only be attained through scientific means. The awareness is the basis of the sustainable development concept, which involves optimal management of natural resources, subject to the availability of reliable, accurate, and timely information from the global to local scales. GIScience consists of satellite remote sensing (RS), Geographical Information System (GIS), and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology that is nowadays a backbone of environmental protection, natural resource management, and sustainable development and planning. Being a powerful and proficient tool for mapping, monitoring, modeling, and managing natural resources can help understand the earth surface and its dynamics at different observational scales. Through the spatial understanding of land resources, policymakers can make prudent decisions to restore and conserve critically endangered resources, such as water bodies, lakes, rivers, air, forests, wildlife, biodiversity, etc. This innovative new volume contains chapters from eminent researchers and experts. The primary focus of this book is to replenish the gap in the available literature on the subject by bringing the concepts, theories, and experiences of the specialists and professionals in this field jointly. The editors have worked hard to get the best literature in this field in a book form to help the students, researchers, and policymakers develop a complete understanding of the land system vulnerabilities and solutions.

Wetlands Conservation An up-to-date overview of approaches for addressing wetlands degradation and its effects on ecosystem services, human health, and other ecosystems Wetlands are essential sources of biodiversity, water purification, groundwater replenishment, flood control, storm protection, sediment retention, recreation and tourism, and more. Human exploitation of natural resources over the past 200 years has caused significant wetlands degradation and loss. Although the Ramsar Convention of 1971 drafted polices for wetland conservation and responsible use, many wetland sites remain inadequately conserved or managed. Maintaining the ecological balance and equilibrium of wetlands requires a clear understanding of the vital role of wetlands, the difficulties they face, and the policies enacted for their protection. Wetlands Conservation: Current Challenges and Future Strategies summarizes both current and emerging management strategies, trends, and policies regarding wetlands protection around the world. The authors provide accurate scientific information on wetlands while discussing the effects of climate change, global warming, modernization in agriculture, and other key topics. Designed to assist in the development of future solutions for wetlands conservation and management strategies, this important volume: Highlights the environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural importance of wetlands Identifies the factors responsible for the failure of many conservation initiatives Describes the natural and anthropogenic factors of wetlands degradation Discusses the role of community-based wetlands conservation and management Explores Ramsar wetlands conservation and its impacts worldwide Wetlands Conservation: Current Challenges and Future Strategies is an invaluable resource for graduate and postgraduate students, researchers, ecologists, policymakers, conservation organizations, and others working in the field of natural resources management.