Search News Archive

Saturday, December 20, 2014

MAP News Issue 354, December 20th, 2014

VerticalResponse
 

 HolidayBanner 

Partnering with mangrove forest communities, grassroots NGOs, researchers and local governments to conserve and restore mangrove forests and related coastal ecosystems, while promoting community-based, sustainable management of coastal resources.

The MAP News
354th Edition                                December 20, 2014

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO CONTINUE (Y)OUR WORK!
 

Dear Friends of Mangroves

The time has come to pass when our actions must speak louder than words! Your continuing support has helped us maintain an active and persistent presence along the coastal belts of mangrove nations. MAP started almost 23 years ago, and has since built up an active global network, while raising public awareness about the importance of mangroves. We have long been the mangroves’ advocate, and have worked tirelessly to conserve and restore these forest wetlands. Future generations may reap the bounty of our actions and thus thank you for your timely support.
DONATE BEFORE 12-31 FOR 2014 TAX CREDIT
FEATURED STORY

MANGROVES: The Ecosystem Disappearing Faster Than Any Other on Earth
2014-11-06-mangroveforest_60275434-thumb
USA - Mangroves--the uniquely salt-adapted trees and shrubs that line our tropical and subtropical coasts, the critical membrane between land and sea--are disappearing at faster rates than virtually any other ecosystem on Earth. Mangroves are some of the most productive, complex, and beneficial natural wonders of our planet. They act as filters for our water supply, reduce erosion, serve as nurseries for commercial fisheries, provide opportunities for recreation, nurture vital marine biodiversity, and can act as "carbon sinks," which reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The destruction and degradation of these natural systems--because of factors such as climate change, development, tourism, wood extraction, and non-sustainable farming--bring about tremendous ecological, social, and economic losses, the extent of which we are only now just realizing. But there is hope for mangroves. The world is starting to notice just how important they are and is beginning to take steps to prevent further loss. READ MORE
 
AFRICA
 
Full Economic Potential of Carbon-Rich Mangroves Remains Untapped
forest-pic-UNEP
KENYA - The economic and social benefits of mangroves – which are estimated to run into the hundreds of billions worldwide – remain largely untapped due to a lack of carbon finance mechanisms, appropriate policy interventions, and rapid mangrove deforestation, according to a new United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report. UNEP estimates the economic cost of the destruction of carbon-rich mangroves, which are being cleared 3 – 5 times faster than terrestrial forests, at $42 billion in economic damages annually. The Guiding Principles for Delivering Coastal Wetland Carbon Projects finds that the potential economic, social and environmental gains from conserving mangroves – 90 per cent of which are found in developing countries and many of which are under threat – including from mangrove inclusion in Reducing Emissions from Deforestations and forest Degradation (REDD+) strategies and protecting and enhancing mangrove stores of carbon, still remain largely under-exploited. READ MORE
 
ASIA
 
Phulbari Stands its Ground Against Dirty Coal
long-march-rally_with_phulbari-t-shirt-_photo_taslima_akhter
BANGLADESH - London-based multinational company, GCM Resources Plc, is desperately moving to implement an immense open pit coal mine in northwest Bangladesh, forcibly displacing an estimated 130,000 people and destroying the homes, lands, and water sources of as many as 220,000 people.  On November 26, 2014, the company’s CEO, Gary Lye, attempted to conduct consultation with locals in Phulbari and was met with angry crowds.  “He had to leave the town in two hours. Locals have attacked his car and ransacked his office,” related Anu Muhammad, Member Secretary of Bangladesh National Committee.  “The whole self of Phulbari is fighting for their land, homes and lives. People of all classes including farmers, business entrepreneurs, rikshaw-pullers, teachers and house wives have taken to the street… The Mayor of the Phulbari Borough, the Chairman of Phulbari Upazilla and the Business Entrepreneurs have all come to consensus that they will fight against GCM’s proposed project… [this] suggests that Asia Energy’s [GCM’s local subsidiary] day has ended in true terms. Phulbari has embraced to resist open pit mine,” he continued. READ MORE
 
The Sundarbans in big trouble
Sundarbans oil Spill 2014
BANGLADESH - The Sundarbans is now facing a major environmental disaster, after a vessel carrying over 350,000 litres of furnace oil capsized in Sela River, as spill particularly jeopardises a dolphin sanctuary, the local food chain and the entire local ecology. With various authorities, who neither have the experience nor the capability to handle such a case, trying to pass the responsibility on to each other instead of making a move, the situation is getting worse by the minute since the capsize took place in the early hours yesterday. As of filing of this report around 15 hours after the incident, no sign of a rescue operation was reported in the area. “Oil tanker Southern Star Seven was anchored in the river because of dense fog. It capsized around 6am at a place inside the Chandpai Range under West Zone when another empty tanker named MT Southern hit it because of poor visibility,” Amir Hossain Chowdhury, divisional forest officer of the Sundarbans, told the Dhaka Tribune READ MORE
 
Call to close Sundarbans river route
BANGLADESH - The river route through the Sundarbans must be closed permanently. There is no guarantee that a worse accident won't take place in future and more oil will be spilled in the forest. Also, the government bodies had no preparation to deal the accident that occurred on Tuesday. Short term and long term preparations must be taken from now to ensure their failure is not repeated. This was stated by Sundarban researchers and environmental experts at a roundtable on 'Sundarbans in great danger: immediate measures'. Prothom Alo arranged the roundtable at its Kawran Bazar office yesterday, Sunday.The speakers criticised shipping minister Shahjahan Khan for his contention that the oil spill would not harm the Sundarbans. They said that already crabs, dolphins and other animals have begun to die. The accident will have a long term impact on Sundarbans' biodiversity and genetic resources. Integrated efforts are needed to ensure the Sundarbans does not face any such danger again. They advised the government to take stock of the damages done to the world heritage site by this accident. READ MORE
 
The Mekong River means life: stop the Don Sahong Dam
mekong-fluss
VIETNAM - The Mekong River is the mother of all Southeast Asian rivers, providing life-sustaining resources to millions of people. The future of the Mekong and her people are in jeopardy, however. The government of Laos plans to build the Don Sahong Dam – the second dam proposed for construction on the Lower Mekong mainstream – on the main pathway in the Mekong that allows for year-round fish migration. If built, the Don Sahong Dam will entirely block the Hou Sahong Channel, endangering fish migration throughout the region, with far-reaching consequences for food and livelihood security in Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. Lives in this area and throughout the Mekong are intricately entwined with the river that provides an identity and rich history, as well as a source of income and food security. The planned site of the Don Sahong Dam is a unique section of the Mekong River, home to one of the last remaining populations of critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins as well as the iconic Khone Phapheng waterfalls, and near an internationally protected Ramsar wetland site in downstream Cambodia. READ MORE
 
AMERICAS
 
Study warns of the dangers of ignoring rights in climate change negotiations
image-12
PERU - Against the backdrop of the twentieth Conference of the Parties (CoP20) underway in Lima, Peru this week, the new report provides alarming evidence of serious rights violations associated with deforestation, and first-hand community testimony of the impact of environmental destruction on the wellbeing and cultural survival of forest-dependent communities. It highlights recommendations from indigenous peoples to support community-led initiatives to address deforestation in their own territories. ‘Securing Forests, Securing Rights’, released here for the first time, was compiled following research and investigations conducted by more than sixty indigenous and forest communities from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Convening in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, in March 2014, rights holders themselves spoke independently of the direct and indirect drivers of forest loss and shared their own assessments of the grave human rights violations and atrocities facing their communities and lands. READ MORE
 
 
Coral communities in mangrove habitats suggest a novel refuge from climate change
USA - Risk analyses indicate that more than 90% of the world's reefs will be threatened by climate change and local anthropogenic impacts by the year 2030 under "business-as-usual" climate scenarios. Increasing temperatures and solar radiation cause coral bleaching that has resulted in extensive coral mortality. Increasing carbon dioxide reduces seawater pH, slows coral growth, and may cause loss of reef structure. Management strategies include establishment of marine protected areas with environmental conditions that promote reef resiliency. However, few resilient reefs have been identified, and resiliency factors are poorly defined. READ MORE


LAST WORD(S)

Dear Colleagues,
 
The UN University Institute for Water, Environment and Health and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are excited to announce the launch of the first Unit of a unique 10-Unit open access, self-paced online course all about mangrove ecosystems and their management.
 
Unit 1 consists of 5 lessons and introduces students to mangroves and provides a brief description of their basic characteristics, evolution, distribution, importance and status.
 
The following 9 units will be launched over the coming months and cover topics such as mangrove ecology, diversity of flora and fauna, climate change, ecosystem-based adaptation and risk reduction, restoration and management tools, economic valuation tools, and policies and laws.
 
Unit 1 can be accessed at Conservation Training and is open access. It only requires registration with the Conservation Training platform.  For more information, also to enroll please CLICK HERE
 
Hanneke Van LavierenÂ
Consultant
Hogebiezendijk 31
3401 RS IJsselstein
The Netherlands
Email: hanvanlav@gmail.com
Mobile: +1-(0)6-57802410 or +1-(0)6-57819621
 

BACK TO TOP

Not yet a subscriber?

Click here to subscribe.

Please cut and paste these news alerts/ action alerts on to your own lists and contacts. Help us spread the word and further generate letters of concern, as this can make a big difference in helping to halt a wrongdoing or encourage correct action.

 

 

Action Alerts:
1
MAP’s annual fundraising drive on now! READ MORE

The Mekong River means life: stop the Don Sahong Dam SIGN THE PETITION

The importance of mangroves to people: A call to action CLICK HERE

UK National Contact Point final statement on a complaint against a UK company developing plans for coal mining in Bangladesh CLICK HERE

                     
MARVELLOUS MANGROVES IN BRAZIL
En Portuges
 
MAP VOLUNTEER Statement of Qualifications CLICK HERE

WORLD WETLANDS DAY IS FEB 2, 2015 – MORE HERE
 
Mamelo Honko Women's Association Update – your support has helped – VIEW REPORT

Shrimp is the most consumed seafood in America, but how much do we really know about the shrimp we’re eating? Click here to call on the President’s task force to support seafood traceability and other strong measures to fight IUU fishing and seafood fraud – the task force is running out of time so act now!

Development Coordinator Wanted
MAP is seeking a creative, energetic, and environmentally aware development coordinator to support administrative work and the QYS campaign in Seattle, Washington. READ MORE

FREE MAP Mangrove e-cards CLICK HERE
FREE Mangrove E-cards
MAP’s e-Cards offer you a unique way to spread the word about MAP’s good works, while sharing beautiful photographs of the mangroves
Information sheds clear light on shrimp-mangrove connection
Question Your Shrimp
SEE DETAILS MANGROVE/SHRIMP
CALLING FOR MANGROVE ART SUBMISSIONS!
A fun and exciting Art Contest for children 6 to 16 years old. We invite all primary school children from tropical and sub-tropical nations, and whose schools are located near mangroves, to create art telling us “why mangroves are important to my community and me?”. Selected winners will be published in a 2016 calendar to be distributed internationally to raise awareness of mangrove forest ecology.  READ MORE

SHARE MAP'S VISION 
CLICK HERE to watch short introductory video. Together we can work "at the roots of the sea". 

Join us in saving our beautiful country!
We hope you have been following the ongoing battle in Bimini, Bahamas.
We are in need of your help more than ever
Click here
 
Exclusive Interview with Alfredo Quarto, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Mangrove Action Project - See more
  
MAP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN THAILAND VIEW REQUIREMENTS

Order your 2015 Calendar
Mangrove Calendar 2015 FRONT 2
1-20 calendars, $12 each plus shipping
21-49 calendars, $10 ea plus shipping
50-100 calendars, $8 each plus shipping.
Over 100 $7 each plus shipping

Save the Sundarbans from Rampal power plant – View Sample Letter to Minister
Sign the Petition
 

Question Your Shrimp- Don't Buy or Sell Imported Tropical Shrimp! Sign the Petition
Donate to MAP via Paypal
Giving could never be easier
Donate.jpg
It’s the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.
 
—Mahatma Gandhi


Green Planet Fundraising Assists MAP – LEARN MORE


MANGROVE ISSUES 

View New Videos posted by MAP Asia intern, Delphine. CLICK HERE
The importance of restoring mangroves in an effective, long-term manner. Mangrove video - VIEW

Please view our new video for our Question Your Shrimp Consumer/Markets Campaign! It is now on our website under the Question Your Shrimp section heading. WATCH VIDEO

Mangrove Restoration in Asia – Watch Short Video
Mosaic of Life 
READ A MOSAIC OF LIFE” Peek into the underwater world of mangroves, "womb of the sea." By Liz Cunningham Photos By Wes Matweyew and Liz Cunningham

View MAP’s uploaded Videos at MAPmangrover’sChannel
 


Marvellous Mangroves

MAP%20Curriculum%20Video
Marvellous Mangroves – A Curriculum-Based Teachers Guide.


FOR MORE ON MAPs AWARD WINNING CHINA MANGROVE CURRICULUM VISIT
Education in the Mangroves - China
VIMEO SHOW

VISIT OUR "MM" WEBPAGE


Check out our presentation for more details on Marvellous Mangroves

“Education In The Mangroves" can now be seen on the  PhotoPhilanthropy website here!

Read this 10 page history of the development of MAP’s educational curriculum VIEW DOCUMENT
 
Article in Canada's Green Teacher Magazine -
Read More


"Question Your Shrimp" Campaign

Learn more about the affects of the shrimp industry on mangroves by visiting our blog

Editor’s Note: Mangrove Action Project’s Executive Director, Alfredo Quarto was interviewed about shrimp by Green Acre Radio’s Martha Baskin

LISTEN TO INTERVIEW


Join MAP on Facebook


Sign the Consumer's Pledge to avoid imported shrimp


Donate.jpg


Not yet a MAP News subscriber?
Click here to subscribe.

Mangrove Action Project

Note to Our Readers:
We strive to keep active links in our newsletter. However, due to circumstances beyond our control,
occasionally links to stories may become broken. If you find a link to a story is not functioning, please cut and paste the headline into your browser search bar. In most cases you should be able to locate the original story.




Help Mangrove Action Project through your recycled E-Waste.  List of Accepted E-waste Items:

Injet Cartidges, Cell Phones, Pagers, GPS, Radar Detectors, Mobile Hot Spots, Calculators, eBook Readers, iPods/MP3 players, Digital/Video Cameras/Camcorders, PDAs, iPads/Tablets/Laptops, Video Game Consoles, Handheld Video Games

Visit the Mangrove Action Project recycle website Click on the recycle button then click on the Download Shipping Label, and follow the instructions.

 

download_shipping_label




 

Mangrove Action Project
Click here to view past newsletters
MAPNEWS_website

Thursday, December 4, 2014

MAP News Issue 353, Dec 6, 2014

VerticalResponse

Partnering with mangrove forest communities, grassroots NGOs, researchers and local governments to conserve and restore mangrove forests and related coastal ecosystems, while promoting community-based, sustainable management of coastal resources.

The MAP News
353rd Edition                                December 6, 2014



Dear Friends of Mangroves

The time has come to pass when our actions must speak louder than words! Your continuing support has helped us maintain an active and persistent presence along the coastal belts of mangrove nations. MAP started almost 23 years ago, and has since built up an active global network, while raising public awareness about the importance of mangroves. We have long been the mangroves’ advocate, and have worked tirelessly to conserve and restore these forest wetlands. Future generations may reap the bounty of our actions and thus thank you for your timely support. READ MORE
 
FEATURED STORY

Corals Hide From Climate Change Under Mangroves
mangrove-coral.jpg?w=600
USA - A great number of coral populations across the globe have been steadily declining due to the adverse effects of climate change.  The NOAA even recently recognized 20 different types of coral as threatened species due to notable decline. However, some coral have found themselves an ally. Mangroves appear to be harboring a great number of coral species, protecting them from things like ocean acidification and elevated temperatures. According to a study recently published in the journal Biogeosciences, more than 30 species of reef corals were discovered growing in Hurricane Hole, a large mangrove habitat within the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument in St. John. The study details how these corals are not only prevalent, but healthy, benefiting from the protection that red mangrove trees are providing the reef-building colonies of invertebrates. READ MORE
 
AFRICA
 
Mangrove Charter for West, Central and Southern Africa in the making
For-Abidjan-Convention-Secretariat-Regional-Coordinator-Abou-Bamba-the-mangrove-protocol-will-be-a-historic-document.1
SIERRA LEON - Once an abundant resource along the coast and riverine areas in West and Central Africa mangroves are fast being degraded; thereby accelerating ecological damage and impoverishing further the thousands of people who depend on this coastal ecosystem. Arresting this trend has become a matter of urgency for the two subregions. Concerned, the Abidjan Convention “corralled” 20 marine scientists and lawyers in Abidjan 25-27 November to draft a document transforming an existing subregional charter on mangrove management into an additional protocol of the Abidjan Convention. “We are embarking on a historic act on mangroves,” Abou Bamba, the Abidjan Convention regional coordinator, said at the opening of the meeting. “Once complete, the protocol will be the only legally binding instrument on the management of mangroves on the continent.” READ MORE
 
Wabsa Trains Teachers, Students On Mangroves Regeneration
GAMBIA - The West African Bird Study Association (WABSA) recently organized a daylong training workshop for 40 teachers and students from Lower, Upper and Senior Secondary Schools in Region-two on mangrove regeneration methods and erosion control at Brikama Upper Basic School, West Coast Region (WCR). Similar training was also conducted for 40 teachers and students in Region-one both funded by the Regional Programme on Environmental Education and International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (PREE/IUCM). In his PowerPoint presentation before the participants, Lamin Jobarteh, the executive director of WABSA said the aim and objective of the training was to complement The Gambia government's effort to protect the country's remaining flora and fauna. READ MORE
 
Saudi women fight to save mangrove forests
SAUDI ARABIA – Hardly a month goes by without Najwa Mohammed Bukhari participating in the campaign to "save the mangroves" on the coast of al-Qatif governorate. She did not participate in the latest monthly campaign only because she was not in Saudi Arabia at the time. However, Bukhari’s friends headed to the coast of Saihat City a few weeks ago to save the remains of these trees, which decades ago made up the coastal forest that surrounded the shores of eastern Saudi Arabia. Yet, according to even the most optimistic estimates and official statistics, only 10% of the forest remains; the rest has been destroyed by the ongoing bulldozing and landfill operations which have been taking place over almost four decades to accelerate the growth of urbanization. Saudi Aramco has announced a plan to plant 1.2 million mangrove trees on the coast of the kingdom in four years. READ MORE
 
ASIA
 
Protest held against visit of Asia Energy official to Phulbari
coal2
BANGLADESH - People against extraction from Phulbari coal mine in open pit method staged a demonstration in the area to protest at the visit of an Asia Energy high official. The chief operation officer of Asia Energy, Gary Lye, went to the area in the morning and exchanged views with the local people to drum up support in favour of extraction of coal in open pit method. Gary was holding an exchange of views at Rajrampur-Fakirpara Workshop when a group of people held demonstrations opposing his visit. They blocked the highway for four hours at Nimtole crossing and held a rally there. Local leader of the national committee to protect oil, gas, mineral resources, power and ports Mortuza Sarker, also the Phulbari mayor, led the protesters as they marched towards Utter Sujapur office of Asia Energy. Those who support Asia Energy attacked the marchers, leaving two people injured and three vehicles parked in front of the office damaged, eye witnesses said. Among the injured, two were admitted to Phulbari Health Complex. No case was filed in this connection. READ MORE
 
Bali fishermen learn about crabs and mangroves
INDONESIA – With engines roaring, a passenger jet comes in to land at Bali’s airport as a steady stream of traffic crosses the Bali-Mandara toll road across Benoa harbor. This is the fast-paced view of the world from an oasis hidden among mangrove trees, just half a kilometer from Ngurah Rai International airport and less than 100 meters from the toll road. These mangroves and seas abutting one of Bali’s busiest tourist transit zones are home to 96 fishing families who can trace their roots here over generations. It is also home to the Wanasari Fishing cooperative, which was founded in 2009 with the goal of restoring the mangrove environment and raising the living standards of the local fishermen through crab farming. Wanasari is the brain child of Made Sumasa, who says he looked around his home a half-dozen years ago and saw the continuing destruction wrought on the environment by the fishing and wood harvesting methods developed by his ancestors. READ MORE
 
Residents blow the whistle on mangrove destruction
INDIA – In the years following the Bombay high court’s (HC) landmark 2005 order, declaring mangroves as protected forests, awareness among Mumbaiites about their worth was still rudimentary. In the absence of an active administration, several like-minded citizens took up the responsibility of protecting the mangroves. The New Link Residents’ Forum, Dahisar, is one such citizens group that has fought on ground as well as legal battles to save large mangrove swathes in the suburbs of Dahisar and Gorai. Formed in 2008 to tackle issues of water theft, illegal establishments and street crime, the group consists of residents from 35-40 colonies of New Link Road, IC Colony and Kandarpada.Fighting the destruction of wetlands by the vast slum sprawl of Ganpat Patil Nagar has been one of the mainstays of the group. READ MORE
 
Mangroves to the rescue
PAKISTAN - The good news from the Indus Delta is that WWF-Pakistan’s efforts have paid off. In December 2012, a delta-wide hazard mapping study was conducted in the area. This study covered the land cover/land use changes (forest changes, land erosion, etc.) through using satellite images and geospatial technology provided by the GIS lab at WWF-Pakistan. The results reveal a significant increase in the forest area of all the three project sites, i.e, Keti Bunder, Kharo Chan and Jiwani, where WWF-Pakistan is working. In Keti Bunder, the increase in the forest cover clearly seems to be the result of plantation activities thereby proving that Pakistan’s coastal areas can adapt to climate change if proper action is taken on the ground. READ MORE
 
AMERICAS

Though this interesting article does not directly mention the importance of mangroves for manatees, there is need to note that mangroves help protect the sea grass beds which are the primary habitat and feeding grounds for manatees and dugongs. By preventing erosion and consequent sedimentation and turbid waters which block sunlight, the mangroves keep the sea grasses healthy and fit for manatee and dugong fodder. As well, the mangroves filter out heavy metal pollutants which can endanger sea life, such as these "sea elephants!" If you want to save these unique creatures, please help MAP conserve and restore our planet's threatened mangroves!
4 Fascinating Facts About Manatees and How You Can Help Them
3123714.large
USA – Manatees are herbivores. They don’t eat other animals and, due in large part to their habitat, no other animals eats them. Unfortunately for them, manatees have to share a planet with us. Despite being on the Endangered Species list and receiving protection under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, last year a record 829 Florida manatees died last year. This was due in large part to a toxic algae called red tide. The high number of manatee fatalities last year may not have been directly attributable to humans, but that doesn’t mean we get out of jail free, so to speak. Because manatees live in shallow water and graze on sea grass close to the surface, they are particularly vulnerable to injury by speed boat. Last year in Florida there were 72 confirmed manatee deaths by watercraft, the most of the human-caused fatalities. The African manatee is poached for meat, oil and bones. They are also accidentally killed when caught in fishing nets. In South America, oil spills are a significant threat to the Amazonian manatee, as well as the destruction of habitat. READ MORE
 
EUROPE
 
Food supply: Uncharted waters
abeae377-0bf3-4745-a565-fd357dbec26c
NORWAY - Under drizzly skies on the west coast of Norway, Thor Halvor Nygaard surveys the fish in the pens floating in the country’s largest fjord. “It’s a good place for the fish,” says Mr Nygaard, the site manager on the Skredstivik farm for the past 15 years, pointing to the fiord’s strong current, which provides oxygen and helps disperse waste. The Sognefjord is best known for its breathtaking scenery, with steep mountains plunging into a flooded valley. But the fjord is also one of the best examples of the rise in fish farming, or aquaculture. Norway’s Marine Harvest, the world’s largest producer of salmon and trout, owns the farm. In a few months, the salmon in Skredstivik’s nine pens will be shipped to supermarkets and grocery freezers in the US and Europe. READ MORE
 
210 million people benefit from mangroves-associated fisheries
UK – Some 210 million people live in low elevation areas within 10 km of mangroves and many of these directly benefit from mangrove-associated fisheries. Yet, these people are often unaware of the key role mangroves may play, especially if the associated fisheries are offshore. A new study by Wetlands International, The Nature Conservancy and the University of Cambridge concludes that mangrove conservation and restoration in areas close to human populations will render the greatest return on investment with respect to enhancing fisheries. The fisheries value of mangroves is site specific as it depends on how many fish a mangrove produces, how many fish are subsequently caught by humans, and then what the fisheries value is, both in economic terms, as a food supply or through the livelihoods that they support. This reports highlights the key role of mangrove-associated fisheries as an effective strategy for ensuring food security, which enables communities to become more resilient to disasters. It asserts that the loss of mangroves does not only lead to loss of a coastal defense system, but also to loss of livelihoods and food security. The report discusses some of the ecological processes which underpin the key role of mangroves in fisheries enhancement, and gives an exploration of the different mangrove-associated fishery types. READ MORE

LAST WORD(S)

Colleagues and friends in mangroves and/or Mapping Ocean Wealth
 
Please check out the latest two products which summarize some of our ongoing work around valuing mangroves. We hope these will be useful to others, in NGOs, governance, industry and the international policy arena. We think they could/should empower greater consideration of the value of mangroves into ongoing coastal planning  and conservation efforts. Please forward or share if you like them!
 
1 - Mangroves for coastal defense: Guidelines for coastal managers & policy makers As the title suggests this is a document that summarizes the detailed reports that Anna McIvor led on the various roles of mangroves in reducing the impacts of various coastal hazards (those reports can also be downloaded here: wind swell and waves (click to download) , storm surge (click to download), soil surface elevations (click to download) ). (Hard copies are available)
 
2 – The Role of Mangroves in Fisheries Enhancement. This is a detailed synthesis of a review that we have conducted here. It is part of ongoing work to develop a more detailed model and map of mangrove fisheries value that we hope to share in due course. (The link here is to the Wetlands International site, but it will be loaded onto the TNC site – nature.org/oceanwealth very soon)
 
Both of these have been produced through a highly productive collaboration with Wetlands International, and with support from the Waterloo Foundation and TNC’s Mapping Ocean Wealth project funded by the Lyda Hill Foundation.
 
All best fishes!
 
Dr Mark Spalding
Senior Marine Scientist, Global Marine Team, The Nature Conservancy
c/- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge
Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
T. +44 1223 334459
M. +44 7761 493256
Skype: mdspalding
E. mspalding@tnc.org
 

BACK TO TOP

Not yet a subscriber?

Click here to subscribe.

Please cut and paste these news alerts/ action alerts on to your own lists and contacts. Help us spread the word and further generate letters of concern, as this can make a big difference in helping to halt a wrongdoing or encourage correct action.

 

 

Action Alerts:

1
MAP’s annual fundraising drive on now! READ MORE

The importance of mangroves to people: A call to action CLCIK HERE

UK National Contact Point final statement on a complaint against a UK company developing plans for coal mining in Bangladesh CLICK HERE

                     
MARVELLOUS MANGROVES IN BRAZIL
En Portuges
 
MAP VOLUNTEER Statement of Qualifications CLICK HERE

WORLD WETLANDS DAY IS FEB 2, 2015 –
MORE HERE

 
Mamelo Honko Women's Association Update – your support has helped – VIEW REPORT

Shrimp is the most consumed seafood in America, but how much do we really know about the shrimp we’re eating? Click here to call on the President’s task force to support seafood traceability and other strong measures to fight IUU fishing and seafood fraud – the task force is running out of time so act now!

Development Coordinator Wanted
MAP is seeking a creative, energetic, and environmentally aware development coordinator to support administrative work and the QYS campaign in Seattle, Washington. READ MORE

FREE MAP Mangrove e-cards CLICK HERE
FREE Mangrove E-cards
MAP’s e-Cards offer you a unique way to spread the word about MAP’s good works, while sharing beautiful photographs of the mangroves
Information sheds clear light on shrimp-mangrove connection
Question Your Shrimp
SEE DETAILS MANGROVE/SHRIMP
CALLING FOR MANGROVE ART SUBMISSIONS!
A fun and exciting Art Contest for children 6 to 16 years old. We invite all primary school children from tropical and sub-tropical nations, and whose schools are located near mangroves, to create art telling us “why mangroves are important to my community and me?”. Selected winners will be published in a 2016 calendar to be distributed internationally to raise awareness of mangrove forest ecology.  READ MORE

SHARE MAP'S VISION 
CLICK HERE to watch short introductory video. Together we can work "at the roots of the sea". 

Join us in saving our beautiful country!
We hope you have been following the ongoing battle in Bimini, Bahamas.
We are in need of your help more than ever
Click here
 
Exclusive Interview with Alfredo Quarto, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Mangrove Action Project - See more
  
MAP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN THAILAND VIEW REQUIREMENTS

Order your 2015 Calendar
Mangrove Calendar 2015 FRONT 2
1-20 calendars, $12 each plus shipping
21-49 calendars, $10 ea plus shipping
50-100 calendars, $8 each plus shipping.
Over 100 $7 each plus shipping

Save the Sundarbans from Rampal power plant – View Sample Letter to Minister
Sign the Petition
 

Question Your Shrimp- Don't Buy or Sell Imported Tropical Shrimp! Sign the Petition
Donate to MAP via Paypal
Giving could never be easier
Donate.jpg
It’s the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.
 
—Mahatma Gandhi


Green Planet Fundraising Assists MAP – LEARN MORE


MANGROVE ISSUES 

View New Videos posted by MAP Asia intern, Delphine. CLICK HERE
The importance of restoring mangroves in an effective, long-term manner. Mangrove video - VIEW

Please view our new video for our Question Your Shrimp Consumer/Markets Campaign! It is now on our website under the Question Your Shrimp section heading. WATCH VIDEO

Mangrove Restoration in Asia – Watch Short Video
Mosaic of Life 
READ A MOSAIC OF LIFE” Peek into the underwater world of mangroves, "womb of the sea." By Liz Cunningham Photos By Wes Matweyew and Liz Cunningham

View MAP’s uploaded Videos at MAPmangrover’sChannel
 


Marvellous Mangroves

MAP%20Curriculum%20Video
Marvellous Mangroves – A Curriculum-Based Teachers Guide.


FOR MORE ON MAPs AWARD WINNING CHINA MANGROVE CURRICULUM VISIT
Education in the Mangroves - China
VIMEO SHOW

VISIT OUR "MM" WEBPAGE


Check out our presentation for more details on Marvellous Mangroves

“Education In The Mangroves" can now be seen on the  PhotoPhilanthropy website here!

Read this 10 page history of the development of MAP’s educational curriculum VIEW DOCUMENT
 
Article in Canada's Green Teacher Magazine -
Read More


"Question Your Shrimp" Campaign

Learn more about the affects of the shrimp industry on mangroves by visiting our blog

Editor’s Note: Mangrove Action Project’s Executive Director, Alfredo Quarto was interviewed about shrimp by Green Acre Radio’s Martha Baskin

LISTEN TO INTERVIEW


Join MAP on Facebook


Sign the Consumer's Pledge to avoid imported shrimp


Donate.jpg


Not yet a MAP News subscriber?
Click here to subscribe.

Mangrove Action Project

Note to Our Readers:
We strive to keep active links in our newsletter. However, due to circumstances beyond our control,
occasionally links to stories may become broken. If you find a link to a story is not functioning, please cut and paste the headline into your browser search bar. In most cases you should be able to locate the original story.




Help Mangrove Action Project through your recycled E-Waste.  List of Accepted E-waste Items:

Injet Cartidges, Cell Phones, Pagers, GPS, Radar Detectors, Mobile Hot Spots, Calculators, eBook Readers, iPods/MP3 players, Digital/Video Cameras/Camcorders, PDAs, iPads/Tablets/Laptops, Video Game Consoles, Handheld Video Games

Visit the Mangrove Action Project recycle website Click on the recycle button then click on the Download Shipping Label, and follow the instructions.

 

download_shipping_label




 

Mangrove Action Project
Click here to view past newsletters
MAPNEWS_website

This year, give a gift to the future!

VerticalResponse

https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/mangrovedonations?code=Newsletter

 
Dear Friends of Mangroves

With over two decades at work at the roots of the sea, you might wonder if we are any closer to saving the mangroves. Mangroves have continued their decline, but the current rate is now half of what it was when MAP was established. While more efforts are being made to restore and conserve mangroves than ever before, we still need to do more. This is where you can help!  

The time has come to pass when our actions must speak louder than words! Your continuing support has helped us maintain an active and persistent presence along the coastal belts of mangrove nations. MAP started almost 23 years ago, and has since built up an active global network, while raising public awareness about the importance of mangroves. We have long been the mangroves’ advocate, and have worked tirelessly to conserve and restore these forest wetlands. Future generations may reap the bounty of our actions and thus thank you for your timely support.
 
DN2Button-RedLargehttps://donatenow.networkforgood.org/mangrovedonations?code=Newsletter

A donation of $45 can buy a salinity meter to measure the salinity levels in a mangrove restoration site. $250 can buy an altimeter to measure topography and $1,000 can help restore an acre of mangrove wetlands.  
MAP held successful Community-based Ecological Mangrove Restoration (CBEMR) training workshops in Cuyamel, Honduras, led by volunteer Dominic Wodehouse and MAP Executive Director Alfredo Quarto. They are now planning another CBEMR workshop early next year in the Gulf of Fonseca region of Honduras, with a series of other CBEMR workshops planned for the general Central America region. 1999 Goldman Environmental Prize winner Jorge Varela is working as a regional coordinator for these workshops.
 

A donation of $500 will enable a local steward to attend these workshops and further their training in CBEMR. 

MAP’s Asia Team, led by Jim Enright and assisted by Jaruwan (Ning) Enright and Global Nature Fund Project Coordinator, Piyapat Nakornchai (Por), together with Field Project Manager, Niyom Thongmean (Nick) have begun several more Community-based Ecological Mangrove Restoration projects, as well as related alternative livelihoods projects in southern Thailand, promoting healthy ecosystems and reducing disaster risk. Further exciting workshops are being planned for both Burma and Bangladesh this coming year.

Read more about the projects at www.mangroveactionproject.org/cbemr/blog/
 
MAP’s Education Director, Martin Keeley, introduced MAP’s Marvelous Mangrove Curriculum into 11 nations, including Bangladesh, China, Australia, Brazil and Belize, successfully training 2,500 new teachers and reaching 250,000 students, with plans for further MM Curriculum introductions in Kenya, Madagascar and Suriname.
 
 
Read more about the curriculum at www.mangroveactionproject.org/mangrove_curriculum/
A $100 donation can cover the cost of printing 5 copies of MAP’s Marvelous Mangroves Curriculum for use in primary schools. $500 can pay for the costs of bringing two teachers for training at a workshop to prepare them for use of the Curriculum. 
DN2Button-RedLarge 2
https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/mangrovedonations?code=Newsletter
 
The Question Your Shrimp (QYS) campaign under the project coordination of Vanessa Lopez signed up 6 more chefs and reached hundreds more Seattle-area residents and restaurant concerning the problems of imported farmed shrimp and consequent mangrove loss. MAP staff held 6 QYS related public speaking events in the Puget Sound area.
 
Find out about the QYS campaign at www.questionyourshrimp.com 
 
MAP’s newsletter under the editorship of Sam Nugent reached its 350th edition, and our communication medias have been greatly improved via the good work of Leo Thom and Julie Christie, while MAP’s 14th edition of our Children’s Mangrove Art Calendar for 2015 was published via the artistic hand of Monica Gutierrez-Quarto.
 
$400 can cover two months costs of publishing MAP’s electronic biweekly newsletter that goes out to over 4,000 recipients in over 60 nations. $600 can cover 3-month’s rent for MAP’s Seattle office.
 

Most certainly, you have an important role to play, and we’re looking forward to building that momentum from your generosity last year helping us raise $8,000. We provide the vehicle to save the mangroves, and you provide the fuel to run that vehicle! 
 
During this season of giving, I hope you’ll take the opportunity to support MAP’s work to conserve and restore mangrove forests around the world. Your donation today will go straight into helping the decline of mangrove forests.
 
DN2Button-RedLarge 3
 

With your support YOU can make a difference!

Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you!
 
 
Alfredo Quarto,
Executive Director
Mangrove Action Project
 
 
 
 
Mangrove Action Project

Click here to view past newsletters

MAPNEWS_website

MAP News Issue 593, March 9, 2024

MAP News Issue #593 - March 9, 2024 Nigeria has Commenced Large-Scale Mangrove Restoraion in Ogoniland Eastern Niger Delta NIGERIA - The...