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Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

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Project • ARCP2013-02CMY-Fortes, ARCP2012-02CMY-Fortes, ARCP2011-12NMY-Fortes

Seagrass-Mangrove Ecosystems: Bioshields against Biodiversity Loss and Impacts of Local and Global Change along Indo-Pacific Coasts (the Seagrass-Mangrove Bioshield Project, SMBP)

The Seagrass-­Mangrove BioShield Project (SMBP) aimed to address the gaps in knowledge and conservation of seagrass and mangrove resources. These gaps include area coverage, tolerance threshold particularly to nutrients and silt, comprehensive monitoring system, weak technical support, poor public appreciation of the ecosystems importance, and the small number of researchers trained in transdisciplinary seagrass-mangrove studies. The results are used as scientific advice to decisions in managing these ecosystems. They help provide a framework for policies formulated through an Integrated Decision Support System (IDSS).

SMBP established new scientific foundations for better resource area estimation, understanding source/sink dynamics of seagrass and mangroves and seagrass response to eutrophication, Dugong behavioral studies, water quality monitoring, proper mangrove forestation, and policies on fish cage operations, zoning plans, and for understanding resource-­based community vulnerability.

Future works on seagrass and mangroves should adopt the transdisciplinary approach. They should include targeted research on trophic systems, monitoring of indicators of early signs of eutrophication, remediation of existing disturbed systems using natural means and making policies that identify and afford greater protection to seagrass and mangroves.