Loss of Mangroves Threatens Pacific Islands

Rising sea levels caused by global warming are posing a threat to mangroves and therefore communities in Pacific island nations, according to United Nations studies due to be released tomorrow.

Fiji, Tuvalu, American Samoa and the Federated States of Micronesia are most at risk unless developed nations meet their commitments to reduce global warming and the threatened nations do more to protect the trees found in shallow coastal water.

Low-lying Pacific nations, many of which are less than four metres above sea level, could lose half their mangroves by the end of the century unless action is taken now, the report claims.

"There is an urgent need to help vulnerable communities adapt to the sea level rise which is already under way," Achim Steiner, executive director of the United Nations Environment Program, said. There are many compelling reasons for fighting climate change Ñ the threats to mangroves in the Pacific É underline yet another reason to act."

Communities should limit coastal development, reduce pollution and replant destroyed mangroves, the study recommends.

Half the world's mangroves have been lost in the last century, with a third of this loss happening since 1986.

Mr Steiner said governments should not underestimate the economic value of mangroves.

"Studies show they are worth about $900,000 [£490,000] per square kilometre a year," he said. "You need a lot of tourists just to come close to that value."

Mangroves are important nurseries for fish, they filter coastal pollution and are sources of timber and construction materials for local communities. They also reduce wave energy by up to 75% over 200m of forest.

Pacific islanders also harvest dyes from mangroves to treat textiles, nets and fish traps.