Author(s): Ella Louange; Abel Knipping; Erika Ng Shi-En; Jair Smits
Linked Author(s): Erika Ng
Keywords: Mangrove restoration socio-economic cost-benefit analysis (SCBA) ecosystem services Nature-based Solutions (NbS) carbon sequestration
Abstract: 1. Aim This research aims to categorize, quantify, and, where feasible, monetize the ecosystem services delivered by tropical coastal ecosystems. It facilitates socio-economic cost-benefit analyses (SCBA) for sustainable coastal protection and promotes SCBA and the ecosystem approach as an innovative solution for mangrove restoration and an effective tool in mitigating the effects of climate change. Mangroves play a crucial role in climate mitigation and adaptation by offering a range of regulatory, provisioning, and cultural services. By better understanding the socio-economic costs and benefits of mangrove restoration projects, the study aims to contribute to better decision-making in our coastal ecosystem management. The primary focus is on ecosystems in Eastern Africa, including the Indian Ocean islands, and Southeast Asia. With careful management, the ecosystem services provided by mangroves can address societal challenges through Nature-based Solutions (NbS). NbS represents a paradigm shift in civil engineering, moving towards working with nature rather than against it. Despite its potential, NbS is frequently questioned due to perceived limitations in robustness and reliability compared to traditional engineering solutions. This skepticism often stems from a lack of understanding of the benefits that NbS can offer. This research highlights the additional benefits gained through NbS compared to traditional grey solutions such as the production of fish catch, carbon sequestration and an increase of biodiversity for the mental well-being of humans. 2. Methodology Employing a methodology that combines a thorough literature review with expert consultation, the study emphasizes the application of SCBA to determine relevant parameters for assessing the economic values of these services. To estimate the economic value of ecosystem services, existing values were retrieved from previous studies using a technique known as benefit value transfer. 3. Theoretical Framework Key findings reveal significant economic impacts of mangroves. They collectively prevent approximately US $1 billion annually in flood damages, showcasing their role in enhancing coastal resilience. An essential function of mangroves is carbon sequestration, where they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in biomass and soil. Mangroves can sequester up to five times more carbon below ground compared to terrestrial trees. A study by Chatting et al. (2022) found that mangroves store an estimated average of 472.7 ± 56.4 metric tons of carbon per hectare. Carbon sequestration offers numerous benefits, including improved air quality, enhanced health of animals and plants, and mitigation of global warming effects. These benefits, though challenging to quantify directly, can be valued using carbon emission prices based on the social costs of carbon (SCC). For instance, Singapore has implemented a carbon tax expected to rise to SGD $50-80/tCO2e by 2030 (NCCS, 2019). Similarly, South Africa and Indonesia have adopted carbon pricing mechanisms, highlighting the global effort to meet the Paris Agreement goals. 4. Conclusions The research investigates the range of ecosystem services provided by mangroves, categorizing them according to three established frameworks: the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES), the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA), and The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB). This systematic review traces these services from ecosystem functions to their final welfare impacts on humans, highlighting overlaps and links that prevent double counting. The study focuses on the socio-economic benefits of these ecosystems, providing monetary value where possible. This involves utilizing specific case studies and regional research in Eastern Africa and Southeast Asia to quantify and value these services through various valuation methods. The research identifies significant gaps in quantification and valuation, indicating areas requiring further studies and investigation. Relevant beneficiaries of these ecosystem services were identified, linking them to their respective end benefits. Coastal ecosystems offer the following ecosystem services: 1. Regulatory Services: These include regulation against natural hazards and external forces through wave attenuation and erosion control, as well as the regulation of biophysical conditions by sequestering carbon and maintaining water quality through waste assimilation and filtration. 2. Provisioning Services: These encompass resources such as fish and crustacean catch; raw materials such as fuelwood and timber, and anti-bacterial properties of the mangrove plant providing medicinal benefits. 3. Cultural Services: These cover the visual aesthetics enjoyed by humans; recreational activities such as ecotourism which generates job opportunities and revenue for local communities; and sources of inspiration for art, entertainment, as well as scientific research. 5. Discussion Overall, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem services and socio-economic benefits of mangroves, offering crucial insights for informed decision-making and sustainable coastal management. By highlighting the economic, social, and environmental advantages of these ecosystems, the study supports the development of innovative solutions for mangrove restoration and conservation. References Chatting, M., Ibrahim Al-Maslamani, Walton, M., Skov, M. W., Kennedy, H., Y. Sinan Husrevoglu, & Lewis Le Vay. (2022). Future Mangrove Carbon Storage Under Climate Change and Deforestation. Frontiers in Marine Science, 9. https: //doi. org/10.3389/fmars. 2022.781876 NCCS. (2019). Carbon Tax: Singapore’s Climate Action. Nation Climate Change Secretariat Singapore; Strategy Group Prime Minister’s Office. Retrieved from: https: //www. nccs. gov. sg/singapores-climate-action/mitigation-efforts/carbontax/
Year: 2025