Value of mangroves in coastal protection

Nearly 30% of the coastline of Malaysia is undergoing erosion. Many of these areas are coastal mudflats, fringed by mangroves. Behind the mangroves there are usually agricultural areas that are protected by bunds from tidal inundation. These bunds are constructed by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage and it is the policy of the department to maintain a strip of mangroves between the bunds and the sea. Mangroves are known to reduce wave energy as waves travel through them. Thus, mangroves are used to protect the bunds from eroding. However, mangroves themselves are susceptible to erosion. Finding the best method in using this natural system of coastal protection is therefore important to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage. This paper looks at the various methods of using the systems developed to date.