Evaluation of mangrove protection by the Coastal Conservatory
Context
Revealing the economic value of mangrove protection
Often mistakenly regarded as unhealthy and worthless environments, mangroves are heavily threatened while they play an important role in the coastal economy through the numerous ecosystem services they provide: timber production and fishery resources, support for tourism activities, coastal protection, water purification, carbon storage, rich biodiversity, etc.
service
Building scenarios for the evolution of mangrove areas
To protect these spaces, the Coastal Conservatory entrusted Vertigo Lab with the mission to assess the benefits associated with the protection of mangroves in French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, and Saint Martin.
An assessment of the ecosystem services provided by mangroves was initially conducted based on bibliographic research for the aforementioned departments. In a second phase, scenarios for the evolution of mangrove areas over a 25-year time horizon were constructed.
One scenario focused on representing the loss of mangrove areas while the other depicted an optimal situation for this ecosystem, namely the implementation of the Coastal Conservatory's land acquisition strategy and the protection of 40 000 hectares of mangroves.
BENEFITS
Quantifying the economic benefits of mangrove protection
The estimated benefits within the land acquisition scenario amount to 243 000 000€ the economic added value of protecting 40 000 hectares of mangroves in French overseas territories for 25 years.
Such results warranted dissemination. Thus, the study by Vertigo Lab was presented on June 1st at the National Assembly to overseas elected officials, in the presence of Barbara Pompili, Secretary of State for Biodiversity.
These results were also presented during the ANEL (National Association of Coastal Elected Officials) Days on 7 October 2016.
Finally, they also led to the publication of a research article that will advance knowledge on the benefits of proper management of these exceptional ecosystems.
The + Vertigo Lab
We assess the value of ecosystem services and conduct prospective analyses to support coastal protection policies and natural capital.
hectares of protected mangroves
millions of estimated economic added value
affected overseas territories
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