Investing in coastal ecosystems
Wetlands International is partner of Mangroves for the Future (MFF), a unique partner-led initiative, established in 2007, to promote investment in coastal ecosystem conservation for sustainable development. It provides a collaborative platform among the many different agencies, sectors and countries who are addressing challenges to coastal ecosystem and livelihood issues, to work towards a common goal.
Partners: FAO, Wetlands International, CARE, UNDP, UNEP, IUCN, and focal countries: India, Indonesia, Maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Established to continue efforts after 2004 Tsunami
MFF builds on a history of coastal management interventions before and after the 2004 tsunami, especially the call to continue the momentum and partnerships generated by the immediate post-tsunami response. It focuses on the countries worst-affected by the tsunami; India, Indonesia, Maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. However, MFF will also include other countries of the Region that face similar issues, with an overall aim to promote an integrated ocean wide approach to coastal zone management.
Long-term sustainable coastal ecosystem management
The initiative uses mangroves as a flagship ecosystem in recognition of the destruction caused to mangroves by the tsunami, but MFF is inclusive of all coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs, estuaries, lagoons, sandy beaches, sea grasses and wetlands.
Its long-term management strategy is based on identified needs and priorities for long-term sustainable coastal ecosystem management.
These priorities emerged from extensive consultations with over 200 individuals and 160 institutions involved in coastal management in the Indian Ocean Region.
MFF seeks to achieve demonstrable results in influencing regional cooperation, national programme support, private sector engagement and community action.
This will be achieved using a strategy of generating knowledge, empowering institutions and individuals to promote good governance in coastal ecosystem management.
For more information visit www.mangrovesforthefuture.org
Watch the Earth Report episode from the BBC "Heads above water"